Admit it—no matter how frequently you schedule your appointments to pop into the nail salon or do manicures in the comfort of your own home, there is one product you'll always need to make the magic happen: nail polish remover. As unglamorous as the product may seem, it's important for maintaining the health of your nails between stunning nail designs. However, the beauty mainstay doesn't always make us want to reach for it due to its strong fragrance, unwanted leaks, and less-than-aesthetic packaging that plagues the beauty cabinets of polish enthusiasts.
How do you go about finding the best nail polish remover for your nails that far surpasses high expectations? With the help of celebrity manicurists and educators Julie Kandalec and Deborah Lippmann, we're setting off on the mission of erasing everything you thought you knew about nail polish removers in hopes of starting completely fresh. Believe it or not, nail polish removers now come in new formulas that are easier to use and, in some cases, cleaner than ever.
(Image credit: @raelondonnails)
The Ingredients Behind Nail Polish Removers
When it comes to determining what to look for in your nail polish remover, it all comes down to what you'd like to gain from using it. Sure, it's easy to say that you'd just like a product to remove polish from the surface of your nails effectively and quickly, but it's also worth paying attention to what makes up their formulas. According to Kandalec, many nail polish removers are crafted with a popular solvent: acetone. Non-acetone removers often use ethyl acetate or methyl ethyl keytone as its active ingredient, the ingredient that quickly melts away the polish.
If you have sensitive skin or would prefer to use nail polish removers with clean formulas, consider shopping for ones free of acetone as well as harmful parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance. If you want to take it one step further, keep an eye out for products touting formulas infused with essential oils, vitamins, and extracts that can nourish and fortify your nails and the delicate skin surrounding them.
Now that you know which ingredients are often used in nail polish removers, it's helpful to know how they affect the health and appearance of nails before, during, and after you've used them. "Acetone can be drying, but that is easily remedied by applying an emollient cuticle oil to replenish any oils lost during the short removal period. The FDA doesn't categorize acetone as a toxic ingredient," Kandalec tells us. She also shares that many removers contain fatty oils and essential oils that prevent overdrying such as aloe vera, lavender, rose hip extract, and vitamins A, C, and E.
How to Gently and Effectively Remove Polish
Removing your nail polish shouldn't take much time or effort, so you should use a trustworthy remover that can make the process easy. "If you have really strong nails, you can use an acetone remover with treatment properties," says Lippmann. She doesn't recommend using acetone on its own without the addition of softening ingredients. To gently and effectively remove nail polish, she recommends taking a thin cotton pad saturated in remover and laying a piece on each fingernail, one hand at a time.
Hold another piece of remover-saturated cotton over the first nail you started with to remove the polish instead of pulling and/or tugging too hard on the cuticle area, which can cause weak nails and breakage. To address any residual polish left on the sides of your nails, she suggests using a thin paintbrush for a quick and easy cleanup. Finish with a nourishing nail and cuticle oil as well as an antioxidant-packed hand cream to pump up the hydration.
Ready to upgrade your nailcare routine? Keep scrolling for our list of the best beauty-editor and expert-approved nail polish removers that can melt away your polish, gel, and more in a quick swipe.
The Best Nail Polish Removers, Listed
- Tenoverten The Rose Soak
- Londontown Kur Strengthening Lacquer Remover
- Manicurist Green Flash Nail Polish Remover
- Lights Lacquer Polish Potion Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover
- Gelcare Gel Removal Solution
- Deborah Lippmann The Stripper
- Static Nails 100% Non-Toxic, Odorless Polish & Pop-On Nail Remover
- Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover
- OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover
- Modelones Nail Polish Remover Cream
- Olive & June Nail Polish Remover Solution
- CND Offly Fast Moisturizing Remover
- Côte Beauty Takeoff Towel
- Sally Hansen Pro-Gel Cleanser Pads
- Londontown Conditioning Lacquer Remover Pads
- Ella + Mila Soy Polish Remover Wipes
- Le Mini Macaron Gel Polish Removal Wrap
- Butter London Nail Scrubbers
(Image credit: @imarninails)
Tenoverten
The Rose Soak
Crafted without harsh fumes or ingredients, Tenoverten's Rose Soak is a gentle-yet-effective remover that removes nail polish in seconds. Its formula uses rose hip extract and aloe to soothe nails and surrounding skin as well as vitamin E and essential oils to infuse moisture.
