7 Difference between Acetone and Nail Paint Remover (With Table)

Nail painting is rapidly growing in the fashion industry. It allows the fingers to make a bold statement apart from making the manicure last longer.

But there is a time when the nail polish will begin to chip off due to aging. You’ll have to remove the old nail paint before applying another enamel version.

Keep in mind that applying nail polish is easier than removing it. The removal process requires products such as acetone and nail paint remover.

So, what is the difference between acetone and nail paint remover? Acetone is a strong nail polish remover and nail paint remover is an organic solvent ideal for removing nail enamel.

This article provides further differences between acetone and nail paint remover in a tabular form. You’ll also get to know the similarities between acetone and nail paint remover at the end.

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Comparison Table (Acetone Vs Nail Paint Remover)

Basic Terms Acetone Nail Paint Remover
Definition It is a volatile, flammable, and colorless liquid that is miscible in water. It is an organic solvent that contains color, scent, and oil.
Components Acetone compound. Isopropyl alcohol and ethyl acetate.
Miscibility in Water Miscible It is not miscible but it depending on the content.
Application Beauty industry

Plastic Industry

Laboratory

Pharmaceutical industry

Mostly in the beauty industry
Suitable for Dark nails and shellac manicures. Sensitive skin and light skin colors.
Advantages More effective and efficient. Work slower when removing the enamel.
Disadvantages Make the nails brittle and cuticle irritated. Not ideal for shellac manicures.

What Is Acetone?

Acetone is also known as propanone. It is a colorless solvent with a strong scent and is extracted from organic compounds. The chemical formula of acetone is CH3 (CO) CH3.

Acetone is commonly used in laboratories, the beauty industry, the plastic industry, pharmaceutical firms, and the electronic industry.

The solvent has cleansing properties active in most cosmetic products. You’ll find acetone as an ingredient in skin creams and nail paint removers.

The colorless solvent works by breaking down the top layer of the nail polish. This nail paint usually contains plasticizers, film formers, and color pigment.

If you are looking to remove nail polish faster and effectively, consider acetone product. It takes less time and effort to get rid of the nail enamel.

Prolong exposure to acetone may cause brittle nails and whitening of the cuticles. It is not the perfect choice for people with sensitive skin. (Check Acetone Best Deals on Amazon).

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What Is Nail Paint Remover?

It is a colorless liquid that contains organic solvents, oils, scents, and colors. It may come as a liquid product or a small cotton pad soaked in remover.

Nail paint remover is classified as either acetone remover or non-acetone remover. Acetone contains dilute propanone making it more effective and efficient.

Non-acetone contains other alternatives such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, petroleum, and isopropyl alcohol. It also contains moisturizing agents to prevent the drying effect.

Nail paint remover work by dissolving the colors, glues, and plastics. These enamel products are removed by cotton balls or pads. It is gentle and ideal for sensitive skin.

But the non-acetone counterpart is not effective on hard colors. You’ll take a couple of minutes to break down the top layer of the nail polish. (Check Nail Polish Remover Best Deals on Amazon).

Main Difference between Acetone and Nail Paint Remover

  1. Acetone is an ingredient of nail paint remover. Nail paint remover contains different types of solvent.
  2. Acetone is miscible in the water while nail paint remover is immiscible in water.
  3. Acetone is more effective and efficient in removing nail polish. Nail paint remover is less effective though it depends on the type.
  4. Acetone takes less time and effort in removing the nail polish. Nail paint remover may take up to 20 minutes and scrubbing to remove the polish.
  5. Acetone is more concentrated and damages the cuticles. Nail paint remover is gentle on the cuticles and nails.

Similarities between Acetone and Nail Paint Remover

  1. Both are solvents
  2. Both are volatile
  3. Both are flammable
  4. Both can irritate the skin
  5. Both are poisonous when ingested or inhaled.

Conclusion

The main difference between acetone and nail paint remover depends on their composition. Acetone contains stronger cleansing properties compared to nail paint remover.

But these two solvents are colorless and ideal for their washing-out properties. If you’re looking to remove nail polish with less effort and time, consider acetone over nail paint remover.

Keep in mind that these products may have side effects on your nails and cuticles. Avoid overusing them and exposing your fingers for a longer period.

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