Nail Polish and Glue Removers: How to Nail It
The Bottom Line
Nail polish remover is usually acetone, which can cause skin irritation and brittle nails. Acetone can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and by ingestion. Swallowing acetone can cause irritation, vomiting, depression, seizures, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, acidosis, and other metabolic effects. Nail glue remover is usually an oil that has low toxicity.
What is nail polish remover made of?
Nail polish remover is usually acetone, which can cause skin irritation and brittle nails. Acetone can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and by ingestion. Swallowing acetone can cause irritation, vomiting, depression, seizures, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, acidosis, and other metabolic effects.
Nail polish is made of nitrocellulose and pigments. Nitrocellulose is a polymer that can be broken up or dissolved by acetone. Acetone strips nail polish from the nail surface. Acetone-free nail polish removers can contain soy-based products, gamma butyrolactone, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, methyl ethyl ketone, and n-methyl pyrrolidone, among other ingredients. Nail polish remover might also contain fragrance (0.1–1%) and a moisturizing substance such as mineral oil, lanolin, propylene glycol, or aloe vera. Products formulated for use in salons can contain stronger concentrations or more toxic ingredients than those sold for home use.
Can nail polish remover or nail glue remover damage your skin or eyes?
Acetone can cause skin irritation (redness, itching, and burning). Acetone dries out the skin, resulting in peeling and flaking. Repeated use on the nails can cause the nails to become brittle. Some people experience dermatitis associated with more serious irritation, swelling, and inflammation. Nail polish remover and nail glue are irritating to the eyes, resulting in a stinging sensation and mild injury. Mineral or vegetable oil used as a nail glue remover is not damaging to skin but can be irritating to eyes.
If you are trying to remove nail glue from skin, soak the skin in vegetable or mineral oil or apply petroleum jelly and then gently check if you can remove loosened dried glue from the skin or can separate fingers that are stuck together. If eyelids are stuck together, gauze soaked in mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or eye ointment can be applied to the eye. It might take days for the bond to loosen.
What are alternative options for removing nail polish and nail glue?
Possible home remedy alternatives to acetone and similar solvents as a nail polish remover include rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, vinegar and lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide and hot water, and toothpaste and baking soda. However, these types of products take longer to work and are less effective, so you might need to soak your nails for 15 minutes or more in these other options. Putting soaked cotton balls on your nails and wrapping them with aluminum foil can also help.
Alternatives for removing nail glue include prolonged soaking in warm soapy water or an ethanol-water or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)-water mixture.
What to do if you are having a negative reaction to nail polish remover or nail glue remover?
If you get nail polish remover or nail glue remover on your skin, immediately wash it off with soap and water. If you get either polish or glue remover in your eye, flushing the eye with water for 10–15 minutes will decrease exposure and minimize the possibility of severe injury. If someone accidentally swallows a small amount of nail polish remover and has no symptoms, you can watch them at home. If someone swallows a large amount or has symptoms, they might require medical treatment and observation. If someone swallows an oil-based nail glue remover, no treatment is usually necessary except in the unlikely event of aspiration with symptoms of coughing, choking, or difficulty breathing.
Help from experts is available through the webPOISONCONTROL online tool and by phone at 1-800-222-1222 Poison Control’s expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
Wendy Klein-Schwartz, Pharm.D., MPH
Clinical Toxicologist
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Store nail polish and nail glue remover up, away, and out of sight of children.
- Follow warnings on label.
- Use nail polish remover that contains a moisturizer to minimize nail dryness.
- Use nail polish remover in a well-ventilated area.
- Store and use nail polish remover away from flames, cigarettes, and sources of heat.
- Carefully apply nail polish and nail glue remover to the nails only.
- Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to cuticles will protect them from acetone containing nail products.
- Avoid getting nail polish and nail glue remover on your skin, in your eyes, or on clothing.
- Use fragrance-free nail polish if you are sensitive to fragrances.
- Report adverse reactions to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This Really Happened
A 30-month-old boy was found unresponsive. During transport to a hospital, he had a seizure. In the ER, he was unresponsive with a decreased body temperature. His breath smelled sweet and fruity. His breathing rate decreased, and he required respiratory support. Laboratory test abnormalities included increased blood glucose, increased blood ketones, and acidosis. Serum acetone level was high. His grandparents and mother informed them that a previously full 6-ounce bottle of nail polish remover (65% acetone, 10% isopropyl alcohol) was found empty on the floor with only a small amount spilled. Supportive care was provided, he improved back to his normal level, and he was discharged on day 4 of hospitalization (from Gamis & Wasserman, 1988).For More Information
References
Kechijian P. Nail polish removers: are they harmful? Semin Dermatol. 1991;10(1):26-28.
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Store nail polish and nail glue remover up, away, and out of sight of children.
- Follow warnings on label.
- Use nail polish remover that contains a moisturizer to minimize nail dryness.
- Use nail polish remover in a well-ventilated area.
- Store and use nail polish remover away from flames, cigarettes, and sources of heat.
- Carefully apply nail polish and nail glue remover to the nails only.
- Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to cuticles will protect them from acetone containing nail products.
- Avoid getting nail polish and nail glue remover on your skin, in your eyes, or on clothing.
- Use fragrance-free nail polish if you are sensitive to fragrances.
- Report adverse reactions to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).