What Is Sd Alcohol 23-H?
Sd Alcohol 23-H is denatured ethyl alcohol, most often sourced from the fermentation of corn, sugarcane or other plant sugars. To make it unsuitable for drinking, a denaturant such as denatonium benzoate or tert-butyl alcohol is added, which is why you often see it listed as Alcohol Denat. on labels. After fermentation the raw alcohol is distilled to reach high purity then blended with the denaturant and filtered before shipment to cosmetic manufacturers.
The use of denatured alcohol in beauty formulas dates back to the early 1900s when regulations pushed companies to add bitter agents so industrial alcohol could be taxed differently from spirits meant for consumption. Its quick-drying feel and ability to dissolve many oily or resinous ingredients quickly made it a staple in fragrance and hair care. Over time formulators noticed its pore-tightening effect on skin and began including it in toners, acne treatments and light lotions.
Today Sd Alcohol 23-H shows up in a wide range of products such as facial toners, setting sprays, hair sprays, liquid lipsticks, quick-dry nail enamels, peel-off masks, mattifying primers and certain anti-aging serums where a weightless finish is desired.
Sd Alcohol 23-H’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulations Sd Alcohol 23-H serves multiple roles that improve performance and sensory feel
- Astringent – helps tighten the look of pores and temporarily reduce surface oil so skin feels refreshed and looks smoother
- Solvent – dissolves fragrance oils, polymers and film formers which keeps the formula clear and stable while allowing actives to spread evenly and dry fast
- Viscosity controlling – thins heavy mixtures so sprays, gels or serums glide on easily and absorb quickly without a greasy residue
Who Can Use Sd Alcohol 23-H
Because Sd Alcohol 23-H evaporates quickly and cuts through surface oil it suits normal, combination and oily skin that enjoys a lightweight feel. People with very dry, reactive or eczema-prone skin may find it too stripping since it can pull away natural lipids and aggravate tightness or flaking. Acne-prone users sometimes appreciate the temporary degreasing effect yet should balance it with gentle hydrators so the barrier is not compromised.
The ingredient is typically fermented from plant sugars and no animal derivatives are added, making it acceptable for most vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, provided the finished brand also follows cruelty-free practices.
At the low levels used in cosmetics Sd Alcohol 23-H is not known to pose a risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women when applied to intact skin. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before starting new products.
Sd Alcohol 23-H does not make skin more sensitive to the sun so it is not considered photosensitising. It is, however, highly flammable before it evaporates which is why aerosol hairsprays and similar items should be kept away from open flames.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to Sd Alcohol 23-H differ from person to person. The following list covers possible reactions yet most users will not notice any of them when the ingredient is used at typical cosmetic levels.
- Dryness or a tight feeling after application
- Mild stinging or burning on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Redness or irritation in those with very sensitive skin or rosacea
- Exacerbation of eczema patches due to lipid removal
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual sensitivity
- Eye irritation if a spray or mist is used too close to the eyes
- Respiratory discomfort when inhaled from aerosol formats in poorly ventilated areas
If any of these effects occur stop use immediately, rinse the area with cool water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5 Sd Alcohol 23-H flashes off the skin almost immediately, leaves no oily or waxy residue and does not clog pores. Because it removes surface oil rather than adding any occlusive material, it is considered non-comedogenic and unlikely to worsen blackheads or whiteheads. Those prone to acne typically tolerate it well, though overuse can lead to dryness that may indirectly aggravate breakouts in some individuals. There are no data linking this alcohol to follicular blockage even at higher concentrations.
Summary
Sd Alcohol 23-H acts as an astringent that momentarily tightens pores, a solvent that keeps fragrances, polymers and active ingredients evenly dispersed, and a viscosity controller that thins formulas for a weightless finish. Its rapid evaporation gives products a quick-dry touch that many consumers enjoy, which is why it still appears in toners, setting sprays, hair sprays, liquid lipsticks and other fast-drying cosmetics despite the push toward gentler alternatives.
Overall safety is high when used at normal cosmetic levels, with the main concerns being potential dryness or irritation in already compromised skin. If you are trying a new product that lists Sd Alcohol 23-H high on the ingredient list, it is wise to patch test first and monitor how your skin feels over a few days.