What Percent Alcohol Is Nail Polish Remover?
Ever opened a bottle of nail polish remover and been hit with that strong, almost eye-watering smell? That’s the alcohol and other solvents doing their thing. But how much alcohol is actually in nail polish remover? And does it make a difference in how well it works?
Let’s break it down.
How Much Alcohol Does Nail Polish Remover Contain?
The percentage of alcohol in nail polish remover varies depending on the type and formula. Generally:
- Non-acetone nail polish removers contain 50% to 90% alcohol (usually isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol).
- Acetone-based nail polish removers contain less than 10% alcohol, because acetone itself is the primary solvent.
So, if you're specifically asking about alcohol content, non-acetone removers tend to have the highest levels.
Breaking Down the Ingredients: Acetone vs. Alcohol
There are two main types of nail polish removers, and they work differently:
Acetone-Based Nail Polish Remover
- Contains 0-10% alcohol (very low, since acetone is the primary solvent).
- Acetone makes up up to 98% of the formula.
- Very effective for removing nail polish quickly, especially tough polishes like gel, glitter, and acrylics.
- Can be harsh and drying to nails and skin.
Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover
- Contains 50-90% alcohol, typically isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or ethyl alcohol.
- Uses ethyl acetate or methyl ethyl ketone instead of acetone as the primary solvent.
- Gentler on nails but requires more effort to remove polish.
- Often marketed as "moisturizing" or "conditioning" because it’s less drying than acetone.
Why Does Alcohol Matter in Nail Polish Remover?
Alcohol is used in nail polish remover for several reasons:
Helps dissolve polish – Alcohol acts as a solvent, breaking down the chemical bonds in nail lacquer.
Speeds up evaporation – This prevents remover from leaving behind a sticky residue.
Thins out the formula – Keeps the product from being too thick or oily.
However, alcohol alone is not as effective as acetone at removing polish—especially for tougher formulas like gel or shellac.
Can You Use Rubbing Alcohol as Nail Polish Remover?
Short answer? Yes, but it’s not ideal.
Most rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) comes in concentrations of 70%, 91%, or 99%, meaning it's strong. While it can break down nail polish, it’s much slower and requires more effort compared to a proper remover.
If you have no nail polish remover on hand, you can try soaking a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and holding it on your nails for a minute before wiping. It will work—but expect to rub and scrub a lot.
Acetone vs. Alcohol: Which One Is Better?
If you’re comparing nail polish removers, here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | Acetone-Based Remover | Non-Acetone (Alcohol-Based) Remover |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Content | Less than 10% | 50-90% |
| Effectiveness | Fast & powerful | Slower & requires more effort |
| Best for | Gel, acrylics, glitter polish | Regular polish, gentle removal |
| Nail Health | Can be drying | Less harsh but still drying over time |
If you need fast, effective removal, acetone is the better choice. If you have weaker nails and want a gentler option, go for a high-alcohol, non-acetone remover.
Final Thoughts: Not All Nail Polish Removers Are the Same
So, what percent alcohol is in nail polish remover? The answer depends:
Acetone-based removers – Less than 10% alcohol, mostly acetone.
Non-acetone removers – Between 50-90% alcohol, mixed with gentler solvents.
DIY substitutes (like rubbing alcohol) – Can work in an emergency, but they’re less effective.
If you’re ever stuck without remover, now you know which alternatives might (sort of) work. But honestly? If you love painting your nails, it’s worth keeping a good remover on hand—because nothing is more frustrating than stubborn polish that won’t budge.
Ever tried removing nail polish with just alcohol? Let us know how it went in the comments!
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Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
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Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.