La Consolacion College, Liloan, Cebu, Inc.

Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu

An Investigatory Project

Citrofortunella Microcarpa Extract – Vinegar alternative for Acetone

RESEARCHERS

Kristina Noelle Vistal

Addie Marie Verallo

Thearica Rosell

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 ABSTRACT

This study aims to make an alternative for acetone, using substances that have properties
that are similar to it. Propanone, also known as acetone contains strong chemicals that may
be harsh to the nails so the researchers decided to make an alternative nail polish remover
with milder contents so it would not dry out the nails. To achieve the objective,
Citrofortunella Microcarpa (Calamansi) extract and vinergar are used to make the
alternative nail polish remover. Aside from it is made up of natural ingredients, it can also
be easily found at home, people would not need to spend a big amount of money. The
researchers investigated on the mixture if it was an effective alternative. Equal amounts of
Citrofortunella Microcarpa (Calamansi) extract and vinergar were made into a mixture.
During the testing, the alternative nail polish remover was found to require more effort on
removing the nail polish, but the final results were satisfactory. The product was less drying
and less aggresive. The researchers conducted more experiments and recorded the number
of strokes, the number of coats, the time it takes to remove all the nail polish and the type of
nail polish it can remove. Both variables have given a difference in the data. Therefore, the
alternative nail polish remover can serve its purpose but is not as fast as the acetone.
However, the product works in keeping the nails healthy.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..1

ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..2

TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………………………………………….3

LIST OF TABLES………………………………………………………………………………………………….5

INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

Background of the Study………………………………………………………………………….. 6

Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………………………….6

Significance of the Study……………………………………………………………………………6

Scope and Limitations of the Study ……………………………………………………………7

Definition of Terms……………………………………………………………………………………7

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE …………………………………………………………………….8

Acetone…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8

Citrofortunella Microcarpa ……………………………………………………………………….8

Vinegar…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9

METHODOLOGY…………………………………………………………………………………………………10

Materials…………………………………………………………………………………………………10

Procedures……………………………………………………………………………………………...10

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS……………………………………………………………………………….11

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ………………………………………….13

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BIBLIOGRAPHY………………………………………………………………………………………………..14

PHOTO DOCUMENTATION……………………………………………………………………………….15

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA……………………………………………………………………………………...16

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS……………………………………………………………………………………18

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11

Table 2………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11

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 CHAPTER I

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Nail polish has become part of ordinary people's lives, may it be for men or for women. In
the cosmetic industry, the use of nail polish is just as frequent as the use of make-up. But
sometimes the issue that most people encounter is how to get rid of it when it is no longer
needed, especially because the typical nail polish remover, acetone, is not always readily
available within our homes.

Due to this, the researchers have decided to conduct a study on finding better ways in
terms of nail polish removal. The researchers want to figure out an alternative for acetone,
one that is cheaper and more accessible to people. We want to prove that there are natural
methods in getting rid of nail polish and that it does not necessarily have to involve the use
of strong chemicals.

PROBLEM

The following problems help support our study:

1. Can vinegar and citrofortunella microcarpa extract serve as an alternative nail polish
remover?
2. Is this vinegar – citrofortunella microcarpa extract alternative as effective as
acetone?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The findings of this study aim to provide an easier way for people to remove nail polish
with less chemicals. Unlike the normal nail polish remover or acetone, this mixture does not
involve any chemicals that may be harmful to our health. Our research provides the
essential information in identifying if through the use of natural ingredients, nail polish can
be removed. This study can highly benefit ordinary people who make use of nail polish.
Since the regular nail polish remover or acetone is not typically available within our
households, this study can help make nail polish remover more accessible. Aside from this,
it also comes at a cheap price and can easily be made by anyone.

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 SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This study is only applicable to those people who are in their homes and is searching for an
alternative for acetone for the mean time. The research our group has made is not liable for
any incidents that may happen. For further guidance, the experiment our group has
conducted does not require expensive ingredients namely lemon and apple cider vinegar
thus, if someone insisted to use it, it is their will. This will also serve as a life hack to
everybody but not a medical treatment for any illness or wounds. Experiments like this
help us discover things that are obscure. To be able to finish this we need enough leisure
and commitment towards our work and in giving other people some ideas that would
probably be needed in the near future. In behalf of everything that might possibly come, our
research is for local usage only and only removes cheaper brands of nail polish removers.
This is not intended for any professional uses.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Accesible –easy to reach

Acetone – a solvent used to remove nail polish

Calamondin – is a small round acidic fruit

Citrofortunella microcarpa – scientific name for calamondin

Nail polish – is a liquid used to paint fingernails and toenails

Obscure – not well known or unclear

Professional uses – involves people with professions connected to cosmetology

Propanone - a clear liquid that burns easily and is used in paints, glues, etc. to make them
flow

