Noah Sinclair
Nail polish removers are typically based on acetone, with the simplest and least expensive options containing about 90% acetone and 10% water. Acetone, however, has the undesirable effect of drying out fingernails and is known to be harmful when it penetrates the skin. To mitigate these issues, some nail polish removers contain additional ingredients like oil or fatty materials, reducing the acetone content to around 80%. More expensive commercial options may include up to three different polyamines and ethyl acetate, while DIY recipes suggest adding glycerin to reduce the drying effect of pure acetone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of acetone in nail polish remover | 30-90% |
| Percentage of acetone in pure acetone nail polish remover | 100% |
| Other ingredients in nail polish remover | Ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol, water, glycerin |
| Effects of acetone on the skin | Dries out fingernails, penetrates the skin, harmful to the liver |
| Ways to mitigate the effects of acetone | Use oil or fatty material, add glycerin or scent/oil additives, moisturize regularly |
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What You'll Learn
Pure acetone is effective but harsh
Pure acetone is a highly effective nail polish remover. Acetone is the major solvent in nail polish remover compositions, and the simplest and least expensive compositions contain about 90% acetone and 10% water. Pure acetone is therefore likely to be very effective at removing nail polish.
However, pure acetone has the undesirable side effect of drying out fingernails. It also penetrates through the skin and is known to be harmful to the liver. Some people add oil or glycerin to their pure acetone to prevent extreme drying. There are also commercial nail polish removers that contain additives to prevent drying, such as Zoya Remove Plus, which is reported to be as quick and effective as pure acetone but gentler on the skin.
Some people prefer to use pure acetone despite its harshness. One person reported that they coat the area around their cuticle with cheap oil before applying a piece of cotton ball soaked with pure acetone. They then wait a few minutes before removing the cotton and washing their hands. They follow this with nail oil, filing, cuticle care, and a sugar scrub, and finish by rubbing their nail plate with pure acetone.
Another person reported that they use pure acetone to remove their nail polish, but they also make their own DIY acetone/glycerin remover to combat the harsh effects of pure acetone on their skin. They also use a mixture of 100% acetone and regular nail polish remover, which they find removes nail polish better than regular remover but is not as drying as pure acetone.
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Acetone dries out fingernails
Acetone is a common ingredient in nail polish removers. The simplest and least expensive nail polish removers contain about 90% acetone and 10% water.
Acetone has a drying effect on the skin and nails. It can cause nails to become dry, brittle, and flaky, and can make the surrounding skin red and irritated. This is because acetone is a solvent that breaks down nail polish, removing it from the nail plate surface. In doing so, it also breaks down the natural oils in the nail plate, causing it to dry out. This can lead to nail splitting (onychoschizia) and white discolouration (pseudo-leukonychia).
The cuticle, which protects the nail, is particularly susceptible to the effects of acetone. Cuticle skin will dry out, crack, peel, and bleed when exposed to acetone.
To prevent the drying effects of acetone, some people add oil or glycerin to their nail polish remover. Commercial nail polish removers containing oil or fatty materials in addition to acetone are also available, but these tend to have an unpleasant feel and are unappealing in colour.
Non-acetone nail polish removers are an alternative option. These are generally gentler on the skin and nails, as they do not have the same drying effect. However, they may take longer to remove nail polish and require more scrubbing, which can also damage the nails. Ultimately, the decision of whether to use acetone-based or non-acetone nail polish removers depends on individual preferences and priorities regarding removal time, gentleness, and drying effects.
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Acetone is harmful to the liver
Acetone is a chemical used in products such as nail polish remover, varnish remover, and paint remover. It is also a ketone produced by the body when it burns fat. Acetone is generally safe to use as long as you follow the directions. However, breathing in too much acetone or swallowing it can cause health problems.
Nail polish removers are typically composed of about 90% acetone and 10% water. The acetone penetrates through the skin and is known to be harmful to the liver. In fact, acetone has been shown to increase the weight of the liver in animal studies, which is considered a sign of maternal toxicity. Additionally, acetone potentiates the hepatotoxicity induced by other chemicals. That is, it increases the activity of liver microsomal monooxygenases, particularly enzymes associated with CYP2E1.
Despite these findings, some studies have shown that workers exposed to acetone for extended periods did not display any significant differences in serum markers of liver function relative to controls. It is important to note that these workers were exposed to a mean concentration of 364 ppm of acetone, which is within the acceptable range.
