Cosmetic grade ethanol

Nedstar is a leading supplier of cosmetics-grade ethanol to the cosmetics industry. We understand the vital role that alcohol content plays in the formulation and effectiveness of skincare products. Cosmetic alcohols are integral to a large and diverse family of products, from toners and lotions to perfumes, due to their presence as solvents, preservatives, and astringents.

We can tailor an ethanol cosmetics product to meet your specific needs, using any combination of a range of denaturants, including DEP, MEX, Bitrex, TSDA 1-9, TBA, IPA, Euro Denatured and Tipo A-D.

What is ethanol for cosmetics?

Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, used in cosmetics is a denatured alcohol obtained by fermenting sugar starch from a wide variety of raw materials including sugar beet, sugar cane, wheat, grain, rye and corn, or by synthesis. It serves as an effective solvent, helps other ingredients penetrate the skin better, and dries quickly due to its high volatility.

This makes it ideal for non-greasy lotions and hand sanitisers. Ethanol's safety is well-documented and approved by health authorities worldwide, ensuring its safe use in cosmetic products. Its versatility and efficacy make it an essential component in many beauty formulations.

Skincare

Alcohol is used in skincare products such as toners, astringents, and cleansers. It helps remove excess oil, provides a refreshing sensation, and is beneficial for certain skin types, especially those prone to acne.
Makeup

In makeup products like foundations, setting sprays, and eyeliners, alcohol ensures smooth application and quick drying, helping makeup stay in place longer.
Hair care

Alcohols in hair care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and styling sprays, enhance product texture and prolong shelf life, ensuring your hair feels clean and styled perfectly.
Fragrance

Alcohol is a key component in perfumes and colognes, acting as a solvent that helps the fragrance disperse evenly.
Hygiene

In hygiene products like hand sanitisers and antibacterial wipes, alcohol is highly effective in killing germs and bacteria, promoting hand hygiene.

When and why use ethanol in cosmetics and beauty products?

Ethanol enables your superficial skin to absorb a product’s active ingredients quicker, which is great for perfumes and colognes. But it also evaporates fast (also known as having ‘high volatility’), which means the ethanol is in contact with your skin relatively briefly. This minimises the chance of skin irritation, making ethanol ideal for use in everything from make-up and moisturiser to hair colour and sunscreen.

In addition, ethanol is a highly efficient hydrolysing agent, helping dissolve other ingredients in a product; but also a natural preservative, a refreshing agent, a sun filter and a solubilizer of active ingredients.

And finally, ethanol is a natural product that can be used by manufacturers in organic products, which are increasingly in demand with today’s consumer. This is one reason why leading cosmetics brands and manufacturers tend to avoid the use of synthetic alcohol.

Is ethanol safe in cosmetics?

There are common concerns about the safety of ethanol in cosmetics and skincare products. However, the scientific consensus supports ethanol's safety in these applications. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA and the European Commission have approved its use in cosmetics, based on studies that confirm its safety when used in appropriate concentrations.

When used within regulatory guidelines, ethanol's antimicrobial properties and ability to enhance product penetration make it a beneficial ingredient for various skin types and products. Ethanol concentration is carefully controlled to ensure safety and efficacy, providing benefits without significant risks.

Denaturants for cosmetic grade ethanol

To create a denatured ethyl alcohol for cosmetics that fits your needs, we can customize it with your preferred combination of denaturants. The process of denaturing makes the ethanol unusable in alcoholic drink products, and thus exempt from certain taxes and levies. Ethanol is generally listed in the ingredients of an ethanol cosmetics product as Alcohol, Denat Alcohol or Denat Ethanol. Choose (a combination of) the following denaturants to create a product that meets your demands:

DEP
MEK
Bitrex
TSDA 1-9
TBA
IPA
Euro Denatured
Tipo A-D

More about denaturants

Certifications

All our cosmetics grade alcohol is ISO 22000 certified and compliant with REACH. Additionally, we can certify your product as Kosher, Cosmos-approved, USP Grade or GMO-free. More information can be found on our certifications page.

See all certifications

More about ISO 22000

More about ISO 9001

More about GMO-free

More about USP-grade

Packaging

Exporting ethanol to countries worldwide from over 50 international suppliers requires the appropriate packaging. To make sure that your product arrives safely to its destination, Nedstar has a number of packaging options, suitable for any industry or amount of ethanol.

See all packaging options

ISO tank

25,000 litres

Suitable for various transport modes such as ship or truck and ideal for the delivery of bulk quantities, guaranteeing safety and efficiency for your shipment.

Tanktruck

35,000 litres

Large amounts of cosmetics grade ethanol, delivered directly to your doorstep. Our tanktrucks are a reliable and cost-effective way of receiving ethanol worldwide.

Barge vessel

Up to 2,450 tonnes

Nedstar can provide you with orders shipped by various vessels overseas. Our logistics department specialises in intermodal freight transport, guaranteeing a smooth delivery over multiple modes of transportation.

ISO tank

25,000 litres

Suitable for various transport modes such as ship or truck and ideal for the delivery of bulk quantities, guaranteeing safety and efficiency for your shipment.

Tanktruck

35,000 litres

Large amounts of cosmetics grade ethanol, delivered directly to your doorstep. Our tanktrucks are a reliable and cost-effective way of receiving ethanol worldwide.

Barge vessel

Up to 2,450 tonnes

What alcohol is used in perfumes?

The most commonly used alcohols are ethanol, denatured alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol. These types of alcohol are highly valued in the fragrance industry for their ability to dissolve and evenly disperse fragrance oils, ensuring that the scent is pure and long-lasting. Our cosmetic-grade alcohol is designed to meet these high standards, providing a perfect base for creating top-quality perfumes.

Can I get a sample?

Yes. We do offer samples of our ethanol products so you can test the quality and compatibility with your applications. Contact us to learn more about our sampling processing.

Where do you source your ethanol?

We have reliable suppliers on over 60 countries worldwide. We prioritise sustainability and quality, responsibly sourcing raw materials that meet the highest standards. Our main origin markets include South America, Africa, and the Middle East.