96% ethanol is a general-purpose denatured alcohol with a high ethanol content, intended primarily for disinfecting, technical and auxiliary cosmetic use. It is produced by alcoholic fermentation of carbohydrate raw materials, followed by distillation and rectification, resulting in concentrated ethanol with an alcohol content of approximately 96%. In the case of denatured alcohol, the raw material is modified with denaturing components that change its sensory properties and exclude internal use.
In cosmetic and hygiene manufacturing, 96% ethanol is used mainly where rapid evaporation, a degreasing effect, reduction of microbial load or auxiliary dissolution of certain alcohol-soluble substances is required. Since it is a general-purpose denatured alcohol, it has a strong characteristic alcoholic odour, and is therefore more suitable for disinfection purposes, cleaning work tools, hygienic preparation of the workplace or use in lower amounts in formulations where its odour is not an issue.

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Key benefits

• High 96% ethanol content – suitable for preparing alcoholic solutions and disinfectant preparations.
• Rapid evaporation – does not leave a greasy film and helps speed up drying of applied solutions.
• Auxiliary solvent effect – suitable for substances soluble in alcohol, depending on the specific formulation.
• Degreasing and cleansing effect – can be used for maintenance of selected work tools, packaging and surfaces resistant to alcohol.
• Suitable for disinfection purposes – when properly diluted, it is used as a base for alcoholic hygiene and disinfectant solutions.
• Practical auxiliary raw material – suitable for the production of cosmetics, soaps, hygiene products and technical solutions in home and artisanal manufacturing.

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Suitable for products such as

• alcohol-based disinfectant solutions for hands and surfaces,
• hygiene sprays for work tools and packaging,
• cleansing solutions for cosmetic tools resistant to alcohol,
• auxiliary alcohol solutions in cosmetic manufacturing,
• solutions for degreasing selected surfaces before labelling or filling,
• soap making, where alcohol is used as an auxiliary processing component,
• cosmetic formulations with a low proportion of alcohol, where rapid evaporation is required.

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Use in formulation

• 96% ethanol is miscible with water over a wide range of ratios.
• It is soluble in alcohol and at the same time acts as a solvent for selected cosmetic ingredients that are soluble in alcohol.
• It is compatible with aqueous solutions, hydrogels, hygiene sprays and some cleansing preparations, always depending on the overall composition of the formulation.
• For disinfectant preparations, undiluted 96% alcohol is usually not used; instead it is diluted to an effective working concentration according to the type of product and the intended use.
• In formulations with skin contact, use an appropriate amount, as higher concentrations can have a drying and degreasing effect.
• When used in products with a strong raw-material odour, bear in mind that general-purpose denatured alcohol has a strong characteristic odour that can influence the overall sensory profile of the product.
• It is recommended to add it during the cooling phase (at a temperature below 40 °C), especially in formulations containing heat-sensitive components or volatile substances.
• When thickening alcoholic systems, verify compatibility with the selected polymer or gelling agent, as a high alcohol content can affect the viscosity and stability of the gel.

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Safety and storage

• 96% ethanol is a highly flammable liquid and vapours may form flammable mixtures with air.
• Store away from sources of heat, sparks, open flames and hot surfaces.
• Ensure good ventilation during use and avoid inhaling concentrated vapours.
• When handling, use appropriate protective equipment, especially protective gloves and eye protection when decanting larger quantities.
• Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged or repeated contact with skin.
• Store in a tightly closed container, in a cool and well-ventilated place.
• Do not store near oxidising agents, sources of ignition or materials sensitive to alcohol.
• Before using on plastic packaging, coated surfaces or printed labels, we recommend carrying out a compatibility test, as alcohol can damage or discolour some materials.

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FAQ

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Also have a look at other cosmetic raw materials offered by Handymade.sk.