Get your gloss on… or off, rather.
Getting your nails done can be the best self-care there is, whether you do them in the salon or at home with some DIY tools and a bit of patience. Be it regular polish, gel, dip or acrylic, nail painting is a form of self expression and we are all about it.
That is, until they start to chip. Then it is out with the old and in with the new. However, the out with the old part can be more labor intensive and so this is why we are here on this article together. How should we be safely and effectively removing our polish?
Nail polish remover is an easily accessible solution, found in countless drugstores, beauty supply stores and heck, even Amazon. However, have you seen just how many options are on those shelves? From liquids to wipes, the form of nail polish remover is one thing. Then, you’ll need to note the difference between acetone and non-acetone formulas and other ingredients you may not normally think about.
No need to bite your nails with worry, as we consulted nail expert Rachel Apfel Glass. She is the founder of GLOSSLAB nail salons, with 20 locations nationwide for manicures, pedicures and of course, removal of both. After getting her tips and tricks for how best to remove both gel and regular polish, we also got her picks for the best nail polish removers you can buy now for at-home use. We then filled in our list with other top-rated polish removers, helping you find the perfect formula for your fingers and toes.
For more information, read our FAQ with our expert
The best acetone-free nail polish removers:
1. Expert pick: Cutex Non-Acetone Ultra-Care Nail Polish Remover, $4
Our expert hand-picked this formula, as it is non-acetone and more gentle on the nails and skin. Sold at Target, the affordable remover is just under $4 and made with nourishing coconut oil as well, to moisturize after stripping away the polish.
2. Expert pick: Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover, $8, original price: $12
Glass also recommended this stunning bottle of non-acetone remover, sold on Amazon now. The Mineral Fusion brand not only uses a non-drying formula, but it also is free of gluten, parabens, talc, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances and more. Plus, this can be used on regular and gel manicures for easy removal.
3. Olive & June Nail Polish Remover Pot, $10
Forget the cotton pads. Use this easy dipping system to remove your nails mess-free with Olive & June. The pot can be used to dip into, or use the sponge found on the inside of the lid for a more focused removal, using their non-acetone formula.
4. Ten Over Ten The Rose Soak, $14
We give this remover a 10-out-of-10. The Rose Soak is a great alternative to acetone, as it gently removed polish with their liquid formula containing rosehip, horsetail leaf extract, aloe and vitamin E.
5. ella+mila Soy Nail Polish Remover, $11
For an unscented removal, have you tried soy? Ella + Mila have a great formula for both, using an unscented formula enriched with vitamins A, C and E and a vegan recipe. This is recommended for natural polish and not gel, for an easy removal with minimal effort.
The best acetone nail polish removers:
1. Pronto 100% Acetone Gel Nail Polish Remover, $10
Should you go the acetone route, this is a bestseller with a great price point. The Amazon Choice pick is made with 100% acetone and great for stubborn polish or a gel set removal. It is also a great idea for glitter nails that can be harder to remove.
2. Ulta Beauty Nail Polish Remover Pads, $4
For removal on the go, check out these handy nail polish remover pads from Ulta Beauty. They come individually wrapped and with a light citrus scent and vitamin E for some soothing.
3. OPI Nail Polish Remover Pen, $8
Have some last-minute nails to fix or a smudge from a paint job gone wrong? No need to worry if you have this pen handy. The OPI remover pen is also refillable, so you can keep on using the precise tip and compact design over and over again.
Nail polish removal FAQ
What is nail polish remover made of and is it bad for you? “Nail polish remover is typically made with a mix of solvents, most often including acetone,” said Glass. “Nail polish remover that contains acetone can cause nail brittleness and dryness over time.”
What is the difference between acetone and acetone-free nail polish remover? “Acetone nail polish has some negative effects, but makes removing polish a bit easier than non-acetone. Non-acetone polish is less drying on the nails but takes longer to remove polish,” explained Glass.
What is the best way to remove regular polish? Glass said that she prefers non-acetone remover for regular polish, as that is what her GLOSSLAB salons use nationwide, as it is less harsh on the nails.
What is the best way to remove gel polish? “Our gel polish removers remove the gel nail polish without all the wrapping and scraping,” said Glass. “To use, your tech will paint on the product like you would typical nail polish and then you’ll watch the gel polish ‘bubble up’ — and from there, we scrape it away with the file.” For at-home gel removal, many soak their fingers in nail polish remover and then file it off, taking care not to strip the nail itself. You can also visit most any salons and pay for a gel removal, typically costing between $5 and $15.
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