Denatured Alcohol Vs. Isopropyl Alcohol: What’ the Difference?

HealthlineHealth ConditionsDiscoverPlanConnectSubscribeWhat’s the Difference Between Isopropyl and Denatured Alcohol?Medically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — Written by Daniel Yetman on September 27, 2021Comparing the twoUsesDenatured alcohol on skinRisks and precautionsIf you drink itSummaryShare on PinterestGuido Mieth/Getty ImagesThe type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages is called ethyl alcohol or ethanol. Ethanol is produced naturally when yeast and other microbes ferment sugars found in plants.Denatured alcohol is ethanol that has substances added to it that make it unfit for human consumption. You may see denatured alcohol listed in the ingredients of items like:household cleaning productsfuelsindustrial productsskincare productshand sanitizersdisinfectantsIsopropyl alcohol is a chemically different type of alcohol, but it shares some similarities. Isopropyl and denatured alcohols are both commonly used as disinfectants and are dangerous for human consumption. The term rubbing alcohol can describe either type of alcohol when they’re used as medical disinfectants.Let’s take a deeper look at the differences between denatured alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. We’ll also explain what you should do if you or somebody else consumes one of them.Denatured alcohol vs. isopropyl alcoholDenatured alcohol and isopropyl alcohol have similar uses, but they differ chemically.Denatured alcohol is ethyl alcohol with toxic or bad tasting additives that make it unsuitable for consumption. The chemical formula of ethyl is C2H6O and the formula for isopropyl alcohol is C3H8O. The most common additive to denatured alcohol is 5 to 10 percent methanol. Methanol is highly toxic when consumed orally. Studies have reported deaths in people consuming as little as 0.5 ounces of 40-percent methanol.  Other substances that may be added to denatured alcohol include:gasolineisopropyl alcoholbenzenepyridinecastor oilacetoneIsopropyl alcohol is commonly used as a disinfectant in hand sanitizers and cleaning products in a 70-percent concentration. You may also find it on the label of cosmetics and aftershaves.Like denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol isn’t safe for consumption. Ingestion is rarely fatal in adults, but it can make you very sick. Small children and babies are at the highest risk of severe side effects or death.Isopropyl alcohol poisoning is the most common toxic alcohol ingestion reported to the United States poison control centers each year.Uses for denatured alcohol and isopropyl alcoholDenatured alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are both used in a wide variety of products. Here’s a look at some of their more common uses.DisinfectantsBoth types of alcohol are commonly used in hand sanitizers, as medical disinfectants, and in household cleaners. They are the only two alcohols FDA-approved in alcohol-based hand sanitizers.FuelsYou may find ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol on the ingredient list of fuels for small stoves. Ethyl alcohol sourced from biomass is used as an eco-friendly alternative to gasoline for automobiles. CosmeticsDenatured alcohol is added to cosmetics to act as an:antifoaming agentastringentsolventantimicrobial agentSimilarly, isopropyl alcohol functions as an:antifoaming agentastringentsolventdecreases product thicknessIndustrial products Denatured alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are used in a wide range of industrial products, such as:adhesives and sealantsagriculture productsantifreezelaundry and dishwashing productsfabric and textile productsplastic and rubberUseDenatured alcoholIsopropyl alcoholHand sanitizer✓✓Disinfectant✓✓Fuel✓✓Adhesives and sealants✓✓Cosmetics✓✓Agricultural products✓Antifreeze products✓Laundry and dishwashing products✓Antifoaming agent✓Fabric and textile products✓Plastic and rubber products✓Is denatured alcohol safe to use on the skin?Denatured alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are both safe to apply to your skin, and they’re the two most common active ingredients found in hand sanitizers.Alcohol can cause skin reactions in some people. It’s possible to develop contact irritant dermatitis, which can cause skin symptoms like:drynessitchingirritationskin crackingThe FDA recommends only giving hand sanitizer to kids under 6 with adult supervision, since they’re more prone to alcohol poisoning than adults if they ingest it.Precautions when working with denatured alcohol and isopropyl alcoholBoth denatured alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are highly flammable, so it’s important to keep them away