The Difference Between Denatured & Rubbing Alcohol

Denatured alcohol and rubbing alcohol are similar yet different alcohols which are poisonous if consumed. These alcohols have had substances added to them to make them undrinkable, changing the tax status and making them both affordable and usable for many commercial purposes.

The difference between denatured alcohol and rubbing alcohol

The biggest difference between rubbing alcohol and denatured alcohol is the ingredients that are used to create them and the purposes for which they are intended.

What is denatured alcohol?

Alcohol is ethanol, and denatured alcohol is ethanol which has been rendered undrinkable. Typically Methanol has been added to create denatured alcohol, but a variety of other substances, such as acetone or gasoline, are also used.

What is denatured alcohol used for?

Denatured alcohol's typical uses include being used as a fuel for camp stoves, a liquid sander or as a stain remover.

What is rubbing alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is also known as isopropyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol; typically it is a mixture of ethanol and water. Rubbing alcohol is created from denatured alcohol and is meant for sterilization, as well as to disinfect the skin.

What is the biggest difference ?

Denatured alcohol is ethanol which has been altered and made undrinkable by a multitude of possible ingredients; it is a blanket term for poisoned alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is typically ethanol which has been altered by isopropanol and diluted with water.