Acetone
Acetone is a clear, fast-evaporating solvent commonly used in UK nail salons and at-home beauty kits. It is best known for its ability to quickly dissolve and remove nail polish, gel polish and acrylics. In very low concentrations it can also appear in some skincare formulas as a solvent or to help other ingredients mix together.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, acetone works as a highly effective volatile solvent that dissolves resins, polymers and pigments with ease, which is why it remains the gold standard for removing stubborn nail colour and artificial nail products. Because it evaporates so rapidly, it helps products dry quickly without leaving residue. At carefully controlled low levels it may be used in certain cleansing solutions or toners to help dissolve excess oils and improve the spreadability of other ingredients, though it is used far more sparingly on skin than on nails.
Key benefits
- Rapidly removes nail polish, gel and acrylics
- Evaporates quickly leaving no sticky residue
- Helps dissolve stubborn pigments and resins
- Improves the flow and mixing of certain formulas
- Can reduce the need for excessive rubbing when removing nail products
- Gives a clean, fast finish to salon-quality manicures
Best for
nail-focused use rather than facial skin, oily skin in very low concentrations
Where it comes from
While acetone occurs naturally in small amounts in many plants, fruits and even the human body, the acetone used in beauty products is produced synthetically through industrial fermentation or petrochemical processes for purity and consistency.