What Is Sd Alcohol 23-F?
Sd Alcohol 23-F is the industry name for specially denatured alcohol, a form of ethyl alcohol that has been treated with a small amount of a bittering agent to make it unfit for drinking. The core molecule is the same ethanol found in spirits, yet the denaturing step means it is regulated for cosmetic and industrial use rather than consumption. Denatured alcohols first appeared in personal care over a century ago when formulators looked for quick drying alternatives to heavy oils. Today Sd Alcohol 23-F is produced by fermenting plant sugars—often from corn or sugarcane—into ethanol, then adding a federally approved denaturant and filtering for clarity.
Because it evaporates swiftly and leaves little residue Sd Alcohol 23-F is common in products where a weightless feel is crucial. You’ll find it in facial toners, refreshing mists, quick set hair sprays, setting lotions, oil-free moisturizers, makeup primers, liquid foundations, aftershaves, antiperspirant sprays and peel-off masks. Its crisp finish and ability to thin out thicker ingredients make it a staple whenever a brand wants a feather-light texture.
Sd Alcohol 23-F’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulations Sd Alcohol 23-F contributes in several distinct ways:
- Astringent: Helps tighten the appearance of pores and reduces surface oil, giving skin an instant matte look that many users find refreshing.
- Solvent: Efficiently dissolves both water-soluble and certain oil-soluble ingredients, ensuring actives and fragrances are evenly distributed throughout the product for consistent performance.
- Viscosity controlling: Thins down thick bases so creams, gels and sprays spread more easily while also speeding up dry-down for a light non-tacky finish.
Sd Alcohol 23-F is generally suitable for normal, combination and oily skin because its quick evaporation and astringent action help cut surface shine and leave a light feel. Those with very dry or sensitive skin may find it too stripping since rapid moisture loss can accentuate tightness or flaking.
The ethanol used in Sd Alcohol 23-F is usually fermented from plant sugars so the ingredient itself is vegan and vegetarian friendly. Most denaturants approved for the 23-F specification are also synthetic or plant derived rather than animal based.
Current cosmetic safety data indicate no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Sd Alcohol 23-F is applied to intact skin in typical product concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review any skincare routine with a qualified healthcare professional.
Sd Alcohol 23-F does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. As with any light volatile alcohol, users should avoid applying it to freshly shaved or broken skin because stinging can occur.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Sd Alcohol 23-F vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential reactions and most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels.
- Dryness or tightness due to rapid evaporation of surface moisture
- Tingling or stinging when applied to compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Redness or transient irritation in individuals with a damaged skin barrier
- Flaking or rough texture after prolonged use on very dry skin types
- In rare cases contact dermatitis in those allergic to ethanol or certain denaturants
If any of these reactions appear discontinue use and seek guidance from a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic). Sd Alcohol 23-F is a lightweight volatile liquid that flashes off the skin within seconds so it has no chance to sit in pores and mix with sebum the way heavier oils or waxes can. Its primary role is to thin formulas then evaporate, leaving minimal residue. This makes it unlikely to clog pores or trigger blackheads.
Because of this low clogging potential Sd Alcohol 23-F is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts, particularly if they prefer products with a quick dry finish.
One note: the ingredient’s drying effect can sometimes prompt very oily skin to overcompensate with extra sebum, which could indirectly contribute to congestion in a small subset of users. Balancing with lightweight hydrators can offset that risk.
Summary
Sd Alcohol 23-F functions as an astringent solvent and viscosity controller. It sweeps away excess surface oil for a matte feel, dissolves both water-based and certain oil-based ingredients so actives disperse evenly, and thins thick formulations to create feather-light sprays creams and gels that set fast without tackiness.
Its crisp finish and ability to make products dry almost instantly have kept Sd Alcohol 23-F popular in everything from toners to hair sprays despite the rise of alcohol-free marketing claims. Brands still reach for it when they need a weightless texture that consumers associate with freshness.
Overall safety data show the ingredient is low risk for the vast majority of users when applied to intact skin. Dry or very sensitive complexions may need to limit exposure to prevent tightness. As with any new skincare product it is wise to perform a patch test before full-face use to make sure your skin tolerates the formula well.