Solvent- a substance that dissolves in another substance

Time-efficient – requires a less amount of time

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

ACETONE

An acetone or “propanone” is a solvent wherein you can be able to remove nail polish in
your nails whether it is located in our toes or in our fingers. Since it is considered as the
best nail polish remover it is commonly present in stores, as its demand increases its price
also does. You can purchase it at a cost of 30 pesos as of today and it is a bit expensive for it
is not essential. Ages that range from Mid 20’s up to 60’s are the ones who usually apply
nail paraphernalia. According to www.healthline.com, Acetone is a clear liquid that smells
like nail polish remover but when exposed to the air, it quickly evaporates and remains
highly flammable. Acetone is dangerous to use around an open flame. It is a solvent, which
is a liquid that can dissolve other substances.

When you touch nail polish removers that have acetone in them, you may notice that your
skin becomes very dry. Acetone is volatile. In other words, it evaporates quickly. This drying
effect is utilized by dermatologists when patients come in for a chemical peel; before
exfoliating the skin, acetone is used to first clean the skin and remove excess fat and oils in a
process called defatting. Acetone might be very useful but it is not as safe as we think, that
is why our group conduct a research about on how to make a homemade nail polish
remover that is nature friendly, harmless and much safer to use. Our group come up to this
idea with the thought of helping other people to find a cheaper way on how to remove such
coloration being applied unto their nails without using even a single drop of chemical
substances.

CITROFORTUNELLA MICROCARPA

As a replacement of acetone our group apt to use Calamondin or “Citrofortunella

microcarpa” for it is all-natural and could easily be found in our distinctive homes.
Calamondin consists of vitamin C, vitamin B6, minerals i.e. potassium, iron, calcium and
magnesium. Since it is natural it prevents our skin from cracking unlike what acetone does.
Acetone is consists of Methyl methacrylate and Bisphenol. The monomer form of this
agent has relaxation effect on smooth muscle systemically, which might be a result of nitric
oxide-mediated response. Methyl methacrylate is an enoate ester compound having
methacrylic acid as the carboxylic acid component and methanol as the alcohol component.

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 Bisphenol A is used primarily to make plastic, and products using Bisphenol is a based
plastic that have been in commercial use since 1957.

VINEGAR

Since methyl methacrylate an ingredient of acetone produces nitric oxide which is also
being produced by calamondin, a natural source of Ascorbic acid, then possibly the idea of
having calamondin as a substitute for acetone would be successful. After all, it is not the
only step to take; conducting an experiment needs time and effort. To be able to make
things up time is valuable and a definite measurement of ingredients to use is acquired.
Starting from a small pace until up to what extent it needs to be for the experiment to be
done and to be published to the public so that they could use our research towards the
certain topic our group chose to have. Calamondin is not as strong as acetone that is why in
this experiment vinegar is applied. Vinegar is a liquid consisting of about 5–20% acetic acid
(CH3COOH), water, and other trace chemicals. The acetic acid is produced by the
fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. As the most easily manufactured mild acid,
it has historically had a great variety of industrial, medical, and domestic uses, some of
which that are still commonly practiced today.

In regards to that it also provides nitric acid that helps calamondin to eliminate nail polish.
This process might take long but it would be much safer to use and prevent harmful
substances. People, especially who are fond of cosmetics but does not have enough time to
buy their own acetone or those who ran out of stock might use this as an alternative to an
expensive nail polish remove that is exposed into chemicals and is not natural at all. Aside
from its natural acidity, it won’t cause bad effects and is very affordable. To get the desired
outcome following of instructions should be done and measurements should match to the
specification

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 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

A.Materials

 equal parts calamansi extract

 cotton balls
 equal parts vinegar
 equal parts lukewarm water
 equal parts hot water

B.Procedures

1. In a regular bowl, combine equal parts lukewarm and equal parts hot water

1. Soak fingernails in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften the nail polish.

2. In a small container, mix calamansi extract and vinegar.

3. Stir the mixture and soak a cotton ball in it, press it onto the fingernails and hold it for
10-20 seconds.

4. Remove the nail polish by wiping the nail polish off, then wash hands to remove the smell
of the vinegar and calamansi extract.

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 CHAPTER IV

Results of the Study

Two fingernails were coated with the same type of nail polish at the same time and
manner. After 2 hours, as the nail polish has completely dried out, 2 types of solvents were
used to test if the alternative nail polish remover is as effective as acetone in getting rid of
nail polish.

