Ingredient guide ›

Alcohol Denat

The quick-dry alcohol.

What it does

Helps products dry fast and feel light, and helps dissolve other ingredients.

Good to know

This is ethyl alcohol, the same kind as in drinks, with something added so it can't be drunk.

Often found in: Deodorants, Sunscreens, Shampoos

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin (J Occup Med Toxicol, 2008) (Independent)
• CIR: Final report on Alcohol Denat. and its denaturants (2008) (Industry-funded)