What Is Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 3-B?
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 3-B is a form of ethyl alcohol that has been “denatured,” meaning it has been blended with a substance to make it unfit for drinking. In this case the denaturant is pine tar, specified by the U.S. regulation 27 CFR 21. The ethyl alcohol itself is usually produced by fermenting plant sugars such as corn, sugarcane or grain. After distillation, a small amount of pine tar is mixed in, giving the liquid a characteristic scent that signals it is for external use only.
Denatured alcohol gained popularity during the early 20th century when governments wanted to reserve drinkable alcohol for taxable beverages and direct industrial supplies away from potential misuse. Cosmetics manufacturers quickly adopted it because it offers the same quick-drying, oil-cutting properties as pure alcohol but at a lower cost and with fewer legal restrictions.
In today’s beauty market, Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 3-B appears in a wide range of products. You are most likely to spot it in facial toners, setting sprays, gel moisturizers, hair styling sprays, liquid and cream foundations, aftershaves and deodorant sticks. Its low water content and fast evaporation speed help formulators create lightweight, refreshing textures that feel clean and non-sticky on skin and hair.
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 3-B’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In cosmetics this ingredient serves one main purpose.
As a solvent, Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 3-B dissolves other ingredients that might otherwise stay separate, helping actives, fragrances and preservatives blend evenly throughout the formula. This even distribution improves product stability and ensures each application delivers consistent performance. It also thins heavy mixtures so they spread easily, then evaporates quickly to leave a smooth, weightless finish that many users find refreshing.
Who Can Use Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 3-B
Most people with normal, combination or oily skin can use products containing Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 3-B without issue, as its quick evaporation leaves little residue. Those with very dry or highly sensitive skin may find it too stripping because it can pull natural oils and disturb the skin barrier, which might lead to tightness or flaking.
The ingredient is sourced from fermented plant sugars and the denaturant is pine tar, both of which are derived from plants. No animal material is involved, so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data do not flag Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 3-B as a concern for pregnancy or breastfeeding when used in topical cosmetics. That said, this is not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review their skincare routine with a healthcare professional to be safe.
The ingredient is not known to increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Always pair daytime skincare with sunscreen anyway, as UV protection is a separate concern.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 3-B can differ from person to person. The points below outline potential, not guaranteed, reactions. When properly formulated most users experience none of these issues.
Skin dryness or tightness
Stinging or burning sensation on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
Redness or irritation in those with eczema rosacea or very sensitive skin
Rebound oiliness as the skin tries to compensate for stripped lipids
Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction to pine tar components
Eye irritation if sprayed too close to the eyes in mists or hair sprays
If you experience any discomfort stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 3-B flashes off the skin within seconds so it leaves virtually no residue that could clog pores. Its primary purpose is to thin formulations, not sit on the surface, which keeps the risk of pore blockage extremely low. The trace amount of pine tar used for denaturing is minimal and further diluted in finished products, so its potential to congest pores is negligible.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because the ingredient evaporates so quickly it can sometimes increase surface dryness and trigger compensatory oil production in very oily skin, but this is a secondary effect rather than true comedogenicity.
Summary
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 3-B acts mainly as a solvent that dissolves actives, fragrances and preservatives then evaporates to leave a light, clean feel. This rapid evaporation also helps formulas dry fast, set makeup, reduce greasiness and improve product spreadability.
Its popularity is high in toners, setting sprays, hair sprays and gel textures because brands favor its ability to create weightless finishes at an economical cost.
Current data show it is generally safe for topical use when properly formulated, with the main concerns being possible dryness and irritation in very sensitive skin. As with any new cosmetic, perform a patch test before full application to make sure your skin agrees with the formula.