Acetone is found in nail polish removers and many other products. The substance is effective as a solvent, but it can be harmful to skin, nails and the environment.
Acetone is a solvent. It can even dissolve varnish and is therefore a component of many nail polishes. Acetone is also used in industry, for example when producing plexiglass. It is also a component of some cleaning products and adhesives. The chemical name of acetone is propanone.
Acetone is liquid at room temperature, but it is also volatile, meaning it evaporates quickly. The advantage is that the material only remains on your skin for a short time when you touch it. The disadvantage is that acetone and its smell quickly spread into the air.
But why is that problematic?
Problems with acetone
If your hands are dry and irritated after a manicure, it may be because you frequently use nail polish remover that contains acetone. Acetone also dissolves your skin’s natural oils, making it brittle or cracked and prone to inflammation. That’s why you should come into contact with acetone as rarely as possible. Acetone can also irritate the nail plate itself, causing the nails to become dry and brittle.
If you inhale large amounts of acetone, dizziness or headaches would likely result. Acetone is also highly flammable.
To protect the environment, avoid disposing of acetone with wastewater to avoid contaminating groundwater and surface water.
Tips for using acetone
Acetone is an effective nail polish remover, but it is not gentle on the skin. Therefore, note the following tips:
- If you have used nail polish remover that contains acetone, then care for your hands with a cream that protects the skin from drying out and nourishes the nails.
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Ventilate the room while using substances containing acetone. The substance is volatile and therefore spreads quickly into the air.
- Avoid acetone and use acetone-free nail polish removers. However, when purchasing, make sure that the nail polish does not contain other questionable substances instead. Apps like Codecheck can help you with this.
Edited by Annika Reketat
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