Acetone and rubbing alcohol are not the same. Acetone is the active ingredient in nail polish remover. It's also the active ingredient in many other industrial solvents. Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is used to disinfect and cleanse wounds. Acetone is a powerful solvent, which is why it dissolves nail polish so effectively. Rubbing alcohol does have some solvent properties, but in much lower concentration.