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SD ALCOHOL 40

CAS 61116-08-3
58

Safety score · 0–100

Moderate

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

About

Ethyl alcohol denatured with t-butyl alcohol according to US ATF Formula 40, commonly used in cosmetics as a solvent and astringent but associated with skin drying, barrier disruption, and irritation with repeated use.

SD Alcohol 40 (also called Alcohol Denat. or SD Alcohol 40-B when denatured with t-butyl alcohol) is ethanol that has been denatured to make it unfit for drinking per US ATF regulations. In cosmetics it functions as a solvent, astringent, and antimicrobial vehicle. While not acutely toxic at cosmetic use levels, chronic or high-concentration use presents well-documented concerns: it disrupts the stratum corneum lipid barrier, increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and can cause skin dryness, irritation, and contact dermatitis. EU cosmetics use it freely but note its compatibility issues in sensitive-skin formulations. The denaturant t-butyl alcohol has separate scrutiny under REACH.

Skin benefits

  • Antimicrobial/preservative vehicle for cosmetic formulations
  • Astringent effect can temporarily reduce oiliness
  • Good solvent for water-insoluble cosmetic actives

Known concerns

  • Skin barrier disruption with repeated use — increased TEWL
  • Drying and irritant potential especially on sensitive or compromised skin
  • May exacerbate conditions like eczema or rosacea
  • Flammable in concentrated form
  • Denaturant t-butyl alcohol (TBA) under EU REACH review for carcinogenicity concern

References

EU

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.