De
Denatured Alcohol
Alcohol Denat. · SD Alcohol 40-B · Alcohol
Solvent and quick-evaporating carrier in many serums. Drying potential when high on the INCI list.
What it does
Denatured alcohol dissolves actives, helps formulas feel light and fast-absorbing, and improves penetration of certain ingredients. At low percentages it is well-tolerated. When listed in the first three INCI positions — typical of toners and gel serums marketed as 'oil-free' — repeated daily use can dry the skin and disrupt the barrier, especially in already-sensitive or compromised skin. Look for it lower on the list, or for formulas that use glycerin or propanediol as the carrier instead.
Also known as
alcohol denat, SD alcohol, ethanol
This page is public and indexed on purpose (unlike profiles and drops, which are unlisted) — it’s the citation behind shared ingredient cards, and it should be findable.
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