What Is Sd Alcohol 46?
Sd Alcohol 46 is the industry name for a type of denatured ethyl alcohol that has been treated with a small amount of additives to make it unfit for drinking. The base material is the same grain-derived or sugarcane-derived ethanol used in beverage spirits but once denatured it becomes a cosmetic ingredient. The number 46 refers to the specific denaturing formula approved by regulators, so every batch meets the same safety and performance standards.
Alcohol has been part of personal care since ancient times when it was used to preserve herbal extracts. In the early 20th century governments began to require denaturing for tax and safety reasons, which opened the door for large-scale use in lotions, toners and fragrances. Sd Alcohol 46 gained popularity because its denaturants have little scent and do not leave a heavy residue.
Most manufacturers start with food-grade ethanol produced by fermenting corn, wheat or sugarcane. After distillation the pure alcohol is blended with a tiny percentage of denaturing agents, filtered then tested for purity. The result is a clear fast-evaporating liquid that mixes easily with water and many oils.
You will find Sd Alcohol 46 in facial toners, setting sprays, quick-dry nail products, hair styling foams, deodorant sprays, light moisturizers, aftershaves and many clean-feeling serums where a weightless finish is desired.
Sd Alcohol 46’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for Sd Alcohol 46 because it brings several practical advantages to a wide range of products.
- Astringent: Helps tighten the feel of skin and temporarily reduce surface oil which can leave the complexion looking fresh and matte
- Solvent: Dissolves fragrance oils, plant extracts and film-forming resins so they stay evenly distributed in the formula ensuring a clear stable product
- Viscosity Controlling: Thins heavy mixtures allowing sprays to mist evenly and lotions to spread in a light layer creating that fast-absorbing sensorial experience many people enjoy
Who Can Use Sd Alcohol 46
Sd Alcohol 46 is generally best for normal, combination and oily skin because it evaporates quickly and helps reduce surface oil. People with very dry, sensitive or compromised skin barriers may find it too stripping since high concentrations can pull water from the skin and cause a tight feeling. Those with conditions like eczema or rosacea often prefer alcohol-free formulas for this reason.
The ethanol used in Sd Alcohol 46 is fermented from plant sources and the denaturants are synthetic, so the ingredient is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
Topical use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding is considered low risk because systemic absorption is minimal, yet this is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to a healthcare professional before use to be safe.
Sd Alcohol 46 is not known to cause photosensitivity. However formulas that leave skin feeling dry can make sun exposure less comfortable, so daily sunscreen is still recommended.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Sd Alcohol 46 vary by individual. The points below list potential issues; most people will not experience them when the ingredient is used at appropriate levels in a well-formulated product.
- Dryness and tightness
- Stinging or burning on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Redness or irritation in sensitive or rosacea-prone skin
- Flare-ups of eczema due to barrier disruption
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis to denaturants
- Eye or respiratory irritation if inhaled from aerosol or fine mist products
- Increased flammability risk when using high-alcohol sprays near open flames
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 out of 5. Sd Alcohol 46 is a lightweight volatile liquid that flashes off the skin instead of sitting inside pores so it does not leave behind oily or waxy residues that could harden and block follicles. Because it rapidly evaporates it has virtually no chance to mix with sebum and form the plugs that breed blemishes. While very drying formulas can sometimes push the skin to produce more oil over time, the alcohol itself is not pore clogging.
Bottom line: Sd Alcohol 46 is generally fine for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Worth noting: products that pair high levels of Sd Alcohol 46 with heavy occlusive ingredients can still cause congestion so the full formula matters, not just this single component.
Summary
Sd Alcohol 46 acts as an astringent that leaves skin feeling toned, a solvent that keeps fragrances and actives evenly dispersed, and a viscosity controller that thins textures for a quick-dry finish. It delivers these benefits because ethyl alcohol is small, water-miscible and evaporates in seconds carrying other ingredients along as it goes.
Its clean feel and ability to create crystal-clear sprays make it a staple in toners, setting mists, hair products and fragrance-heavy formulas. Every major cosmetic lab keeps it on hand which speaks to its enduring popularity even as alcohol-free options gain traction.
When used in typical concentrations it is considered low risk though very dry or sensitive skin types may prefer to limit exposure. As with any new product a quick patch test is wise to be on the safe side.