Customer Review: "This soak worked amazingly, smelled so beautiful and was not harsh at all! Oftentimes the more natural nail polish removers tend to not work, but this didn't compromise health for effectiveness! Absolutely blessed by this soak!"
Pros: infused with nourishing essential oils, vitamins, and extracts
Cons: none
Specs: 4-ounce bottle
Londontown
Kur Strengthening Lacquer Remover
Londontown's Kur Strengthening Lacquer Remover features an acetone-free formula that removes nail polish without stripping or drying your nails of its natural oils while delivering hydration and strength. To use, simply saturate a cotton pad with it and then wipe away the polish in circular motions.
Customer Review: "I was happy that I finally purchased this lacquer remover. Regular nail polish remover was not taking the polish off easily. This remover does. It is gentle and doesn't smell as caustic as most removers."
Pros: adds instant hydration and strength to the nails
Cons: has a strong chemical-like scent
Specs: 4-ounce bottle
Manicurist
Green Flash Gel Polish Remover
You can't create a manicure masterpiece without first prepping the canvas. This acetone-free product removes the brand's Green Flash Gel Polish in a minute, and it works with other gel polish products. It's crafted with castor oil for extra moisture and possesses a delicate floral fragrance.
Customer Review: "Nail polish remover has never being easier! It's a dream come true. A few minutes and wow—everything comes off so smoothly without staining! The formula is so gentle on the nails! Bonus point is the fact that can also be used as a nail prepper before the polish application, without having to buy more stuff!"
Pros: uses a moisturizing, castor oil–enriched formula
Cons: not ideal for speedy polish removal
Specs: 3.3-ounce bottle
Lights Lacquer
Polish Potion
Kandalec calls out the Lights Lacquer Polish Potion as one of her go-tos due to its acetone-free, vegan, and plant-based formula. It removes all traditional air-dry polish while promoting nail and cuticle health, leaving behind a light lavender scent we're obsessed with.
Customer Review: "Removes nail polish super easily & doesn't leave my nails feeling stripped thanks to the oil. The lavender scent is a nice touch! Happy with it and plan to repurchase."
Pros: features a plant-based, acetone-free formula
Cons: none
Specs: 8-ounce bottle
Gelcare
Gel Removal Solution
Gelcare's Gel Removal Solution is another must-have for removing gel polish because it nourishes the cuticles and nail beds with a moisturizing blend of glycerine, grape-seed oil, sunflower oil, and vitamin E.It also smells amazing with a fragrance featuring notes of amber, lemon, and jasmine.
Pros: smells softly of jasmine, lemon, and amber
Cons: can be somewhat drying
Specs: 8.4-ounce bottle
Deborah Lippmann
The Stripper
Tired of seeing chalky residue on the nail plate and surrounding skin after using nail polish remover? Deborah Lippmann's Stripper has an ultra-hydrating formula that will leave your nails and skin covered with lavender essential oil and aloe vera extract to prevent dryness.
Customer Review: "I've used this for several years and it seems to be the only nail polish remover that easily removers nail polish. Also love the container that allows you to turn the dispenser part back to its original spot so no remover comes out. This is a very good buy."
Pros: leaves no chalky residue on the nail plate or surrounding skin
Cons: offered at a moderate price point
Specs: 4-ounce bottle
(Image credit: @iramshelton)
Static Nails
100% Non-Toxic, Odorless Polish & Pop-On Nail Remover
This polish and pop-on nail remover has zero smell and is nontoxic while also being gentle yet effective, leaving the skin feeling hydrated and conditioned. For the best results, apply a few drops to each nail and wait 30 to 60 seconds before saturating a cotton round with the remover and pressing it firmly against your nail.
