Acetone Awareness
ask an expert: nail polish removerscanada
(Aug.13.10)
Are acetone nail polish removers harmful?
Julianne F. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and Leeanne Colley, owner of Tips Nail Bar, answered:
Companies began marketing non-acetone removers about 15 years ago. This automatically gave consumers a reason to believe acetone was dangerous.
There is no scientific basis to say acetone is more dangerous than the alternative solvents. The truth is, acetone is an extremely safe solvent and is present in the human body (a product of fat breakdown).
Acetone can absorb some moisture from the natural nails, but so can non-acetone removers. Removing surface oils and moisture on normal, healthy nails is not that big of a deal. We do it every time we wash and dry our hands.
Negative effects can happen when over-doing anything. If we remove and reapply our nail polish too often, this may cause the natural nail plate to look dried out. This can happen with any type of nail polish remover.
Natural nails restore moisture very quickly on their own, but if this is a concern to you, apply cuticle cream or oil after removing polish.
Most salons choose to use acetone removers opposed to non-acetone. Reason being, it is very effective when removing pigment from the nail and won’t leave a residue or stain. Acetone also temporarily dehydrates the nail plate which few people know will actually increase the longevity of a manicure.
When removing lacquer using a non-acetone remover you have to laboriously rub on the natural nail and the odour lingers longer. Acetone evaporates much faster than other solvents so the odour is reduced very quickly.
It's very important to always remember that all of the solvents used in regular removers are flammable and a bit smelly, so keep them away from heat and crack open a window during a home manicure.
Leeanne Colley has been a highly acclaimed award-winning nail technician for 15 years and is the owner of Tips Nail Bar in Toronto. For more information, please visit www.tipsnailbar.ca.
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