Ethanol is a clear, colorless alcohol made from the distillation of fermented starch. It has a very strong, distinct odor that dissipates.

Rubbing alcohol that contains ethanol is “denatured,” meaning that a bitter or unpleasant substance is added to it to prevent people from drinking it. The inclusion of the additional substance does not alter usefulness for other purposes.

Like all alcohols, ethanol is flammable. Use with caution.