Methanol
Categories: Irritant, Fragrance: Synthetic and Natural, Solvent
Methanol at a Glance
- A synthetic, volatile alcohol
- Can also be referred to as methyl alcohol
- Used to help created denatured alcohol
- Is toxic to humans when inhaled, ingested or applied topically
Methanol Description
Methanol, AKA methyl alcohol, is a synthetic, volatile, organic alcohol used as a denaturant, primarily for ethyl alcohol. The Personal Care Council also lists methanol as a solvent and fragrance when used in cosmetics.Denaturants also break or unfold proteins. Methanol denatures ethyl alcohol, making it unfit for human consumption. After this process, ethyl alcohol becomes denatured alcohol and can be used as a solvent or texture enhancer in cosmetics. Denatured alcohol weakens skin’s barrier and should be avoided!
The Cosmetic Review Expert Panel deemed methanol only safe for usage as a denaturant. It’s toxic when inhaled, ingested or applied topically.
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Methanol References
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed October 2023, Webpage
eNeurologicalSci, September 2020, pages 1–4
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, October 2017, pages 1–6
International Journal of Toxicology, 2001, pages S57-S85