by Doug Schoon

Pure Acetone – Can I Be Allergic?

ASK DOUG

“Hi Doug, I recently attended one of your Scientist and the Geek presentations the UK where you stated that no one could be allergic to acetone.

Why is this? I would love to share this with my college class and would like more information so I could better inform them.”  ~anonymous

ANSWER

This is a great question since many incorrectly believe they are allergic to acetone.

Also, I loved that you want to share the info with others. Oh yeah, that’s what it’s all about!

So in that light, I wanted to share with you my response to her, so you may benefit as well. I hope you enjoy.

Your Body Makes Acetone!

The chemical structure of acetone doesn’t trigger the immune response largely because acetone is found naturally in our body as a by-product of food metabolism.

It would NOT be good to for our bodies to become allergic to something that is naturally found in our bodies.

Doug Schoon, Author of Nail Structure and Product Chemistry

Only certain kinds of substances can trigger allergic reactions.

Acetone and all of its closely related chemical cousins don’t cause allergic reactions, because they don’t have the proper chemical composition and shape.

Acetone can cause skin dryness, which some misinterpret as allergy. Skin dryness and flaking is likely only skin “irritation”, which is different from an “allergy”.

Allergy vs. Irritation

Skin allergies are permanent and irreversible.

Skin irritations are temporary and reversible.

So What Am I Allergic To?

Some incorrectly believe they are allergic, because they’ve had a skin reaction while removing nail coatings with acetone.

The acetone won’t cause the allergy, but they may be allergic to ingredients from the product that is dissolved in the acetone.

This is why skin contact with nail coating ingredients with acetone solvents should be minimized as much as possible.

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