In our reference data, Denatured alcohol is a drying alcohol.
Denatured alcohol (alcohol denat.) is ethanol treated with additives to make it undrinkable, used in skincare as a solvent, antimicrobial agent, and to provide a quick-drying, lightweight finish. It can also enhance penetration of other ingredients.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin dryness | Common | Strips natural oils, especially with frequent use |
Irritation and stinging | Common | More likely on sensitive or compromised skin |
Disruption of skin barrier | Uncommon | Reported with high concentrations and repeated exposure |
Contact dermatitis | Rare | True allergy is uncommon; usually irritant rather than allergic |
Worsening of dehydration or sensitivity over time | Uncommon | Cumulative effect with chronic use |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.