Alcohol Denat. (SDA-40B) (Ethanol (perfumer's alcohol)) - solvent, antimicrobial, preservative, viscosity modifier

INCI Name

Alcohol Denat. (SDA-...

Functions

4 Roles

Sustainability

7/10

What It Does

Alcohol Denat. SDA-40B is ethanol denatured according to the US SDA-40B formula, using t-butyl alcohol and denatonium benzoate as denaturants, making it tax-exempt for cosmetic use while remaining safe for topical application. It is the industry-standard carrier alcohol in fine fragrance and eau de cologne formulations, prized for its exceptionally clean, neutral odor profile that does not interfere with the fragrance composition. Formulators choose SDA-40B specifically for its regulatory compliance in the US market, rapid skin evaporation, and its ability to solubilize a wide range of fragrance materials, fixatives, and alcohol-soluble actives at high concentrations.

Dissolves active ingredients

Enables proper formulation

Affects product penetration

Controls evaporation rate

Technical Properties

pH Range

6.0-8.0

Optimal working range

Ionic Charge

nonionic

Molecular charge type

Viscosity Effect

thinning

Impact on formula thickness

Foaming Ability

low

Lather generation

Ingredient Compatibility

Works Well With

fragrance materialsnonionic surfactantscationic polymersmost preservativesUV filterswater-soluble actives

Avoid Combining

oxidizing agentsproteins at high concentrationscertain natural gumsacrylic polymers at high concentrations

Compatibility analysis powered by OpenMix — open-source formulation science

Sustainability Profile

Sustainability Score

7/10

Biodegradability

readily biodegradable

Source

plant-derived

Feedstock

Typically derived from fermentation of sugarcane, corn, or wheat; SDA-40B is denatured with t-butyl alcohol and denatonium benzoate to render it unfit for consumption while preserving cosmetic utility