Nail polish remover contains

Nail polish remover primarily contains acetone, a powerful organic solvent [2]. Chemically known as 2-propanone or dimethyl ketone, acetone is a colorless, flammable liquid with a distinct sweetish odor [2]. It is highly effective at dissolving the resins and film-forming agents found in nail polish, making it the most common active ingredient in commercial removers. While other solvents like ethyl acetate are sometimes used in 'acetone-free' formulations, acetone remains the standard due to its efficiency. It is a polar aprotic solvent that can also be found in paint strippers and varnishes [2]. Other options like benzene are toxic industrial solvents not used in cosmetics, petroleum ether is a non-polar hydrocarbon used for different industrial purposes, and acetic acid is the primary component of vinegar, which lacks the solvency required to remove hardened nail lacquer.

Sources

1. [2] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Acetone
2. [1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10882674/