To mitigate the harmful effects of acetone on the liver, some nail polish remover compositions on the market contain additional ingredients such as oil or fatty materials. These formulations typically contain about 80% acetone and are less drying to the fingernails. However, they may have an unpleasant feel and an unappealing yellow color.
It is crucial to use nail polish removers with acetone safely and follow the directions provided. Additionally, regular moisturizing will help keep your hands feeling nice and soft, even if you use acetone-based products.
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Acetone alternatives are slow and expensive
Acetone is the major solvent in nail polish removers, with the simplest and least expensive compositions containing about 90% acetone and 10% water. However, acetone has the undesirable effect of drying out fingernails and is known to be harmful when it penetrates the skin. To mitigate these negative effects, some nail polish removers contain additional ingredients such as oil or fatty materials, resulting in a more pleasant feel and improved nail strength. These alternative formulations typically contain about 80% acetone.
While acetone-based nail polish removers are generally inexpensive and effective, some people prefer to use non-acetone alternatives due to concerns about the drying effect of acetone on nails and skin. However, these alternatives often come with their own set of drawbacks. For instance, Karma Organics, a non-acetone nail polish remover, takes around 20 minutes to remove polish, which is significantly slower than acetone-based products. Similarly, Butter London Nail Scrubbers, which contain a mix of acetone and propylene carbonate, are described as "stupid-expensive."
The effectiveness and speed of non-acetone nail polish removers can vary depending on the specific product and the type of nail polish being removed. For example, regular nail polish may require more time and effort to remove compared to glitter nail polish when using non-acetone removers. This has led some individuals to opt for a mixture of 100% acetone and regular nail polish remover, which offers a balance between effectiveness and gentleness on the skin.
In addition to the time and cost considerations, it is worth noting that some non-acetone alternatives may still contain potentially hazardous chemicals. For instance, a water-based mixture of potassium carbonate and surfactants, including nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE), has been developed as a direct replacement for acetone. While NPE is corrosive to the eyes, its low concentration in the product minimizes the hazard. However, this alternative is not suitable for applications where fast evaporation is required due to its low volatility.
When considering acetone alternatives, it is essential to evaluate various factors, including performance, sustainability, hazards, and cost. Some similar solvents to acetone, such as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) or ethyl acetate, are available, but they may not be suitable for all applications due to their similar hazards and solvent properties. Ultimately, the choice between acetone-based and non-acetone nail polish removers depends on individual preferences, budget constraints, and specific needs.
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Glycerin can be added to acetone
Nail polish removers are generally based on acetone, with the simplest and least expensive removers containing about 90% acetone and 10% water. However, acetone has the undesirable effect of drying out fingernails and is known to be harmful when it penetrates the skin.
Glycerin, on the other hand, is known to strengthen and lubricate fingernails. While glycerin is immiscible with acetone, ethyl alcohol can be used to solubilize the two. A desirable composition for a nail polish remover could be 30-60% acetone, 10-35% ethyl acetate, 5-20% ethyl alcohol, 5-20% water, and 3-15% glycerin.
Some people choose to make their own nail polish removers at home by mixing acetone and glycerin. It is recommended to use acetone-safe glass or metal containers for mixing and to wear gloves for protection. While some people use measuring equipment, others simply eyeball the amounts, adding a bit of glycerin to the acetone and then shaking or stirring to mix. Water can also be added to help the glycerin dissolve in the acetone completely.
Some people add essential oils to their mixtures to create a pleasant scent, while others use their glycerin-acetone mixtures for removing glitter polish or cleaning up around the nail after painting. Commercial nail polish removers with glycerin are also available, such as Zoya Remove Plus, which is reported to be as effective as pure acetone but gentler on the skin.
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Frequently asked questions
Standard nail polish removers are based on acetone and typically contain about 90% acetone and 10% water.
Acetone has been known to dry out fingernails and is harmful to the liver.
Some alternatives to pure acetone include Karma Organics, Butter London Nail Scrubbers, and Holo Taco Peely Base.
To mitigate the negative effects of acetone, you can coat your cuticles with cheap oil before applying acetone, or you can add glycerin to the acetone.
Acetone is a cheap and effective solvent for removing nail polish.
