What Is Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-H?
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-H is simply ethyl alcohol that has been made undrinkable by adding tiny amounts of acetone and methyl isobutyl ketone, a blend set out in US regulation 27 CFR 21. This keeps people from drinking it while letting cosmetic makers use it without the taxes tied to beverage alcohol.
The ethanol itself can come from fermented corn, sugarcane or other plant sugars, though some suppliers create it from synthetic sources. Once produced, the raw alcohol is mixed with the two denaturing agents, filtered and tested to be sure it meets the official formula. The finished liquid is clear, fast evaporating and has a faint solvent smell that fades quickly on the skin.
Cosmetic labs have reached for denatured alcohol since the early days of modern beauty products because it dries fast, thins heavy formulas and leaves a clean feel. Over decades it became a go-to ingredient in items that need quick set time or a light texture.
You will most often spot Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-H in face toners, setting sprays, hair sprays, perfumes, aftershaves, lightweight lotions, gels, some clay or peel-off masks, nail polish removers and certain spot treatments aimed at oily skin.
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-H’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair products this ingredient serves one main job that brings several perks to a formula.
Solvent: Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-H dissolves fragrance oils, plant extracts and film-forming resins so they blend evenly into water based mixes. Because it flashes off in seconds it also helps a product dry quickly, gives a weightless finish and can create the crisp feel people expect from toners, mists and styling sprays.
Who Can Use Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-H
Skin types: The quick-drying light feel of denatured alcohol tends to suit normal, combination and oily skin because it whisks away excess surface oil and leaves no residue. People with dry, very sensitive or already irritated skin may find it too stripping since it can dissolve some of the natural lipids that keep the skin barrier comfortable. Those dealing with eczema, rosacea or a compromised barrier should approach with caution and check formula strength and overall ingredient balance.
Vegans and vegetarians: The ethanol in SD Alcohol 23-H is typically fermented from plant sources such as corn or sugarcane and the denaturing agents are synthetic, so no animal-derived materials are involved. That makes it acceptable for vegan and vegetarian lifestyles provided the finished product is not tested on animals.
Pregnant or breastfeeding users: Ethanol is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics and any skin absorption is low. Still, out of an abundance of caution this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run products containing Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-H past their healthcare provider to be sure they fit individual circumstances.
Photosensitivity: The ingredient itself is not photo-sensitising and will not make skin more likely to burn in the sun. Very frequent use could slightly weaken the moisture barrier which may leave skin feeling more vulnerable, so broad-spectrum sunscreen is always a smart step in the daytime routine.
Because it is highly flammable, keep products with a high percentage of SD Alcohol 23-H away from open flames and heat sources.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-H vary from person to person. The points below describe possible side effects that could occur even though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Dryness or tightness – rapid evaporation can remove surface water and lipids leaving skin or scalp feeling parched
- Stinging or burning sensation – freshly exfoliated sunburned or compromised skin may feel a brief sting on contact
- Redness or irritation – in sensitive individuals repeated exposure can trigger mild inflammatory responses
- Contact dermatitis – rare allergy to ethanol or denaturants may cause rash flaking or itching
- Barrier disruption – heavy or frequent use can increase transepidermal water loss which may exacerbate flakiness and sensitivity
- Eye irritation – aerosol sprays containing SD Alcohol 23-H can sting if mist reaches the eyes
- Hair or scalp dryness – high-alcohol styling sprays may leave strands brittle or scalp flaky over time
If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-H flashes off the skin within seconds so it does not sit in pores or leave behind oily residues that could harden and block follicles. Because it is water thin and highly volatile it lacks the heavy emollient nature of typical pore-clogging ingredients. For these reasons it is considered non-comedogenic.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone users, though overuse may cause dryness that could trigger reactive oil production in some people.
Worth noting: if the formula also contains thick waxes, butters or silicones those other components, not the alcohol itself, are more likely to influence comedogenicity.
Summary
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-H is primarily a solvent that dissolves fragrance oils, resins and active extracts then evaporates quickly to leave a light clean finish. Its rapid flash-off also helps products dry faster and feel weightless which is why it shows up in toners, mists, hair sprays, perfumes and spot treatments.
Widely used by formulators for decades, it remains popular in categories that need quick-dry performance, although some consumers avoid high-alcohol products in favor of gentler textures.
When used at cosmetic levels it is generally safe for healthy skin and the small amount that can penetrate is quickly metabolized by the body. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to patch test a product first to check personal tolerance especially if your skin is already sensitive or compromised.