Recognizing SD Alcohol on a cosmetic label

This check covers US labels. Start with the exact package and variant you have, then use the steps below. Explore more skin & hair checks.

What to look at

Read the full SD Alcohol name.
Compare it with Alcohol Denat. wording on the other package.
Keep cetyl and cetearyl alcohol out of an ethanol-only name match.

A little practice

Read this label.

SD Alcohol 40-B on one label; Alcohol Denat. on another

Illustrative excerpt · not a real product

What it tells you

Both belong in a check for denatured ethanol. The spelling difference alone is not a meaningful way to choose between these examples.

Why this reading matters

Alcohol, SD Alcohol and Alcohol Denat. refer to ethanol-related label names. Cetyl, stearyl and cetearyl alcohol are different fatty alcohols; matching the word alcohol alone loses that distinction. US Food and Drug Administration.

What the label cannot settle

This name check does not measure drying effects or recommend a formula for a condition.

Put the check to work

Compare the exact words and amounts on your package with the example. If a panel is missing, a photo is unreadable or the manufacturer has not disclosed a detail, keep that detail as unknown. A different flavor, shade or formulation needs its own check.

For the full reading method, use our skin & hair label guide. The sensitive skin guide adds context for your needs.

A useful next check

Sources read and this label example reviewed on 2026-09-23. Examples are illustrative, not product tests or clinical reviews.