Caleb Foster
Nail polish remover is an organic solvent used to remove nail polish from nails. It is made up of a refined oil derived from fossil fuels, which are made naturally from dead plants and animals. Acetone is the most well-known ingredient in nail polish removers due to its distinct odour and flammability. It is a colourless, flammable liquid that acts as a solvent and dissolves substances. Acetone-based removers also contain ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol, water, and glycerin. Acetone-free removers use alternative solvents like ethyl acetate, which is made from ethanol and acetic acid.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredient | Acetone |
| Other ingredients | Ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol, water, Glycerin, fatty material, lanolin, caster oil, isopropyl alcohol, aloe vera, vitamin E, etc. |
| Function | Breaks down and dissolves nail polish |
| Effectiveness | Very powerful and effective |
| Safety | Can irritate eyes, nose, and throat; can cause coughing, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and lightheadedness; can cause skin to become red, dry, and cracked; can be harmful to the liver; flammable |
| Alternatives | Ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, natural nail polish removers |
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What You'll Learn
Acetone-based nail polish removers
Acetone is a colourless, flammable liquid that acts as a solvent, dissolving substances. It is used in the manufacturing of plastics, household products, cosmetics, and personal care products. Acetone is also produced naturally in the human body and is normally present in the blood and urine as a byproduct of metabolism.
The simplest and least expensive acetone-based nail polish remover composition contains about 90% acetone and 10% water. However, this has the undesirable effect of drying out fingernails. To counteract this, some acetone-based removers include moisturizing agents such as glycerin or aloe vera. These removers typically contain about 80% acetone and do not dry out the fingernails.
While acetone-based nail polish removers are generally safe when used correctly and sparingly, there are some safety measures to consider. It is important to use acetone-based nail polish removers in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhaling the fumes. Acetone can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and high concentrations can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. If exposed to the skin, acetone can cause redness, dryness, and cracking. Therefore, it is important to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water if acetone makes contact with the skin beyond the nails.
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Non-acetone nail polish removers
Isopropyl alcohol is sometimes added to non-acetone removers as a secondary solvent to assist in the breakdown process. It helps dissolve the polish and evaporates quickly, speeding up the drying process. However, like acetone, isopropyl alcohol can be drying if used frequently.
To counteract the drying effects of these solvents, some non-acetone removers include moisturising agents such as glycerin, aloe vera, or vitamin E to lock in moisture, soften the skin, and prevent nails and skin from drying out.
Other ingredients found in non-acetone nail polish removers include fragrances or essential oils to improve the scent, as ethyl acetate has a strong chemical smell.
It is important to note that even non-acetone removers contain chemicals and solvents, and while they may be marketed as "natural" or "organic", they are not completely free from potentially harmful substances.
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Health concerns and safety measures
Nail polish removers typically contain acetone as the main active ingredient. Acetone is a naturally occurring solvent found in trees, plants, volcanic gases, and even the human body. It is a colourless, flammable liquid with a distinct odour. While acetone is generally recognised as safe by the FDA in adhesives and food contact coatings, it can be harsh, drying, and damaging to the nail plate, skin, and cuticles.
Although acetone poisoning is rare, it can cause serious health issues and even be life-threatening. High exposure to acetone can be toxic to almost all body systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems. Symptoms of acetone poisoning include lethargy, slurred speech, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, and a sweet taste in the mouth. In serious cases, one could pass out.
To avoid overexposure to acetone, it is important to always use nail polish remover in a well-ventilated area and limit how often you use products containing acetone. If you are more prone to acetone sensitivity and skin irritation, non-acetone removers can help prevent adverse skin reactions like contact dermatitis. However, it is important to remember that non-acetone products will still contain solvents, which are key ingredients required to break down nail polish.
If nail polish remover comes into contact with your skin beyond your nails, it is important to wash the area quickly and thoroughly with soap and water. Clothing that has been contaminated with nail polish remover should be removed and washed immediately. After removing nail polish, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water to get rid of any residue.
Some nail polish removers may also contain parabens, a type of preservative that can increase a product's shelf life. Studies have shown that parabens are cancer-causing, so it is recommended to limit your use of nail polish removers that contain them or opt for paraben-free options.
In addition to acetone and parabens, some nail polish removers may contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde resin, which is recognised as a potential cancer-causing substance by the National Cancer Institute. It is also among the most common substances that cause allergic contact dermatitis. Formaldehyde resin, along with dibutyl phthalate and toluene, can also cause allergic contact dermatitis.
