Denatured Alcohol

Worst

Irritant

No known benefits

Denatured Alcohol at a glance

  • A type of volatile alcohol that can irritate skin
  • Depletes key substances in skin’s moisture barrier
  • Can be used as a solvent & to improve the texture of fluid/gel formulas
  • Volatility makes it a quick-drying ingredient that won’t leave a film
  • Enhances the penetration of other ingredients

Denatured Alcohol description

Denatured alcohol is a drying type of alcohol that aggravates and weakens skin. Typically, if denatured alcohol is listed as the fifth ingredient or higher, it is of considerable risk for sensitising skin.

Denatured Alcohol references

  • Pride Ethyl Alcohol Handbook (Supplier Info), Accessed April 2024, ePublication
  • RSC Advances, March 2020, pages 12,234–12,248
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2017, pages 188–196
  • Biomembranes, May 2015, pages 1,196–1,202
  • Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, November 2008, pages 1–16
  • Alcohol, January 2002, pages 179–190

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.