Is Nail Polish Remover The Same As Rubbing Alcohol?

Many individuals may question if nail polish remover and rubbing alcohol are the same things and if they can clean their nails with a container of rubbing alcohol if there is no nail polish remover available.

It is reasonable since rubbing alcohol is a multipurpose chemical with a strong odor. So when smelling it, people may think of nail polish remover.

Is Nail Polish Remover The Same As Rubbing Alcohol?

It is clearly stated that nail polish remover and rubbing alcohol are not the same. Although rubbing alcohol is one of the chemicals in nail polish remover, nail polish remover is not rubbing alcohol.

To clarify, acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and ethyl acetate are the three major constituents in nail polish remover, two of which are alcohols, including isopropyl alcohol – a rubbing alcohol-like substance.

When acetic acid (the active ingredient in vinegar) and ethanol are combined, they produce ethyl acetate, also known as an ester. In other words, esters are generated when alcohol and an acid interact chemically.

As a result, even if a nail polish remover contains a sufficient amount of rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based chemicals, it is not the same as rubbing alcohol.

Can You Use Rubbing Alcohol As A Nail Polish Remover?

You can use rubbing alcohol as a nail polish remover, but it will take a long time, and the results will not be as excellent as using nail polish remover.

The reason is that nail polish remover is not a type of rubbing alcohol, although both have a strong odor. In addition, nail remover contains both alcohol and acetone, but acetone is the primary ingredient.

It will be acceptable to remove your nails using pure acetone, but it will be a waste of time and effort if you merely use alcohol.

Acetone is a ketone, not an alcoholic ingredient. Also, it is a much stronger chemical if compared to rubbing alcohol, and it can dissolve the plastic-acrylic bond present in your nail polish.

On the other hand, the chemical composition of rubbing alcohol, comparable to that of ethanol, makes it incapable of dissolving plastic or nail polish as well as nail polish remover.

In case you do not have a nail polish remover in hand, rubbing alcohol can still be used as a solvent in the same way as acetone can. Still, you must immerse your fingertips in the alcohol, allow it to soak for longer than acetone, and clean the nail polish with a nail cotton swab several times.

However, the nail removal result will depend on the rubbing alcohol you have. The most common type of rubbing alcohol is ethanol, which is a less potent solvent. This form of alcohol has a much more difficult time breaking down the molecular connections holding nail polish together.

Isopropyl alcohol, on the other hand, is a strong solvent that can dissolve oil and adhesive, which is why it is frequently used for deep cleaning.

Can You Use Nail Polish Remover As Rubbing Alcohol? 

You can use rubbing alcohol to remove nail polish, however, nail polish remover cannot be used as rubbing alcohol because it comprises acetone, a solvent.

Acetone can harm the plastic in your equipment, including keyboards, laptops, or other electronic devices. Although acetone melts nail polish, it also dissolves the plastic in devices, resulting in serious damage and perhaps destroying them.

Furthermore, nail polish remover contains acetone, which is extremely drying and can lead to skin irritation. As a result, you should not use it to disinfect wounds or as rubbing alcohol on your hands.

Do Nail Polish Remover and Rubbing Alcohol Have Any Resemblances?

Although the answer to your concern “Is nail polish remover the same as rubbing alcohol? ” is no, some features of these two are similar.

First, nail polish remover and rubbing alcohol have pretty the same molecule structure.

Three carbon (C) atoms, six hydrogens (H) atoms, and one oxygen (O) atom make up the nail polish remover, and it can be written as (CH3)2O.

Besides, the molecular formula for rubbing alcohol is C3H8O, which contains three carbon (C) atoms, eight hydrogens (H) atoms, and one oxygen (O) atom. CH3CHOHCH3, C3H7OH, or (CH3)2CHOH are all examples of its molecular composition.

Second, both compounds are colorless and transparent combustible liquids. Therefore, no matter which method you use, remember to keep them away from open fires and sources of heat.

Last but not least, both have a pungent odor about them.

To be more specific, the smell of rubbing alcohol is unpleasant and alcoholic. Nail polish remover, on the other hand, has a strong, floral, cucumber-like aroma.

What Can You Do With A Nail Polish Remover?

Nail polish remover is helpful for more than just nails. This multi-tasking product has a lot of uses that you may not know clearly.

Remove ink stains 

Wipe the afflicted parts with acetone using a cotton ball. Wash the skin with soap and water once the ink stains have faded.

Also, you can remove ink stains on the drum of your dryer with this product.

Clean leather shoes

Try immersing them in nail paint remover and cleaning them with a damp cloth. This technique can also be used on other items, such as a handbag.

Use a wet cotton ball to remove dust areas effectively on such things.

Clean razors

The most active nail polish remover ingredient is acetone, a disinfectant. So you can extend the razor’s life by soaking it in water to disinfect and rinsing out any crud between the blades.

What Can You Do With Rubbing Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is known as a household chemical, and it offers various potential applications in your daily life.

Reduce body odor

Rubbing alcohol may help kill bacteria that cause odors.

To eradicate body odors, rubbing alcohol under your armpits. However, you should not apply it right after shaving because it may sting.

Clean makeup brushes 

You may use the disinfecting qualities of alcohol to wash your makeup brushes.

Fill a small cup halfway with rubbing alcohol, then put your makeup brush in, spinning it around for several seconds. After rinsing the brush with lukewarm water, let it dry on a cloth.

Clean electronic devices 

A tiny amount of rubbing alcohol is needed to a tissue or cloth and carefully wiped across the item.

This substance can aid in the removal of water out of electronic equipment when it is dropped into water or has water spilled on it. If the gadget is turned off, rubbing alcohol can help restore it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Alternatives To Rubbing Alcohol?

White Vinegar

White vinegar is excellent for cleaning because it includes acetic acid, which is produced during the fermentation process.

This acid eats away filth and grime while also assisting in the destruction of grease, making it ideal for cleaning work around the house.

Bleach

While bleach is much more harmful than white vinegar because of its high toxicity, it is more excellent at eradicating viral infections and other organic dangers due to this property.

What Are Some Alternatives To Nail Polish Remover?

Lemon 

It is a natural component that is frequently used in manicures. Its citric acid can be helpful for organically removing nail polish.

Vinegar

Like lemon, vinegar is acidic and can aid in the dissolution of nail polish colors. For the best result, combine a vinegar solution and lemon juice.

Toothpaste

It includes the same ingredient as the polish remover, ethyl acetate. Additionally, toothpaste containing baking soda, a famous natural cleansing and bleaching ingredient, produces positive results.

For more information about ways to remove nail polish without using a remover, take a look at this video:

Is There A Difference Between Rubbing Alcohol And Sanitizer?

Cleaning surfaces with rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer is essential.

The main distinction between rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer is that rubbing alcohol is denatured ethanol mixed with other ingredients. In contrast, hand sanitizers are water-based solutions with a high concentration of alcohol.

Conclusion

Finally, nail polish remover and rubbing alcohol are not the same due to their various compositions. Both, yet, can be used as solvents and are flammable.