For gel polish removal, remind your nail technician to avoid aggressive buffing (especially electric buffing) and not to scrape the nail plate forcefully. Never peel or pick off gel polish, as this may peel off layers of the nail plate, resulting in brittleness.
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Natural nail polish removers
There are many removers on the market that are marketed as 'natural' and 'organic', but these still contain solvents (just not acetone). The key ingredient in non-acetone removers is usually a less aggressive and less effective solvent like ethyl acetate, which is made from ethanol and acetic acid.
Some natural alternatives to commercial nail polish removers include:
- Lemon and vinegar: Soak your nails in a solution of two tablespoons of lemon juice and distilled white vinegar for five minutes, then wipe away the polish with a soft cloth. Lemon is a natural ingredient that may be less harsh on nails and skin than chemical removers.
- Lukewarm soapy water: Soaking your nails in lukewarm soapy water for 3-5 minutes can help soften nail polish so that it comes off easily.
- Rubbing alcohol: Alcohol solutions can be used to remove the buildup of lacquer on nails. Soak your nails in lukewarm water, then wet a cotton ball with alcohol and use it to wipe off the nail paint.
- Vodka: Soaking your fingertips in a shallow dish of vodka can help to soften nail polish, which can then be wiped away with a soft washcloth.
- Toothpaste: Toothpaste often contains baking soda, which is a mild abrasive that can help to remove nail polish.
- Soy-based removers: These removers gently remove polish while nourishing nails with vitamins and natural essential oils.
Some commercially available natural nail polish removers include:
- Benecos Natural’s certified organic nail polish remover: This acetone-free remover uses organic orange peel oil and organic lavender oil to naturally and gently remove nail polish.
- Manucurist: This French brand prides itself on swapping harsh ingredients for natural, eco-friendly alternatives that promote glossy, long-lasting manicures and healthy nails.
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Nail care after using nail polish remover
Nail polish removers generally come in two types: acetone-based and non-acetone. Acetone is a colourless, flammable liquid that is also produced in the human body and is normally present in the blood and urine as a by-product of metabolism. Acetone-free removers usually contain a less aggressive solvent like ethyl acetate, which is made from ethanol and acetic acid.
While acetone is not registered as a carcinogen and is thought to have low toxicity, it can still be drying to the nails. Therefore, it is important to take steps to protect your nails from damage. Here are some tips for nail care after using nail polish remover:
Limit Exposure
Try to use nail polish remover only when necessary, especially if it contains acetone. Too much exposure can weaken your nails.
Moisturize After Use
Always follow up with cuticle oil, petroleum jelly, or a rich hand cream to restore moisture to your nails and cuticles. You can also use olive oil, coconut oil, and lemon juice as natural remedies to provide your nails with moisture and nutrients.
Use a Strengthening Base Coat
If you frequently use nail polish, consider applying a nail strengthener or a base coat with nourishing ingredients to help protect your nails. You can also use a nail hardener to strengthen your nails and avoid brittle spots.
Choose a Safe Remover
Some nail polish removers contain chemicals that may cause reproductive harm and organ toxicity. If you are concerned about the potential health effects of nail polish remover, look for natural or biodegradable options, or choose removers that contain moisturizing agents like glycerin or aloe vera.
Practice Proper Removal Techniques
When removing gel nail polish, avoid picking or filing it off, as this can damage your nails. Instead, use a special gel polish remover and avoid aggressive chemicals. Place cotton pads soaked in the remover on your nails and wrap them in plastic food wrap or aluminium foil. Let the remover sit for 10-15 minutes before gently removing the gel polish with a wooden stick or a special tool.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail polish removers generally come in two types: acetone-based and non-acetone. Acetone is a colourless, flammable liquid that dissolves substances and is used in the manufacturing of plastics, household products, cosmetics and personal care products. Acetone-based removers may also contain an oil or fatty material like lanolin or caster oil. Non-acetone removers may contain ethyl acetate, which is a solvent made from ethanol and acetic acid.
Acetone can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Exposure to high concentrations of acetone can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and lightheadedness. Acetone can also dry out fingernails and penetrate the skin, causing it to become red, dry and cracked.
Yes, there are many acetone-free liquids on the market. However, these still contain different chemical solvents, such as ethyl acetate. Some natural nail polish removers are free from chemicals but require manual scrubbing to remove polish, which can damage the nail.
