Q: What’s the difference between polish removers that contain acetone and those that don’t? Which is preferred?
A: Both acetone and non-acetone polish removers are solvents (which means they have the ability to dissolve other substances). The solvent acetone is never present in nail polish; non-acetone polish removers use solvents that are found in nail polish, usually a combination of solvents including butyl acetate and ethyl acetate.
As far as which is preferred, it’s really your personal preference. Acetone is stronger and takes polish off more easily, but it dries out the nails. So, if you use acetone it’s advisable to then use a cream or oil to replace the moisture. Acetone polish removers are preferred when prepping natural nails, since you want the natural oils removed at this stage of a manicure.
Non-acetone removers have an oily feel to them. They don’t dry out the nails as much. There’s also the issue of if one solvent is more harmful than another, but in my experience both, have such small concentrations and are used in such small amounts that no substantial harm is caused by either. – Faina Ritz is vice president of Duri Cosmetics.
Source: Nails Magazine November 2007.
More about Acetone polish remover, another post on Vampy Varnish blog titled “Acetone Nail Polish Remover: Friend or Foe?”, is a great reading for you who want to dig more about the safety of this kind of remover. Basically, the writer got an information from her uncle and aunt, who are both Scientists and had mentioned it could be bad for health. Then, she wrote in details the information, facts and her analysis on Acetone. I would be interested in knowing your opinions, so write me a comment.
At Esther’s Nail Center we have only natural and non-toxic nail polish remover: Suncoat Natural Nail Polish Remover and Piggy Paint Non-Toxic Remover.
Suncoat Natural Nail Polish remover is an earth friendly product. It is naturally derived from farm crops (100% soya and corn based) and does not contain any petroleum ingredients. It is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and readily biodegradable. It works for both water-based nail polish and conventional nail polish. It is an excellent replacement for traditional chemical nail polish remover including acetone based polish remover or acetate based polish remover (so-called acetone-free remover).
Suncoat Ingredients: ethyl lactate (from corn fermentation), methyl soyate (from soya oil), vegetable glycerin, D-limonene (from orange)
Piggy Paint Non-Toxic Remover is non-toxic, odorless, made from natural ingredients, non-Acetone, Hypoallergenic and Biodegradable. It’s safe to use, and contains none of the solvents that could offend your nose or harm our atmosphere. Aloe Vera and Vitamin E are added to supplement the natural oils that protect nails and cuticles. This product is targeted to kids but can be used by anyone.
Piggy Paint Ingredients: Methyl alcohol, butyl diglycol, aloe vera extract, Vitamin E, embittering agent.
Esther's Nail Center