Methanol Worst Irritant No known benefits Methanol at a glance A synthetic, volatile alcohol Can also be referred to as methyl alcohol Used to help created denatured alcohol Is toxic to humans when inhaled, ingested or applied topically Methanol description Methanol, AKA methyl alcohol, is a synthetic, volatile, organic alcohol used as a denaturant, primarily for ethyl alcohol. The Personal Care Council also lists methanol as a solvent and fragrance when used in cosmetics. Denaturants also break or unfold proteins. Methanol denatures ethyl alcohol, making it unfit for human consumption. After this process, ethyl alcohol becomes denatured alcohol and can be used as a solvent or texture enhancer in cosmetics. Denatured alcohol weakens skin’s barrier and should be avoided! The Cosmetic Review Expert Panel deemed methanol only safe for usage as a denaturant. It’s toxic when inhaled, ingested or applied topically. Related ingredients: Alcohol