Denatured Ethanol in Bioworx® Products: Safe, Smart, and Seriously Effective for Auto Care

Let’s clear up a common misconception: not all alcohols are harmful—and the ones we use at Bioworx® are carefully chosen for both safety and performance.

At Bioworx®, we know that consumers today are paying attention to what’s in their products and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we want to explain one of our key ingredients: denatured ethanol, specifically ethanol denatured with isopropyl alcohol (IPA).

Ethanol itself is a naturally derived alcohol, often produced from renewable crops like corn, sugarcane, or other biomass. It’s commonly used in everything from cleaning products to cosmetics to fuel. However, in consumer products, ethanol is required by law to be "denatured", which means something is added to make it undrinkable. This is purely to prevent misuse.

Unfortunately, the term "denatured" sometimes triggers confusion or concern, especially when people associate it with harsh chemicals or toxicity.

Here’s where the distinction matters: not all denaturants are created equal. Many companies use methanol, a cheap but highly toxic substance that can pose serious health risks with prolonged exposure. At Bioworx®, we intentionally avoid methanol and instead use isopropyl alcohol (IPA)—the same ingredient found in first-aid antiseptics and hand sanitizers. IPA is dramatically safer for both human use and the environment, especially when used on surfaces you regularly touch, like car interiors. It evaporates quickly, has a long track record of safe use, and doesn’t carry the same level of risk as methanol.

Now, let’s talk about why we use denatured ethanol (with IPA) in the first place. Simply put, it works. In auto care, especially in high-performance formulas like our Detail Spray and Rinseless Wash, ethanol plays a critical role. It acts as a powerful yet surface-safe solvent, helping to dissolve grime, lift oils, and break down residues without damaging finishes. It’s particularly helpful for glass cleaning, where a streak-free finish is everything, and in detail sprays where fast evaporation enhances shine and prevents water spots.

Ethanol also boosts the spread and penetration of other active ingredients, helping our plant-based cleaning agents perform even better. In our formulations, it contributes to that "just-detailed" look, fast-drying, spotless, and clean without the greasy feel. And since it evaporates fully, there’s no lingering residue to dull surfaces or attract dust.

Plus, it’s the ideal carrier for bio-based fragrances. It helps disperse scent evenly, delivering a subtle and clean fragrance experience that complements—not competes with—your vehicle’s interior.

From a safety standpoint, our use of denatured ethanol (with IPA) aligns perfectly with our values: non-toxic, biodegradable, and responsible. Unlike petroleum-based solvents or methanol-denatured alcohols, our formulation is designed to work hard without putting your health, or your car, at risk.

So yes, “denatured alcohol” might sound intimidating at first, but with Bioworx®, it’s part of a smarter, safer approach to car care. We're not just choosing what works - we're choosing what works better and what works responsibly.