Customer Review: "This stuff is incredible. What would normally take me over an hour to get nail glue off took me 20 minutes. This stuff smells good, too, unlike pure acetone. This is a total game changer for me!"
Pros: can be used to remove polish, lacquer, non-UV gel polish, and more
Cons: high price point
Specs: 2.16-ounce bottle and dropper
Mineral Fusion
Nail Polish Remover
We swear by the Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover to prep and clean the nail surface and extend the life of color of both traditional air-dry and shellac polish without stripping or overdrying the nails. Additionally, its formula is nonirritating and crafted from naturally derived ingredients.
Customer Review: "I was initially worried about buying a more 'natural' nail polish remover, however this took off stubborn nail polish in seconds after my old brand couldn’t, and without the need for special sponges or scrapers. Would absolutely buy again."
Pros: removes shellac and regular polish with an acetone-free formula
Cons: not ideal for travel—polish leaks slightly in transit
Specs: 6-ounce bottle
OPI
Expert Touch Lacquer Remover
This wouldn't be a nail polish remover story without a mention of this classic. OPI's Expert Touch Lacquer Remover is nondrying and fast-acting and helps keep your nails healthy. It even does an amazing job of sweeping away dark shades without leaving anything behind on your nails or cuticles.
Customer Review: "This takes off the darkest polish in a few swipes. Also tackles glitter polish with ease. Remover can be hard and drying on your nails. Because this takes it off so efficiently you don't have it sitting on your nails too long therefore drying them out."
Pros: formula avoids drying out the nails and cuticles
Cons: none
Specs: 3.7-ounce bottle
Modelones
Nail Polish Remover Cream
Did you know there are creams that can remove nail polish? The Modelones Nail Polish Remover Cream, for example, melts away nail polish without the harsh smell or damage of traditional acetone. It's also infused with beeswax and castor essential oil—perfect for dry, brittle nails.
Customer Review: "Works really well and does what it says it will do. Doesn't dry out my nails. Love the idea of the pen. A+"
Pros: crafted with revitalizing beeswax and castor oil
Cons: moderate price point for a small amount of product
Specs: 2.64-ounce tube
Olive and June
Nail Polish Remover Solution
Who What Wear beauty editors are big fans of Olive and June's extensive line of products, so it shouldn't be a surprise that we also love its best-selling Nail Polish Remover Solution is something we use regularly. Its formula is gentle, acetone-free, and easy to use for beginners.
Customer Review: "This works really well. When the regular polish remover in a bottle/cotton ball wouldn’t take off my red OPI polish after minutes of trying, this took off the polish in seconds. Highly recommend!"
Pros: has mess-free application with no cotton or wipes needed
Cons: none
Specs: 2-ounce jar
CND
Offly Fast Moisturizing Remover
A good nail polish remover shouldn't require too much of your time to do its job. This one by CND works extremely quickly to remove gel polish, wraps, adhesives, tips, and more from your natural nails. Its formula majorly reduces dehydration of the nails and surrounding skin.
Customer Review: "This completely removes gel polish!! I had been using acetone and it would never completely remove the gel polish. This product is a game changer. It removes the gel polish within minutes and [there's] no damage to my nails."
Pros: formulated to reduce dehydration of nails and surrounding skin
Cons: features a lid that causes product to leak slightly
Specs: 7.5-ounce bottle
(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)
Côte Beauty
Takeoff Towel
Côte Beauty's non-acetone Takeoff Towels gently wipe away nail polish for a clean nail bed without chalky residue or dryness. Its formula is infused with natural orange oil that's energizing and refreshing.
Customer Review: "These work surprisingly well given how non-chemically they smell! The cloth is a good size and the smell is pleasant and not harsh. These have an oily feel which I don't mind because it seems less harsh, but might be an issue for you if you don't like that."
