Ingredient decoder

SD alcohol 40: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: SD Alcohol 40

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • Comedogenic0 / 5
  • Irritancy0 / 5

What it does

Denatured alcohol that can dry skin when used in high amounts.

  • Astringent
  • Solvent
  • Viscosity controlling

SD alcohol 40 in plain English

SD alcohol 40 is a US label name for specially denatured ethanol, the same kind of ingredient listed as alcohol denat. in the EU. It is used as a solvent and for a fast-drying, mattifying feel, often in toners and oily-skin products. Near the top of the ingredient list it can dry out skin and weaken the skin barrier, which may lead to more oil, flaking and irritation. Low on the list, in small amounts to help other ingredients dissolve or dry faster, it is usually fine.

Is SD alcohol 40 bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. SD alcohol 40 is not a proven pore-clogger, but drying alcohol high on a list can leave skin dry and irritated. In Fulton's 1989 rabbit-ear test it scored 0 out of 5 for clogging pores and 0 out of 5 for irritation. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • SD Alcohol 40
  • Sd alcohol
  • Sd alcohol 40-b
  • Sd alcohol 40-a
  • Sd alcohol 40-2
  • Specially denatured alcohol

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Frequently asked questions

Is SD alcohol 40 comedogenic?

SD alcohol 40 scored 0 out of 5 for comedogenicity in Fulton's 1989 rabbit-ear study, where 0 means no clogging and 5 means severe. That is a low rating. The test used the raw ingredient, so a finished product may behave differently.

What does SD alcohol 40 do in skincare?

In short: denatured alcohol that can dry skin when used in high amounts. In formulas it is used for astringent, solvent and viscosity controlling.

What else is SD alcohol 40 called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, SD alcohol 40 can also appear as Sd alcohol, Sd alcohol 40-b, Sd alcohol 40-a or Sd alcohol 40-2.

Sources