Acetone and Other Solvents

The below post was taken from a response that Doug Schoon posted on a forum in 2001
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Here are the chemical facts. Water is the safest solvent in the nail industry. Yes water is a solvent! In fact, water is called the "universal solvent" because it dissolves more
things than any other known substance.

The second safest solvent used in salons is acetone. That's why its sold for this purpose. Oh, there are much faster acting solvents, but they aren't safe enough for salons. Why is acetone so safe? Acetone evaporates quickly, but the vapors don't exceed safe levels in salons. The air levels are at LEAST five times below OSHA maximum safe limits for long term, workplace exposure. How do you know if there is too much acetone in your breathing air? I bet you wouldn't stay in a room with unsafe levels of vapor. Your eyes would burn and flood with tears long before you reached unsafe breathing levels. Because of this fact, scientists say that acetone has "good warning properties" that limit exposure. If there is ever too much in the air, you'll know it and probably do something about it. Therefore, it is very unlikely that nail technicians could become overexposed to acetone vapors in the nail salon. Even better, it is even less likely for the clients to be overexposed, so tell them not to worry about it. Acetone is NOT suspected to cause cancer by any credible government or scientific agency, including the FDA, Center of Disease (CDC) and the World Heath Organization (WHO). If this were true, it would not be allowed or used in the professional nail industry.

What about skin absorption? Facts: Removing nail polish is very safe. Only extremely small amounts of acetone will even penetrate the top layers of the skin. Most of it evaporates and dissipates quickly from your warm skin or nails. None of the acetone will pass into the dermis or basement level of the skin. None will pass through the nail plates. So, clearly it can't absorb into the blood stream. A client soaking in acetone while removing artificial nails can have tiny amounts of acetone absorb into the blood, but the exposure is very safe... far, far below the maximum safe exposure limits.

What's the extreme exposure possibility? A client removing artificial nails, soaking all ten fingers in acetone for one hour, acetone in a dish and up to the knuckle, repeated once every three months. Gulp! Most would agree this represents the maximum exposure or worst-case scenario (of course, don't try this in your salon! Product shouldn't be removed unless necessary. Some clients successfully wear them for years without ever removing them). Even at this worse possible exposure, client's are far, far below the maximum safe limits of exposure. This is why I say that normal salon use of acetone is very safe! My fifteen years of studying chemicals and their use in salons has absolutely convinced me this is true. Fact: The major hazard with acetone is fire. Be careful how you store and use acetone. Keep it away from excessive heat and away from any flames or microwaves or cigarettes, etc. Learn how to use acetone from your supplier. It is their responsibility to provide you with this information. Also, keep all of you professional salon products away from children at all times, including acetone!

Everything I said above also applies to non-acetone products. These products use a different, but similar solvent called ethyl acetate. Of course, this solvent can also be used safely in the salon. But, it is a myth that non-acetone products are safer than acetone. Acetone is slightly safer than ethyl acetate, according to OSHA data and other scientific information. If you are interested, you can also find a whole lot more information in my book on the subjects of solvents, inhalation, keeping the salon air healthy, overexposure, etc. Lastly, both acetone and ethyl acetate can be drying to the skin. They are such a good solvents- they can rob the skin of its natural oils- voila- dry skin. So, use a good lotion or moisturizer oil after you use either of these solvents. This will help combat dryness problems with nails and skin. You'll be amazed at how much a good lotion, cream or moisturizing oil will help to restore and protect your skin and nails. To prevent over dryness, work professionally and limit your skin and nail exposure whenever possible. For example, discuss and learn about "speedy" product removal techniques from co-workers or net buddies. Use plastic back cotton pads, to prevent drying of your finger tips and avoid cleaning your skin with a solvent stronger than good ol' water. Hope this information helps.

Bye for now,

Doug Schoon