What is a common ingredient found in nail polish remover?

Nail polish remover commonly contains acetone, which is an effective solvent that is capable of breaking down the film-forming agents in nail polish. This property allows acetone to dissolve polish quickly and efficiently, making it a preferred choice in many formulations. In addition to its effectiveness, acetone evaporates quickly, which can be beneficial for minimizing residue on the nails after removal.

While isopropyl alcohol is also a solvent and has some ability to remove nail polish, it is generally less effective than acetone in this particular application. Hydrogen peroxide and formaldehyde are not used in nail polish removers; hydrogen peroxide is more commonly associated with disinfectants and teeth whitening, while formaldehyde is typically found in some nail hardeners and other cosmetics but not in removers. Acetone’s properties make it the standard ingredient for this purpose, ensuring that nail polish can be removed easily and thoroughly.