from open fires or equipment that can spark.Other ways to protect yourself include:wear eye protection, and if you get alcohol in your eyes, flush with water for at least 15 minutes.wear protective gloves and clothing to avoid unnecessary contactkeep it away from other chemicals, since they have the potential to react (for example, ethyl reacts violently with acetyl bromide and acetyl chloride)If you ingest denatured or isopropyl alcoholDrinking even small amounts of alcohol not meant for human consumption can lead to toxicity or even death in relatively small amounts.An older 2011 case study highlights a case of a 19-year-old who took her life by drinking denatured alcohol intended to be used as a stove fuel. According to Poison Control, the poisonous dose of 50 percent isopropyl alcohol for a 16-month-year-old baby is about two teaspoons.Medical emergencyIf you accidentally consume denatured or isopropyl alcohol, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance. Call 911 immediately if you or someone else experience:seizurestrouble breathingan inability to wakeother serious symptomsYou should also seek emergency medical attention when:someone may be trying to intentionally self-harmthe affected person is pregnantthe affected person is younger than 6 months or older than 79 years.Symptoms of denatured or isopropyl alcohol poisoning can include:comadizzinesslow body temperaturelow blood pressurenausearapid heart rateslow breathing rateslow reflexesstomach painslurred speechthroat pain or burningvomitingTakeawayDenatured alcohol is ethyl alcohol with substances added to it to make it unfit for human consumption.Isopropyl alcohol is another type of alcohol that shares many of the same uses. Both types of alcohol are unsafe for humans to consume orally, but they can usually be safely applied to the skin in the form of hand sanitizers and rubbing alcohol. Last medically reviewed on  September 27, 2021Medically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — Written by Daniel Yetman on September 27, 2021Read this nextIs It Safe to Put Rubbing Alcohol in Your Ears?Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHTIf you don’t have a punctured eardrum, rubbing alcohol may be safely used in your ears to treat and prevent conditions such as swimmer’s ear. Learn…READ MOREIs Rubbing Alcohol Still Effective After Its Expiration Date?Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., R.N., CRNARubbing alcohol has a shelf life of 2 to 3 years. After that, the alcohol starts to evaporate, and it may not be as effective at killing germs and…READ MOREDoes Rubbing Alcohol Kill Fleas?Medically reviewed by Vincent J. Tavella DVM, MPHDoes alcohol kill fleas? While it does kill these insects on contact, so does soap and water. Alcohol can be toxic to your pets and a fire hazard in…READ MOREIsopropyl Alcohol PoisoningMedically reviewed by Femi Aremu, PharmDFind information on isopropyl alcohol poisoning symptoms, causes, and diagnosis. Learn what to do if you suspect you have isopropyl alcohol poisoning.READ MOREAlcohol AllergiesMedically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D.Although rare, alcohol allergies can be severe if not properly treated. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments for alcohol allergies. READ MOREViome Reviews: Are Viome Gut Microbiome Tests and Supplements Legit?Viome specializes in gut health testing kits — but do they actually work? Find out everything you need to know and more.READ MORE‘Water Is Medicine’: How People in Iceland Use Pools, Hot Tubs to Improve Their HealthJumping into a hot tub or swimming in a heated pool in the middle of the day is a common activity in Iceland, where water is referred to as medicine.READ MOREHow to Handle Sweaty ArmpitsMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHTExcessive underarm sweating can be uncomfortable, but there are many methods to prevent sweating that you can try at home or with a doctor.READ MORE8 of the Best Pill Organizers and Dispensers to Keep Your Week on TrackFrom simple pill organizers to automatic, timed pill dispensers, here's what to consider.READ MOREThe Best Places to Order Hormone Tests OnlineMedically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M.D.At-home hormone tests are a great starting point to get the health information you need. Read more for our picks and how to choose the best test for…READ MOREAbout UsContact UsPrivacy PolicyPrivacy SettingsAdvertising PolicyHealth TopicsMedical AffairsContent IntegrityNewsletters© 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information.© 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information.AboutCareersAdvertise with usOUR BRANDSHealthlineMedical News TodayGreatistPsych Central