What Is Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 39-D?
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 39-D is a form of ethyl alcohol that has been “denatured,” meaning it is mixed with ingredients that make it unfit to drink. In this case the denaturants are bay oil from the aromatic myrica tree and either quinine sulfate or sodium salicylate, as directed by federal regulation 27 CFR 21. The base ethyl alcohol typically comes from the fermentation of sugar-rich plants such as corn or sugarcane. Once produced it is purified by distillation, then the small amount of bay oil and the chosen bittering agent are blended in to create the final cosmetic-grade liquid.
Denatured alcohol has been used in personal care since the early 20th century when companies needed a fast-evaporating carrier for fragrances and other active ingredients but wanted to avoid beverage taxes on drinkable spirits. By adding substances that make the alcohol unpleasant to ingest the material could be sold for industrial and cosmetic use at a lower cost.
Today Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 39-D appears in a wide range of products where quick drying and clean skin feel are desired. Typical examples include facial toners, setting sprays, hair styling sprays, aftershaves, deodorant sprays, lightweight serums and even some sheet mask essences.
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 39-D’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulations this ingredient acts as a solvent. It helps dissolve fragrance oils, botanical extracts and certain active compounds so they spread evenly through the product. Because it evaporates quickly it also allows the finished formula to dry fast on the skin or hair leaving little to no residue and giving a refreshing feel.
Who Can Use Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 39-D
Products containing this ingredient usually suit normal, oily and combination skin because the quick-evaporating alcohol leaves a clean weightless finish that helps reduce surface oil. Very dry or sensitive skin types may find it too stripping since alcohol can pull lipids and moisture from the skin’s surface, which might lead to tightness or flaking if used frequently or in high concentrations.
SD Alcohol 39-D is derived from plant fermentation and the denaturants come from botanical sources or lab synthesis, so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
For those who are pregnant or breastfeeding the small amount of alcohol that remains on the skin after application is unlikely to pose a risk because it evaporates rapidly and systemic absorption is minimal. This is not medical advice; anyone expecting or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new cosmetic products.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity and will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Because it is highly flammable it should be kept away from open flames and high heat.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 39-D vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions but most people will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Dryness or tight feeling on the skin, especially with frequent use
- Stinging or burning sensation when applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Redness or irritation in individuals with eczema rosacea or very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of allergy to alcohol bay oil quinine sulfate or sodium salicylate
- Eye watering or irritation if sprayed too close to the eyes
- Transient respiratory irritation when inhaled from aerosol or pump sprays
If you experience any of these effects stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 39-D is highly volatile, evaporating within seconds after application. Because it leaves virtually no residue on the skin it cannot block pores or trap sebum, which earns it a score of 0. The ingredient is therefore considered safe for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. The only caveat is that over-drying may prompt the skin to produce more oil as a compensatory response, so balance it with adequate hydration.
Summary
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 39-D acts primarily as a solvent that keeps fragrances extracts and certain actives evenly dispersed while giving products a quick-drying lightweight feel. Its rapid evaporation also delivers that immediate fresh sensation many users enjoy in toners sprays and styling products.
This form of denatured alcohol is popular across skincare haircare and fragrance categories because it is cost-effective easy to formulate with and compliant with regulations that prevent misuse as a beverage alcohol. Consumers see it most often in facial mists setting sprays and aerosol products where fast dry-down is prized.
Overall safety is high for the majority of users when formulas are well balanced with humectants and emollients. Still every skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product containing Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 39-D before full use.