The Best Nail Polish Removers
If you've never given much thought to your nail polish remover, it might be time for some reflection. There are more options than ever, and finding the one that can get the job done without damaging your nails is key to maintaining your manicure. Whether you have natural nails, acrylics, gel polishes, or special salon finishes, you'll want to use an appropriate remover. Check out this list of our favorites to choose the right one for you.
Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover
No Acetone, No Problem
We love a rich ruby enamel just as much as the next beauty buff. What we don’t love is the staining and irritation that inferior nail polish removers can leave behind once we’ve tried to take it off. If you’re tired of being caught red-handed, Mineral Fusion’s nail polish remover is here to clean up the mess. From vampy dark shellacs to glitter-laden polishes, this stuff can tackle a wide range of formulas to deliver a decisive victory over your most devious varnishes. This hypoallergenic option is free of parabens, artificial fragrances, formaldehyde, and other harsh ingredients for effective polish removal designed to leave you with clean, healthy nails that are ready for their next manicure.
Pros:
- Vegan product certified by Leaping Bunny
- Non-drying formula helps prep nails for longer-lasting polish
- Available in a range of sizes
Cons:
- The packaging isn’t the best, so we suggest keeping it in a plastic bag to prevent evaporation
Pronto 100% Pure Acetone Nail Polish Remover
If you’re an acrylics aficionado, you know how much of a hassle it is to schlep to the salon every time you need to remove them. Sure, it’s the safest method, and we accept that. But sometimes you need to get them off pronto, and — you guessed it — that’s where Pronto comes in. Their 100% pure acetone nail polish remover is suitable for removing acrylics, but it’s far from a one-trick pony. This potent formula can strip away enamel, glitter, nail glue, gel polish, and most everything in between. As the name might suggest, this is heavy-duty stuff, so it’s not for everyday use. But for the toughest jobs, it’s hard to beat.
Pros:
- Good value considering the amount and purity of the product
- Can be used with regular cotton balls, not just acetone dispensers
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- You’ll still have to file the top coat of your gel nail polish to remove it
Cutex Ultra-Powerful Nail Polish Remover
With this 98% acetone formula, Cutex seeks to deliver polish-removing power to the people at an affordable price. It’s designed to handle traditional, long-wear, glitter, and gel polishes without breaking the bank, all with a refreshing cucumber scent. The other 2% of this powerful blend is comprised of a patented mix that includes apricot oil to moisturize nails and avoid leaving them high and dry. If it’s acetone you’re after, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a nail polish remover with this kind of potency for this kind of price.
Pros:
- Exceptional value makes it more economical to properly soak nails for complete polish removal
- Oil blend replenishes some of the moisture stripped by the acetone
- Cucumber fragrance is a welcome relief from the chemical smell of many removers
Cons:
- Its affordability can make it tempting to use this remover often, but too much exposure to the 98% acetone formula can damage your nails
FGHJ Aliver Magic Nail Polish Remover Two-Pack
No Need to Be Gel-ous
One of the reasons salon-perfect UV gel manicures are so beloved is because of their durability. For many of us, the promise of two solid weeks of first-day freshness is too good to pass up. So what do you do when your gels finally give up the ghost? You could go to the salon, or you could let Aliver take care of it. Their Magic Nail Polish Remover is a cult-favorite among gel enthusiasts for its power and efficiency — just five minutes, Aliver says, and your previously impenetrable polish can be gently wiped away with a paper towel. But it’s not just for gels, either, since this formula can work its magic on everything from nail glue to shellac varnish.
Pros:
- Convenient two-pack gives you more bang for your buck
- Built-in brush eliminates the need for cotton balls or pads to make application more precise
- Much faster process than traditional foil methods
Cons:
- Take great care to keep this remover on your nail only — its super-strong formula can easily irritate skin
Cutex Care Swipe and Go Nail Polish Remover Pads
On the Road
Carrying a bottle of polish remover and cotton pads just isn’t practical for the person on the go. We’ve seen it firsthand, and we wouldn’t wish a spilled bottle of acetone on our worst enemy. So if you travel a lot or tend to touch up your nails often, these Cutex Swipe and Go nail polish remover pads are perfectly convenient. Even when you’re on the move, just a swipe or two can be enough to wave your polish goodbye. For someone who travels often — especially if you only bring a carry-on bag — we think these pads are soon to become your trusty companions.
Pros:
- Mess-free, spill-free design is perfect for travel
- Individually-wrapped wipes stay perfectly saturated until you’re ready to use them
- Great for houses with kids — no need to worry about youngsters stumbling upon a bottle of nail polish remover
Cons:
- Only ten pads are included, but if you’re only using them when you travel, it’s still a much more convenient option
Frequently Asked Questions
Is acetone or non-acetone better for your nails?
Acetone is generally harsher on your nails, cuticles, and skin than non-acetone removers, but the decision comes down to each individual circumstance. If you paint and re-paint your nails with traditional polishes frequently, a non-acetone remover should do the trick. If you go for heavy-duty salon-style options that tend to last longer, like gel nails, artificial nails, or acrylics, the occasional acetone treatment might be your best bet. It depends on the condition of your nails, as well. Those with especially dry, brittle nails should opt for gentler non-acetone formulas with blends of oils that can rehydrate your nails.
Can you remove gel polish with nail polish remover?
Gel polish can be removed at home, but you should take a few steps to ensure success. Most people recommend a heavy-duty acetone remover. The polish should be filed down and roughed up a bit so the nail polish remover can permeate it more easily. Whether you use cotton balls or pads, an acetone dispenser, or a foil method, patience is key. You’ll need to soak your nails for at least ten minutes before the gel will be ready to remove. As always, it’s worth reading up on your chosen remover to get more specific instructions that pertain to a given formula.
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