This article discusses what acetone is, how it is used, and its effects on the skin. It also covers what happens with overexposure and the signs of acetone poisoning.
What Is Acetone?
A small amount of acetone is produced by our bodies during the process of metabolism. When metabolism breaks down food and turns it into glucose for energy, insulin moves the glucose into cells from the bloodstream. If the body isn’t getting enough carbohydrates, the amount of glucose is limited, leaving the body to use fat stores as fuel. When fat is broken down by the liver, it creates chemicals known as ketones. Acetone is the main ketone created in this process.
Acetone can be found in trees, plants, volcanoes, forest fires, landfills, tobacco, and car exhaust. It exists in certain fruits and vegetables as well.
How It’s Used
One of the most notable uses for acetone is nail polish remover. Acetone is a solvent and can break down nail polish for easier removal with a cotton swab or pad. It is commonly used because it mixes easily with water and evaporates quickly. Its ability to quickly dissolve substances including paint, glue, and other stains is a reason why it is often an ingredient in industrial and household cleaning products, too.
Other uses for acetone include:
Removing gum, oil, and other sticky substances from wool and silkProviding a protective coating for furniture and car finishesDissolving StyrofoamManufacturing drugs
Acetone’s Effects on Skin
Acetone can enter the body through the nose, mouth, or skin. It then gets into the bloodstream and is carried through the body to the organs. The effects it produces will depend on how much acetone is in the body. If just a small amount of the chemical is taken in—as usually is the case when the skin is exposed to it through the use of cleaning supplies or nail polish remover—the liver will filter it out naturally by breaking it down into nonharmful chemicals that can be used as energy.
In the event that the exposure is high, acetone poisoning can occur and lead to symptoms like:
Irritation of the eyes, lungs, throat, and noseHeadachesLightheadednessConfusionIncreased pulse rateNausea and vomitingComa (in rare and severe cases)
These effects are typically felt when acetone is breathed in in high amounts over a short period of time. Irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes can occur from breathing in acetone at 100 ppm–900 ppm (parts per million), whereas the more serious side effects, such as headaches and confusion, typically are felt at levels reaching 12,000 ppm.
When acetone gets on the skin, it can cause it to become red, dry, and cracked, referred to as dermatitis. Although using acetone on the skin for long periods of time can lead to dermatitis, it is generally safe to use in moderate amounts.
Typically, the amount absorbed through nail polish remover and household products is very small and doesn’t pose any health problems when used sparingly.
How to Prevent Skin Problems
To avoid overexposure to acetone, you can limit how often you use products containing the chemical. When using cleaning products with acetone, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
If you are most likely to be exposed to acetone while painting your nails, limit how much polish and remover you use and avoid soaking your nails in a liquid containing acetone. To completely avoid the effects of acetone on the skin in this way, you could opt for a nail polish remover without acetone.
If large spills of products containing acetone occur, wash the exposed area with soap and water as soon as possible for at least 15 minutes and apply a moisturizer to prevent drying effects. You should also take off any clothing or shoes that have acetone on them.
A Word From Verywell
Since acetone is a naturally occurring chemical within the body, it’s not as harmful as one might think, as long as exposure is low. It can still cause health issues if you are exposed to large amounts of acetone or use acetone for long periods of time. Getting acetone on your skin can lead to dermatitis. You don’t have to discontinue the use of all acetone products, but it’s important to remember that breathing in or getting a large amount of acetone on your skin can be dangerous. Use the product sparingly and you’ll likely avoid any detrimental side effects of acetone.
