Nail polish remover was one of the last items I replaced as I transitioned towards a chemical-free lifestyle. Honestly, I didn’t think it would be possible to replace this one until I accidentally messed up my manicure with lemongrass essential oil.
Until then, acetone nail polish remover was my go-to.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuhLQMnlC4c?list=PLtvaBsFfDyhl627zrU5EyquqmNWHkEEk5]
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Acetone is a super smelly, colourless, volatile and flammable solvent often found in nail polish. It’s actually present in many other household items such as paint remover, detergents and cleaning products.
Although it may be a useful substance, the nasty side of acetone is that it can cause:
- nose, throat, lung and eye irritation
- headaches and fatigue
- light-headedness, dizziness and confusion
- nausea and vomiting
- a bunch more unpleasant side effects…
(Source: Tox Town)
These are just some of the reasons I wanted to find an alternative to standard nail polish remover. I researched a variety of different natural options on the Web; however, they never worked well for me. Lemongrass worked amazing.
Caution: lemongrass essential oil is considered a “hot” oil and can cause permanent skin sensitivity. Always do a skin patch test when introducing a new essential oil: for adults, one drop of essential oil in one teaspoon of carrier oil massaged on the inside of the wrist; for children, one drop of essential oil in one tablespoon of carrier oil. Should you experience an adverse reaction such as redness, burning sensation or rash, add more carrier oil to the site and rinse with water.
Once the nail polish is removed, I add myrrh essential oil to my cuticles and carrier oil to my hands to moisturize. At the same time, the carrier oil dilutes any lemongrass essential oil that may end up on your fingers.
Enjoy!
M.
