What is the main ingredient used in nail polish remover?

The primary ingredient used in nail polish remover is acetone or non-acetone solvents. Acetone is a powerful solvent that effectively breaks down the compounds in nail polish, making it easy to remove from the nails. It evaporates quickly and does not leave a residue, which is why it is favored for its efficiency.

Non-acetone solvents, such as ethyl acetate, are also used in some removers, particularly those designed for sensitive skin types or for use with artificial nails, as they are generally less harsh compared to acetone. They may work more slowly than acetone but are gentler on both the nails and skin.

While alcohol, water, and glycerin may have various uses in nail care, they do not serve the primary function of effectively removing polish. Alcohol can help with some cleaning tasks but lacks the strong solvent properties needed to dissolve nail polish efficiently. Water and glycerin are largely ineffective for this purpose, as they do not have the necessary solvent qualities to break down the chemical bonds in nail polish. Thus, acetone or non-acetone solvents are the main active ingredients recognized for nail polish remover formulations.