Pros: infused with natural orange oil for a refreshing scent
Cons: leaves a slightly oily feel
Specs: 8 individually wrapped towels
Sally Hansen
Pro-Gel Cleanser Pads
Get professional results at home with these fast-acting nail polish remover cleanser pads. Thanks to a formula of 99% isopropyl alcohol and a nourishing emollient, your nails will be left looking healthy and clean.
Customer Review: "I love these pads, they're not messy to use and they're easy to use and effective! I would choose these over a bottle of nail polish removers."
Pros: each pad is saturated with 99% isopropyl alcohol
Cons: does not immediately remove darker shades
Specs: 20 individually wrapped nail cleanser pads
Londontown
Conditioning Lacquer Remover Pads
Londontown's Conditioning Lacquer Remover Pads stand out to us because they can be used to perfect your manicure and pedicure. Their larger-than-usual size lends extra real estate for quick and easy cleanup.
Customer Review: "I like that they are larger and thicker than most polish remover pads. They have a nice smell and there is aloe added so as not to dry out nails. They did a good job taking off my polish. Will buy again."
Pros: uses a gentle, acetone-free formula that conditions the nails
Cons: offered at a moderate price point with limited product
Specs: 10 individually wrapped polish remover pads
Ella + Mila
Soy Polish Remover Wipes
For those sensitive to fragrance, Ella + Mila's Soy Polish Remover Wipes offer the perfect solution. They're scent-free and use a formula that's infused with soy as well as vitamins A, C and E to promote healthy and moisturized nails.
Customer Review: "I am not going to lie—I was not sure these soy wipes would work BUT they did! It removed all of the polish and left my nails clean. After a quick wash with soap and water, I was ready to apply fresh polish. My nails are much more healthy after switching to Ella+Mila."
Pros: crafted with skin-loving ingredients
Cons: takes longer to melt away polish than traditional nail polish remover
Specs: 5 individually wrapped polish remover wipes
Le Mini Macaron
Gel Polish Removal Wrap
Designed to make taking off gel polish easy, the Gel Polish Removal Wrap set comes with a cotton pad and acetone for a 15-minute soak-off removal. Pro tip: Have a file on hand to make the process even smoother!
Customer Review: "This remover kit is perfect for easy, at-home gel removal! Yes, it can be a wee bit of a learning curve if you're doing it on yourself, but other than that, this product is amazing."
Pros: set comes with a cotton pad and acetone for 15-minute removal
Cons: requires some light scraping to effectively remove gel polish
Specs: 100 individually wrapped gel polish remover wraps
Butter London
Nail Scrubbers
This set of 10 large two-in-one nail-prep and lacquer-removal wipes can be used to prep and condition your nails for your next great manicure or pedicure with a vitamin E– and aloe-enriched formula to keep them nourished.
Customer Review: "Very convenient! I bought these nail polish removing wipes for my travel kit. I tested one out on my toe nail polish, and it worked great. The wipe was fully saturated with nail polish remover, the texture of the wipe was helpful."
Pros: can be used to prepare the nails for manicures and pedicures
Cons: none
Specs: 10 individually wrapped polish remover wipes
(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)
More Manicure Favorites
Kiss
Glue Off Instant False Nail Remover
Customer Review: "This stuff is amazing! It really minimizes the damage done after you take your nails off. I don't remove without it anymore—it makes it a lot less painful too."
CND
SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Care
Customer Review: "I love this CND oil! Someone at the salon recommended it and it's great. I try to put it on my fingers and toes every night. My cuticles have been so much better and my nails look so much healthier. You can put it over polished nails too."
Blue Cross
Cuticle Remover Cream
Customer Review: "I bought this because it was less expensive than some brands and it shipped fast. I'm very pleased with how well it works. It's gentle, doesn't irritate my skin. No unpleasant odor. Recommend!"
Kiehl's
Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
Customer Review: "This is the most moisturizing hand cream out there. In the winter my hands can get super dry and this hand cream is buttery soft and rubs in well. I have repurchased this item so many times."
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