Benefits of Alcohol

A fast-drying solvent and astringent for fresh-feeling, quick-absorbing formulas.

• Solvent: Dissolves fragrances, actives and resins into clear solutions.
• Quick-Dry Feel: Evaporates fast for a fresh, weightless, non-sticky finish.
• Astringent: Can lightly tighten and mattify the look of the skin.
• Penetration Aid: Helps other ingredients absorb into the skin surface.
• Anti-Microbial Support: At sufficient levels, helps keep a formula fresh.

How It Works

Alcohol is a small, volatile solvent that readily dissolves both water- and oil-soluble materials and then evaporates quickly, carrying a cooling, fast-dry sensation. Its solvency also aids the delivery of actives and gives toners, gels and sprays their light finish.

“Alcohol” vs. Denatured Alcohol (SD Alcohol 40-B): a US-Market Note

On an ingredient list, “Alcohol” means undenatured ethanol, whereas denatured cosmetic ethanol is labeled “Alcohol Denat.” or by its TTB grade — most commonly SD Alcohol 40-B (ethanol denatured with tert-butyl alcohol and denatonium benzoate, or “Bitrex,” under 27 CFR 21). In the United States, undenatured ethanol is treated as consumable alcohol: it is regulated by the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) and subject to federal and state excise taxes. To avoid that beverage-alcohol tax, US cosmetics almost always use Specially Denatured Alcohol (SDA), which ships tax-free to holders of an Industrial Alcohol User Permit.

Because of this, a plain “Alcohol” listing (rather than “Alcohol Denat.” / SD Alcohol 40-B) often indicates a product formulated or manufactured outside the US — in markets such as the EU, Korea or Japan, where undenatured “Alcohol” labeling is standard. For US manufacture and distribution, confirm the alcohol’s denatured status and TTB compliance: using undenatured ethanol without the appropriate permits and tax handling can raise sourcing and regulatory-compliance questions during retailer and marketplace ingredient reviews.

Formulating with Alcohol

Alcohol is used across a wide range of levels depending on the goal (a trace as a solvent, or higher for a quick-dry base). At high concentrations it can be drying, so pair with humectants/emollients and keep levels appropriate to the skin type. For US-market products, source a denatured grade (e.g. SD Alcohol 40-B) unless undenatured alcohol is properly permitted. Observe good manufacturing and preservation practice.