What is the common solvent used in nail polish remover?

What is the common solvent used in nail polish remover? Acetone is the most common solvent used in nail polish remover.

Acetone is a colorless, highly volatile organic liquid and the simplest ketone. Its solvent properties allow it to break down the polymers and other ingredients that form a hardened nail-polish film, making the coating easier to wipe away. It is particularly effective on acrylic, gel, and dip-powder products.

The chemical is also widely used outside beauty care. It can dissolve or soften certain plastics, synthetic fibers, paints, epoxies, and adhesives, so laboratories and workshops often use it as a cleaning solvent. Acetone mixes readily with water and evaporates quickly because of its low boiling point.

Not every remover contains acetone. “Acetone-free” formulas may use ethyl acetate, sometimes blended with isopropyl alcohol, and can be gentler for some users while taking longer to remove durable coatings. Oils, fragrances, and coloring may also be added to either type of remover, but they are not the primary solvent.