What ingredient in nail polish remover can cause drying of the nails?

Acetone is the correct choice because it is a powerful solvent commonly used in nail polish removers. Its effectiveness in breaking down the components of nail polish is well-known, but this strength also means it can strip away natural oils and moisture from the nails and surrounding skin. Frequent exposure to acetone can lead to dryness and potentially weaken the nails over time.

While ethyl acetate is another common solvent found in some nail polish removers, it tends to have a less drying effect compared to acetone. Isopropyl alcohol can also be drying, but it is not specifically formulated as a nail polish remover and is more commonly used as a disinfectant. Hydrogen peroxide is primarily used for its antiseptic properties and does not specifically relate to nail polish removal. Therefore, acetone's potent drying effect on nails makes it the primary ingredient associated with this concern.