Alcohol Denat.
Also known as Denatured Alcohol, is ethanol that has additives to make it unsuitable for drinking. It's often included in skincare and cosmetic products for its quick-drying, astringent, and preservative properties.
Benefits in Skincare:
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Quick-Drying and Lightweight: Denatured alcohol evaporates quickly, giving products a fast-drying feel and helping create lightweight formulations, which is ideal for products like toners and sprays.
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Astringent and Oil-Control: It helps reduce excess oil on the skin’s surface and gives a mattifying effect, making it beneficial in products for oily and acne-prone skin.
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Improves Ingredient Penetration: Denatured alcohol can temporarily enhance the penetration of active ingredients, allowing ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C to be absorbed more effectively.
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Preservative Properties: It has antimicrobial effects, helping prevent contamination in products and extending their shelf life.
Considerations: Denatured alcohol can be drying and potentially irritating to some skin types, especially with prolonged or high concentrations. Formulations that include hydrating ingredients (like glycerin or aloe) alongside denatured alcohol can help mitigate its drying effects.
It is commonly found in toners, serums, and makeup products designed to be fast-absorbing and lightweight.