The Best 5 Nail Polish Removers
Nail polish removers aren't created equal--unfortunately, there are many polish removers out there that strip your nails of their essential nutrients, destroying your nail beds in the process. A good nail polish removers is effective at removing polish, without resulting in dried-out nails and cuticle beds. There are two kinds of polish remover--acetone and non-acetone--and it's important to note that acetone can be quite harsh on your precious digits. Non-acetone removers, though, have moisturizing agents added to them, to minimize drying and cracking. Still, acetone can be fine (and more effective) if you're using it sparingly. Find the best nail polish remover for your needs by checking out this list.
Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover
The best of the best
Free of parabens, gluten, phthalates, and other harsh, harmful chemicals, the Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover is natural and gentle, with an effective conditioning formula that allows for easy polish removal. This remover preps and cleans the nail surface to help extend the life of your color, and it even strengthens soft, weak nails. Uniquely beneficial and powerful (without stripping your nails of moisture), the Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover is an all-around winner.
Pros:
- The formula is salon-quality–it’s very skin-softening and leaves your nails and skin looking and feeling ultra-hydrated, without sacrificing the efficacy of the product.
Cons:
- The scent is on the strong side.
Ella+Mila Soy Nail Polish Remover
A highly pleasant scent
Relying on an infusion of lavender oil for extra nourishment, the Ella+Mila Soy Natural Polish Remover is gentle enough for the driest, most brittle nails–and it smells good enough to eat (although, please don’t!) Made with Vitamins A, C, and E, this super-hydrating remover is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros:
- Won’t dry out your nails or cuticles, thanks to the ultra-moisturizing formula.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
- The smell really can’t be beat.
Cons:
- Gotta be extra-careful using this one–since it’s a soy-based formula, you’ll need to let the liquid absorb on your nails for a solid 30 seconds before wiping it away with a cotton pad.
Karma Organic Beauty Natural Soybean Nail Polish Remover
No cruelty, please and thank you
Crafted with a winning combination of nourishing ingredients, Karma Organic Beauty Natural Soybean Nail Polish Remover is made without chemicals like resin, formaldehyde, and camphor. Best of all, this polish remover is 100 percent cruelty-free, which means no animals are harmed in the creation process. Plus, not to mention, the scent is pure loveliness.
Pros:
- Is great at keeping your nails moisturized (more so than many other non-acetone formulas).
- The lavender scent makes removing your polish a pleasant experience.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
Cons:
- Doesn’t work super well with acrylics and gel polish.
OPI Nail Acetone Free Polish Remover
Don't break the bank
Boasting a non-drying, effective formula that laves your nails and cuticles soft and smooth, the OPI Nail Acetone Free Polish Remover is an awesome, affordably-priced product. It’s enriched with nutrients (no acetone needed here), dissolves polish quickly and thoroughly, and the fragrance is fairly mild. What more could you want, for that price?
Pros:
- Highly, highly gentle on your nails and cuticles.
- Great price.
- Pleasant smell.
Cons:
- It does take quite a bit of product to remove every trace of polish from your fingers.
Pure Vitality Beauty Nail Polish Remover
Hydrated nails are happy nails
If you want to prep and condition your nails and give your paws the moisturizing treatment they deserve, the Pure Vitality Beauty Nail Polish Remover is a fabulous pick for your next polish remover. Because it’s natural and free of harmful chemicals, there’s no gross, overwhelming scent, and it’s safer than conventional formulas. Most importantly, this remover will leave your nails looking supple, soft, and well-nourished.
Pros:
- Non-toxic and cruelty-free.
- Acts as an awesome hydrating treatment.
- Won’t irritate your nails or cuticles.
Cons:
- The packaging is prone to spillage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between acetone and non-acetone nail polish removers?
Acetone nail polish removers are the most common type of remover, although most brands carry both types. Basically, acetone is an extremely powerful solvent that dissolves the hard that’s left on your nails by the ingredients in the polish. Non-acetone removers, on the other hand, use less powerful solvents to remove polish.
How do I know which type of polish remover to use?
While acetone removers are usually the most effective at polish removal, they can also be incredibly drying and harsh on your nails and cuticles. Non-acetone removers are gentler and less drying, although it does take more effort to remove polish. If you’re using nail polish remover on a regular basis, it’s probably best to go with a non-acetone remover.
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