How to Buy Ethanol

Co-authored by Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: April 20, 2025 References

What do hand sanitizer, vinegar, gasoline, and alcoholic beverages all have in common? Believe it or not, all these liquids are created with ethanol, or ethyl alcohol. Ethanol is typically used as a chemical solvent or an ingredient in certain kinds of gasoline, and also an ingredient in beer, wine, and spirits.^{[1]
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Research source} Given its popularity, you can find ethanol at many different places—here a few common spots to help you get started.

1

Get laboratory-grade ethanol from a supplier.

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Chemical suppliers sell 100% pure ethanol. You can find a variety of pure ethanols at these types of stores. Suppliers also sell specific types of ethanol, like the kinds designed specifically for molecular biology and other types of lab work.
- Groups like Ethanol US, Xtractor Depot, and Parchem are great options.
- These types of ethanol are typically denatured, which means they aren’t safe to drink. You don’t need a special permit or license to buy denatured alcohol.^{[2]
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2

Order from an online marketplace.

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Groups like Amazon sell ethanol in many shapes and sizes. Open up Amazon’s website or app and scroll through results. This popular marketplace has all kinds of ethanol, ranging from a standard laboratory product to ethanol-based hand sanitizer. Many listings are labeled as “ethyl alcohol.” Not to worry—this is just another name for ethanol.
- You can find pure ethanol on Amazon.
- You can buy medical-grade ethanol through Amazon.
- Other online marketplaces, like eBay, also sell ethanol.

3

Pick it up at Walmart.

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Walmart sells ethanol in many different forms. Shop for a variety of ethanol-based products, like fuel stabilizer, fireplace fuel, as well as gel chafing fuels. Walmart also partners with several suppliers who sell pure, denatured ethanol.
- Product availability may depend on where you live, and what your local Walmart traditionally has in stock.

4

Purchase food-grade ethanol online.

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Food-grade alcohol is sold from marketplaces, laboratories, and other third-party sites. Unlike other varieties, ethanol with a “food grade” label is safe to drink and use in recipes. Big online marketplaces like Amazon sell this type of ethanol, as do laboratory supply shops.
- Check the supplier’s website, as well as your region’s alcohol laws. Some places don’t require you to have a permit to buy this type of ethanol.^{[3]
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5

Shop for medical-grade ethanol from marketplaces and suppliers.

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Amazon sells medical-grade ethanol, as do laboratory suppliers. This type of ethyl alcohol is great for medical purposes, cosmetic uses, and personal care.^{[4]
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- Food- and medical-grade ethyl alcohol are lumped into the same category of ethanol.

6

Buy large quantities in barrels or drums.

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Many popular stores and marketplaces, like Amazon and Walmart, sell ethanol in 1 US gal (3.8 L) containers as well.

7

Find fueling stations that offer ethanol gas.

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Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) can be powered by a special ethanol mixture. Many gas stations offer this ethanol-gasoline hybrid, also known as E85. Check this map to see if there’s a fueling station near you: https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/ethanol_locations.html.
- A variety of Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Nissan, Ram, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz car models are considered FFVs.^{[5]
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8

Get ethanol-based products at your local pharmacy.

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Find ethyl alcohol-based antiseptic at your local pharmacy. Pharmacies aren’t a great option if you’re on the hunt for pure ethanol. However, some popular chain pharmacies sell 70% ethyl rubbing alcohol, which can be used as an antiseptic.
- During COVID-19, some stores may not have this in stock.^{[6]
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Tips

Keep your ethanol in a cool, well-ventilated storage space. Since ethanol is really flammable, keep it away from any kind of heat source.

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If you spill lab-grade ethanol on yourself, remove your soaked clothes and rinse yourself off right away.

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When shipping ethanol, always specify that you’re sending hazardous materials, so the shipping company can take the necessary precautions. Some shipping services might have extra regulations related to hazardous materials.

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Warnings

Don’t drink too much food-grade ethyl alcohol at once. Instead, follow the recommended serving sizes: 1.5 oz (44 mL) of 40% alcohol, 5 oz (148 mL) of 12% alcohol, 8-9 oz (237-266 mL) of 7% alcohol, and 12 oz (355 mL) of 5% alcohol.^{[7]
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Mayo Clinic
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Never drink denatured alcohol—it’s not meant for regular consumption.^{[8]
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