Alongside dish soap, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, band-aids, and a host of other household essentials, rubbing alcohol ranks among the top ten most utilized solutions in our daily lives. It’s readily available at nearly every retail store and typically costs just a few dollars for a bottle. However, many consumers might not be aware that there are various types of rubbing alcohol available for purchase! So, what are the different kinds of rubbing alcohol? The four primary types of rubbing alcohol include Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Methyl Alcohol, and Denatured Alcohol.
Isopropyl rubbing alcohol has been the go-to variety for many years. However, in recent times, other types of rubbing alcohol have gained traction, particularly following the global Coronavirus pandemic which led to widespread shortages of isopropyl alcohol. This shortage prompted many consumers to explore alternative options. In this article, we will delve into the four main types of alcohol available on the market today, examining how they are produced, their primary applications, and a few advantages and disadvantages associated with each. Let’s dive in!
5 Different Kinds Of Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is incredibly versatile; it can effectively kill mold, remove paint, clean glass and other hard surfaces, and even sanitize your hands! Generally speaking, all forms of rubbing alcohol available function in similar ways. The key distinctions arise from their production processes and the positioning of the alcohol molecule within the chemical structure. The term “alcohol” is frequently used, yet its precise meaning can often be overlooked. When you hear the word, you might immediately think of alcoholic beverages (like beer, liquor, or wine) or cleaning products. Car enthusiasts might even associate it with ethanol, a common fuel additive mixed with petrol and gasoline. With such diverse applications for alcohol, it’s easy to confuse the different types and view them as entirely separate entities. However, they all share the same chemical foundation. Before discussing the various types of rubbing alcohol, let’s clarify the definition:
1) Medical Grade Alcohol – No Methanol
- Medical Grade Isopropyl Alcohol – No Methanol – No Disturbing Odor – Meets USP Specifications – Safe for Hand and Skin Application (32oz)
- Medical Grade Isopropyl Alcohol
- Free from heavy metals or harmful organics
- Manufactured in the USA. No Methanol present.
- Utilized in the formulation of sanitizers
- Actual container may vary based on availability
Price: $13.99 Buy on Amazon
Alcohol: “Any of a class of organic compounds characterized by one or more hydroxyl (–OH) groups attached to a carbon atom of an alkyl group (hydrocarbon chain).” As you might recall from chemistry class, most substances consist of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon—the essential building blocks of life on Earth. Surprisingly, alcohol is not vastly different from water. Both contain hydrogen and oxygen, but alcohol incorporates additional carbon molecules, resulting in a slightly altered structure. This is one factor that makes alcohol “water-soluble,” allowing it to blend with water to create a uniform solution. I apologize for the brief chemistry lesson, but understanding the origins of different types of rubbing alcohol can provide valuable insight into their distinctions.
2) Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol remains the most prevalent form of rubbing alcohol available. If you stroll through the first aid aisle of a typical pharmacy or grocery store, you will find a variety of antiseptic bottles in different sizes and concentrations, tailored to various uses. Isopropyl alcohol is generally produced by mixing water with a gas called propylene, a compound commonly employed in the manufacture of acrylic plastics and other industrial polymers. When propylene is combined with water and distilled, it acts as a catalyst to convert water into alcohol (doesn’t this sound reminiscent of an ancient story?). Isopropyl rubbing alcohol can be used for cleaning electronics like keyboards, medical disinfecting, paint preparation, and even mold eradication! Its prevalence can be attributed to the fact that it is derived from water, one of the planet’s most abundant resources.
- Amazon Basics 99% Isopropyl Alcohol First Aid For Technical Use, 16 Fluid Ounces, 1-Pack (Previously Solimo)
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol is not intended for skin application
- Wash face, hands, and any exposed skin thoroughly after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using this product
- When using this product, wear protective gloves/clothing/eye protection/face protection
- An Amazon brand
Price: $7.69 Buy on Amazon
3) Ethyl Alcohol
Often referred to as Ethanol, ethyl alcohol is another common form of rubbing alcohol. You might recognize this term from the fuel pump when you fill your vehicle. In the USA, oil companies are permitted to include up to 10% ethanol in their fuel mixtures. This not only helps reduce costs but also decreases carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner atmosphere! If you’re curious about how to create rubbing alcohol at home, ethanol is the easiest option. All it takes is combining sugar, water, and a bit of yeast, allowing the mixture to ferment, and then boiling it. Since alcohol has a low boiling point, it will rise to the surface quickly. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic causing a shortage of isopropyl alcohol, many farms and liquor companies have pivoted to producing their own forms of ethyl rubbing alcohol. Recently, the FDA even modified its regulations to permit the use of ethanol in hand sanitizers.
4) Methyl Alcohol
Methyl alcohol, or methanol, is not commonly found for everyday use. You likely won’t encounter it in your local grocery store, as it is deemed highly toxic for human consumption, skin contact, and inhalation. Historically, it was produced by distilling wood, earning it the nickname “wood alcohol.” Today, however, methanol is predominantly manufactured from natural gas. Its primary applications are industrial in nature, as it is a common ingredient in vehicle antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, adhesives, and even in particleboard like plywood. In recent years, methanol has also gained popularity as a diesel fuel additive, helping to reduce emissions and smog.
- ALDON Innovating Science Methyl Alcohol ACS Grade, 500mL (16.9 oz) – Methanol Alcohol – The Curated Chemical Collection – Made in The USA
- HIGH PURITY – Innovating Science’s ACS grade acetone-free methyl alcohol meets the strict standards set by the American Chemical Society.
- APPLICATIONS – Methanol serves as an effective solvent and reagent for organic synthesis. Methyl alcohol can also be utilized as an antifreeze agent due to its low freezing point.
- QUALITY – ACS-Grade methyl alcohol ensures enhanced performance in the laboratory. Its exceptional purity and consistency contribute to precise measurements and reliable results.
- MADE IN THE USA – Innovating Science’s ACS grade methyl alcohol is produced and bottled in Avon, New York.
- SAFETY & HANDLING – Methanol must be handled and stored with appropriate precautions. Each 500mL bottle is labeled with directions for safe storage, and a safety data sheet is available upon request.
Price: $19.99 Buy on Amazon
5) Denatured Alcohol
Denatured alcohol is typically found in hardware stores or camping supply outlets. It is essentially ethanol that has had additional chemicals introduced to render it toxic and unpleasant in flavor to discourage recreational consumption. Occasionally, this mixture may also contain methanol. Denatured alcohol is predominantly utilized as a fuel additive, and is also used in fire starters. In some instances, it has been employed as an antiviral disinfectant. While it’s advisable to avoid applying it directly to the skin, it can serve as a quick and effective alternative to isopropyl alcohol for disinfecting surfaces.
Ethyl Alcohol 99.5% Denatured
- Ethyl Alcohol 99.5% Denatured 40-B 200 Proof Alcohol by Natural Cosmetic Labs | Made in The USA | Gallon – Pack of 1
Price: $49.95 Buy on Amazon
Here are some additional articles that may interest you:
- Can You Use Rubbing Alcohol To Clean Glass?
- Is Rubbing Alcohol The Same As Hand Sanitizer?
- Isopropyl Alcohol Alternatives For Disinfecting
- How To Make Your Own Rubbing Alcohol At Home
- Best Rubbing Alcohol for Cleaning