Table 4.1 Effectivity in removing nail polish

Acetone Citrofortunella Microcarpa

– Vinegar alternative nail
polish remover
No. of coats applied 1 1
Duration of the nail polish 2 hours 2 hours
No. of strokes applied 51 83
No. of sprays 3 3
Condition of nail after Free of nail polish Free of nail polish
applied

The table above shows the comparison between using acetone and the citrofortunella
microcarpa – vinegar nail polish remover. Based on the results, it can be understood that
both of the solvents, with the same duration, number sprays and coats, are capable of
removing nail polish. However, it can also be concluded that the alternative nail polish
remover may need some more strokes in order to fulfill its purpose compared to acetone.

Table 4.2 Costs

SOLVENT MONEY COST TOTAL

Acetone  30pesos  30 pesos
Citrofortunella Microcarpa –  Calamondin – free  10 pesos
Vinegar alternative nail (freshly gathered
polish remover from a calamondin-
bearing tree)
 Vinegar – 10pesos

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The table above shows the comparison between the money that the researches spent in
trying both solvents. The data gathered proves that using the alternative nail polish
remover costs less than the typical nail polish remover.

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 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The study has shown that the citrofortunella microcarpa extract-vinegar alternative is
indeed capable of removing nail polish. Although it is not as time-efficient as acetone, it
certainly did meet its objective which is to remove nail polish. The process of gathering the
necessary data for this study involved the use of different reference materials and also
natural ingredients. The amount of calamondin extract and vinegar were very crucial in this
study for they have to be in even amounts. This research has been conducted in a cost-
effective way for the needed materials are readily available within the locality.

After conducting tests and comparisons, the researchers have concluded that the
alternative is effective in removing nail polish but it still needs more effort and more
strokes in order to do so. However, as the expenses of both solvents are compared, the
alternative costs less than that of acetone and is more accessible.

The process of gathering the necessary data for this study involved the use of different
reference materials and also natural ingredients. The amount of calamondin extract and
vinegar were very crucial for they have to be in even amounts. This study has been
conducted in a cost-effective way for the needed materials are readily available within the
locality.

As future reference, the researchers recommend that for a more efficient research, it is
better to apply more sprays of the solvent in order to decrease the number of strokes. Aside
from this, the researchers also recommend to dip the nails in water that has more hot water
compared to warm water. This process can be a factor to making the alternative nail polish
remover more effective.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

University of California Riverside College of Natural and Agriculture Sciences . Citrus

Variety Collection. Available from:
<http://www.citrusvariety.ucr.edu/citrus/calamondin.html

National Center for Biotechnology Information (2018). Methyl Methacrylate. Available from:
<https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/methyl_methacrylate#section=Top

The Vinegar Institute (2018). Vinegar. Available from: <https://versatilevinegar.org/faqs/

Krause, Lydia (2015). Acetone Poisoning. Available from:

<https://www.healthline.com/health/acetone-poisoning

Merriam-Webster Inc. (1987). Webster’s Compact Dictionary. Springfield, Massachusetts:

Merriam Webster Inc.

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 PHOTO DOCUMENTATION

Ingredients in making the alternative nail polish remover

Process in getting rid of nail polish using the alternative nail polish

Process in getting rid of nail polish using acetone

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 BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

Name: Thearica B. Rosell

Date of birth: November 11, 2001

Address: Lower Tugbongan, Consolacion, Cebu

Contact number: 09204565419

Email address: rosellthearica@gmail.com

Father: Teodorico Rosell

Mother: Novie B. Rosell

Siblings: Nathaniel B. Rosell

Nixon B. Rosell

Therese Nina B. Rosell

Name: Addie Marie C. Verallo

Date of birth: December 13, 2002

Address: Cogon, Compostela, Cebu

Contact number: 09233829479

Email address: addieverallo@gmail.com

Father: Julieto P. Verallo

Mother: Girlie E. Canazares

Sibling: None

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Name: Kristina Noelle O. Vistal

Date of birth: April 14, 2001

Address: Villa Aloha, Looc, Liloan, Cebu

Contact number: 09154414361

Email address: vistalkristina@gmail.com

Father: Samuel S. Vistal

Mother: Narcisa O. Vistal

Sibling: None

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The pleasure that follows the successful completion of an experiment would not be
complete without a sincere gratitude to the people and institutions that paved the way for
the researchers to successfully conduct their investigatory project.

The researchers would like to extend their sincerest thanks primarily to God Almighty,
who made all things possible and helped our group in making this project attainable. Also,
with the supervision of our mentors, Mrs. Liza Rivera and Ms. Elijah Argomido, for their
guidance and encouragement in every step we take.

Lastly, the researchers would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to our parents,
specifically Teodorico Rosell, Novie Rosell, Julieto Verallo, Girlie Canazares, Samuel Vistal,
and Narcisa Vistal, as well as beloved colleagues and friends, for without them our project
might not have been completed.

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