Mommy blogger Lore....or Fact?

GraillotionGraillotion Member
in Off Topic
On one of the mommy blogger sites I frequent, there is one mommy that pipes up EVERY time ethanol is discussed.  With every mention of ethyl alcohol, she boldly states that if you formulate with that, you need a permit from the ATF.

I know typically this lore has a nugget of truth buried down deep, and you have to shovel off all the BS to find the nugget.  

What is the nugget...as far as ethyl alcohol, and where cosmetics meets up with the ATF?

Comments

  • GraillotionGraillotion Member
    I use small amounts of Everclear 190 as a solvent in a couple of extracts.  The combined totals never exceed 3% of a given formula. 
  • MicroformulationMicroformulation Member, Professional Chemist
    edited April 4
    You need an exemption from the ATF to purchase Tax-Free, alcohol. The exemption is pricey and likely not feasible for most DIYers. As such they will either use denatured alcohol or they will purchase from a source that taxes the alcohol. There are several suppliers.

    Most DIYers can easily use 190 proof Everclear if available. I cringe however when someone recommends using Vodka. The abv is nowhere near what the commercial products are.

    So you CAN use ethyl alcohol without ATF permission. It will just be more expensive to buy and may take some work to source.


    Alcohol does have a great deal of negative bias in the Mommy Bloggers and is practically vilified by many. It can be used safely, and there are times when it is irreplaceable in the Formulation.
    markfuller@microformulation.com Microformulation.com Microformulation Cosmetic Consulting provides Custom Formulations for both large Commercial accounts as well as smaller entrepreneurs. We can provide Naturally compliant Formulations under the NSF, NPA, Whole Foods and USDA Organic Certifications. BS.Pharm Albany College of Pharmacy, Union University.
  • MarkBroussardMarkBroussard Member, Professional Chemist
    Ethanol that is normally used for inclusion in cosmetic product is SD Alcohol (Specifically Denatured Alcohol) and contains a small amount of a denaturant to make it unsuitable for drinking.  It can be as simple as Lavender Oil.  There is an industrial alcohol permit that you must acquire to purchase SD Alcohol.
    Chemist/Microbiologist formulating in the Organic & Naturals & Clean Beauty arena under ECOCert/Natural Products Assn/Whole Foods/National Organic Program/Clean At Sephora/Credo Clean guidelines focused skincare & haircare products. 

    See website for details www.desertinbloomcosmeticslab.com
  • PerryPerry Administrator, Professional Chemist
    "Alcohol does have a great deal of negative bias in the Mommy Bloggers and is practically vilified by many."

    And there is that whole exaggerated "alcohol is drying to skin" myth. 
    Learn to formulate cosmetics
  • GraillotionGraillotion Member
    Thank you all!  That makes perfect sense.  So, it is simply about avoiding a tax.  Therefore, if using a small amount, Everclear is a logical substitute.  I like a little alcohol in formulation...kinda helps the D5 in that first impression arena.

    Aloha.
  • MicroformulationMicroformulation Member, Professional Chemist
    Perry said:
    And there is that whole exaggerated "alcohol is drying to skin" myth. 
    Compounded by the fact that I have had numerous clients ask to avoid Cetyl Alcohol or other Fatty alcohols based upon, "Alcohol dries the skin."

    markfuller@microformulation.com Microformulation.com Microformulation Cosmetic Consulting provides Custom Formulations for both large Commercial accounts as well as smaller entrepreneurs. We can provide Naturally compliant Formulations under the NSF, NPA, Whole Foods and USDA Organic Certifications. BS.Pharm Albany College of Pharmacy, Union University.
  • GraillotionGraillotion Member
    Microformulation said:
    Perry said:
    And there is that whole exaggerated "alcohol is drying to skin" myth. 
    Compounded by the fact that I have had numerous clients ask to avoid Cetyl Alcohol or other Fatty alcohols based upon, "Alcohol dries the skin."

    Haven't we seen it all! :)  But I hear.... ignorance is bliss!
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