Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is the same stuff that is in beer, wine, and spirits. We use Organic alcohol made from Certified Organic and Certified Fair Trade Sugar Cane. Organic Alcohols are typically used in natural hand sanitizers and body and room fragrances.
Although people are often concerned when they see alcohol as one of the first ingredients, alcohol-free hand sanitizers are not effective against most viruses or bacteria. According to the CDC, Ethyl alcohol, at concentrations of greater than 60% to 80%, is a potent virucidal (virus-killing) agent for many viruses.
In an essential oil spray, such as a body mist or room mist, ethanol has a double function. It prevents microbial growth and also acts as a solubilizer. Since essential oils do not mix with water, ethanol is used to solubilize (‘dissolve’) essential oils into water-based sprays so they can be blended without separating.
Fair Trade IBD
Our ethanol is certified Fair Trade by IBD. Fair Trade IBD (Instituto Biodinâmico for Rural Development) is an international quality mark for organic agriculture, people, and work. The mission of IBD is to ensure that all trade supports sustainable resource use, environmental protection, and progressive labor standards.
Fair Trade IBD guarantees organic farming and good working conditions for the farmers and stimulates a fair price for farmers. Fair Trade IBD is about improving the living conditions of small farmers and increasing self-reliance. For example, attention is paid to the land rights of the indigenous population.
There are numerous other critical criteria required for IBD-certified farms and companies. For example, it is expected that certified enterprises promote environmental conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Conservation and maintenance of native vegetation and wildlife in the production area is required. Deforestation of primary forests is prohibited as is hunting, capturing, or trading of wild animals or endangered plants. It is forbidden to threaten the shelter environments of animals and plants, especially those threatened. It is also forbidden to release untreated residues into water bodies.
Buyer Beware
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is used for many things. Since alcohol is regulated and heavily taxed by the federal government, it is often denatured prior to being sold when used in products that are not consumed in order to avoid paying the excise tax. Denatured ethanol contains additional chemicals called denaturants that make it unfit for human consumption so people won't drink it.
There are many ways ethyl alcohols are denatured. Unfortunately, some are denatured using harmful and even toxic chemicals that can be absorbed into the skin.
On an ingredient label denatured alcohol is usually listed as 'denatured alcohol' or more correctly SD (Specially Denatured) Alcohol plus some numbers and letters that refer to the type of denaturant used. For example, SD Alcohol 40-B specifically means the denaturing additives are denatonium benzoate and t-butyl alcohol. If you see this type of ingredient on a label, do a google search for the ingredient to determine the type of denaturant used.
