You are here: Home / Medical Articles and Infographics / Difference Between Acetone and Non Acetone Nail Polish Remover
Everyone loves to keep their nails looking beautiful. If you’re a fan of nail art, chances are you want to try different colors and styles frequently. When you’re ready for a new look regarding your nails, the first thing you reach for is your trusty nail polish remover. When you’re shopping for nail polish remover, you probably noticed that there are a lot of options. The difference between products is which solvent is used to remove the nail polish. Some have acetone as the main ingredient, while others do not. Both will work to remove nail polish, but you might prefer one over the other.
Acetone vs Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover
Acetone is a clear liquid that is incredibly powerful, easily recognized by its harsh smell. This is a chemical solvent that is derived from isopropyl alcohol, and it is strong enough to dissolve plastic. That it works so quickly when used to remove nail polish. It is also commonly found as the active ingredient in commercial paint removers and thinners.
Non-acetone nail polish remover, on the other hand, has a different active ingredient called ethyl acetate. Ethyl acetate is made from acetic acid and ethanol (which means it is highly flammable, so please be careful when using it). This chemical has a distinct scent, which is why it is also used in making some perfumes and other scented products.
Which Works Best?
Now that you know the difference between ingredients in nail polish removers, how do you know which one will work best for you? If you have artificial nails (also known as acrylic or gel tips), you shouldn’t use a nail polish remover that contains acetone. The solvent in that kind of nail polish remover will damage the plastic used to make your artificial nails, and weaken the adhesive used to attach them to your natural nails. If you have gel tips or acrylic nails, ask your nail artist which non-acetone remover they recommend.
If you have natural nails you can use either acetone or non-acetone nail polish remover. But if you’re a fan of using thick, metallic or glittery nail polish or other varnishes that are hard to remove, acetone nail polish remover will make quick work of the job so your nails are a clear and fresh canvas, ready for a new look.
Properly Using the Products
Since both of these products contain harsh solvents, make sure you use them safely by applying them in small amounts in a well ventilated room. If you are concerned about using chemical nail polish removers, you can always look for an all-natural, biodegradable nail polish remover as well.
Selecting the right nail polish remover means that you can change the way your nails look frequently, without having to spend a lot of time worrying if the old polish will come off or if traces of it still remain. Now that you know the difference between acetone and non-acetone nail polish removers, shopping for fun, new nail products will be easier than ever.
