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Alcohol denat.

Alcohol denat. suppliers and sourcing guide

Alcohol denat. is the INCI name for ethanol that has had a denaturant added so it is unfit to drink. The ethanol is made by fermenting sugar cane, corn or grain and distilling it, or synthetically from ethylene. In the United States, cosmetic-use denatured alcohol is usually a specially denatured (SD) alcohol made to an approved formula, such as SD alcohol 40-B with denatonium benzoate and tert-butyl alcohol. Brands use it as a solvent and carrier in perfumes, hair sprays, toners and other quick-drying products.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Denatured alcohol · SD alcohol · Specially denatured alcohol · SD alcohol 40-B · Denatured ethanol
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of alcohol denat.

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • SD alcohol 40 series

    Formulas such as 40-A, 40-B and 40-C, each with its own denaturant; 40-B is common in perfumes and sprays. The formula number belongs on the specification and the label.

  • Other SD formulas

    Formulas such as 39-C or 23-A use different denaturants and suit other product types.

  • 190 and 200 proof

    About 95% ethanol with water, or anhydrous ethanol, before denaturing; proof affects how much water the formula carries.

  • Organic or grain-specific

    Ethanol from certified organic or a stated crop, denatured with an allowed denaturant, for natural or organic products.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Ethanol content or proof
Ethanol by GC or by density and temperature, reported as percent or proof.
Water (Karl Fischer)
Water content by Karl Fischer titration against the supplier's limit.
Denaturant identity and level
GC or other test confirming the denaturant and its amount match the stated formula.
Methanol and volatile impurities
Methanol, acetaldehyde and fusel alcohols by GC against the supplier's specification.
Nonvolatile residue
Residue left after evaporation, which flags contamination from containers or processing.
Appearance and odor
Clear, colorless liquid with an odor consistent with the denaturant.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store denatured alcohol in closed, grounded, approved containers in a flammable-liquids area away from heat and ignition sources. Keep containers tightly closed because ethanol evaporates and picks up water from the air. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification; in the US, users of specially denatured alcohol generally need a federal permit and must keep receipt and use records, so check this with the supplier before ordering.

Lots and expiry dates

Lots made to the same formula are consistent, so record the formula number, proof and denaturant with each lot. Smell new lots against a retained sample, since denaturant odor can show through in fragranced products.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 701.3 lists SD Alcohol (all 27 alphanumeric designations) among names adopted for cosmetic ingredient labeling, subject to revised dictionary monographs.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists SD Alcohol 40-A with the non-medicinal purposes astringent, solvent and viscosity decreasing agent, for topical use.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 73.1001 lists specially denatured alcohol as a diluent in color additive mixtures for coloring ingested drugs, as set forth in 26 CFR part 212.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Alcohol denat. suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking alcohol denat. suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of alcohol denat. can brands buy?

Common forms include sD alcohol 40 series, other SD formulas, 190 and 200 proof and organic or grain-specific. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for alcohol denat. include?

Expect ethanol content or proof, water (Karl Fischer), denaturant identity and level, methanol and volatile impurities, nonvolatile residue and appearance and odor, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should alcohol denat. be stored?

Store denatured alcohol in closed, grounded, approved containers in a flammable-liquids area away from heat and ignition sources. Keep containers tightly closed because ethanol evaporates and picks up water from the air. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification; in the US, users of specially denatured alcohol generally need a federal permit and must keep receipt and use records, so check this with the supplier before ordering.

What is the regulatory status of alcohol denat.?

21 CFR 701.3 lists SD Alcohol (all 27 alphanumeric designations) among names adopted for cosmetic ingredient labeling, subject to revised dictionary monographs. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists SD Alcohol 40-A with the non-medicinal purposes astringent, solvent and viscosity decreasing agent, for topical use. 21 CFR 73.1001 lists specially denatured alcohol as a diluent in color additive mixtures for coloring ingested drugs, as set forth in 26 CFR part 212.

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