Acetone versus Non Acetone Nail Polish Remover

By guest blogger Joan Yvonne Kahn

Many people are under the false impression that "acetone free" or "non-acetone" polish remover is somehow safer or better for your nails. This just isn't true! Acetone is an extremely safe and effective solvent when used properly. It's just as safe as any other type of nail polish remover. Acetone is used safely in much (MUCH!) larger quantities by other industries. You will not become overexposed to acetone by using the small amounts needed for manicures.
Just follow these easy rules:
• Use it in a well-ventilated room. Don't huff it!
• It's not intended for consumption. Don't do shots!
• It's flammable. Don't do your nails by romantic candlelight!

Is it bad for your skin?
Because acetone is just temporarily dehydrating, with the addition of oil to nail enamel remover product there's no need to worry about it as your skin will naturally restore its moisture levels within about 30 minutes. Acetone removes nail polish quickly off the nail plate so it is more effective to remove varnish off natural nails.

About 15 years ago, scientists formulated new solvents, and began marketing remover’s labelled “non-acetone,” which made some people think acetone was toxic. But acetone is present in the human body (a product of fat breakdown) and has been mass-produced by scientists for nearly 100 years. There’s no scientific basis to say acetone is more dangerous than the alternative solvents. Acetone is one of the safest solvents other than water.

Non-acetone/acetone free polish remover is actually MORE drying for your skin, simply because it's a less effective solvent. It works more slowly so you have to use more of it for a longer amount of time. This means you spend more time in contact with it and are exposed to more of it. Unless you are actually allergic to acetone, there's no need to avoid it. Non-acetone removers were developed for the artificial nail market.

I believe the main source of confusion about the safety of acetone comes from the marketing attached to non-acetone removers. These removers are usually made from either methyl ethyl ketone or ethyl acetate, but the main phrase advertised on the bottle is "acetone free". Without actually lying to us, those words imply that acetone is something we should avoid. So don't fall for this marketing trick; if you want to use acetone remover, then go right ahead! Acetone is a quick, safe and effective way to remove your nail varnish from the natural nail!

Note from JessMN: Acetone is produced and disposed of in the human body through normal metabolic processes. It is normally present in blood and urine. Ketogenic diets that increase acetone in the body are used to counter epileptic attacks in infants and children who suffer from recalcitrant refractory epilepsy. Now, I'm not saying its safe to drink the stuff, but it is definitely not the harmful substance some people make it out to be.