13 Best Nail Polish Removers for the Best Manicure
Updated: Aug. 10, 2023
From straight acetone to odor-free formulas, we found the best nail polish removers for every type of polish.
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Who doesn’t love a fresh manicure? There are plenty of reasons an at-home manicure is just as good as, if not better than, services at the local nail salon. You can take your time and use your favorite products to ensure that your manicure lasts longer.
Of course you’ll need the right base coat for your nails, a quality nail polish in this season’s trending nail colors, and a good top coat to lock in color and shine. You’ll also want to grab a bottle of liquid latex for nail art perfection. But before you get started on an at-home manicure or DIY pedicure, you need a reliable nail polish remover to take off old polish and correct any mistakes.
While choosing nail polish remover might sound like a no-brainer, it actually requires some careful consideration. Nail polish removers have come a long way and address a variety of nail needs. For instance, we love the longevity of gel nail polish. But removing gel nail polish without destroying the nail beds is a multi-step process that requires more than just a generic bottle of nail polish remover. Here are our favorite nail polish removers for every type of manicure.
Easiest-to-use nail polish remover
Olive & June Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover
This nail polish remover pot from Olive & June is a simple and mess-free way to remove old polish. It has soft foam sponges inside both the pot and the lid. To remove nail polish from your fingers, just dip your finger in and twist till all the polish is gone. If you’re trying to take polish off your toes, use the cap sponge. This polish is vegan and cruelty-free as well as acetone-free. But the best part? It won’t dry out your nails! To nourish and strengthen dry nails, try the best cuticle oils.
Best soy-based nail polish remover
ella + mila Soy Nail Polish Remover
If non-toxic nail polish is your jam, then this soy-based, vitamin-enriched nail polish remover is for you. It’s free from harsh chemicals, contains vitamins A, C, and E, and is infused with lavender essential oils. Don’t like the smell of lavender? No problem. You can opt for the unscented version.
Highest-rated nail polish remover on Amazon
Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover
More than 46,000 Amazon users have given this acetone-free nail polish remover a five-star rating. This nail polish remover is hypoallergenic, vegan, cruelty-free, and contains no artificial fragrances. Several reviewers rave about how well it works with glitter polish. Seriously, this is one nail polish remover you won’t mind using, which is good news, as leaving polish on too long is one of those everyday habits that can ruin your nails.
Best acetone nail polish remover
Pronto 100 Percent Pure Acetone Professional Remover
Trying to remove gel, glitter, or dark nail polish? How about artificial nails or nail glue? This 100 percent pure acetone nail polish remover does the trick. Just keep in mind that acetone is drying, and be sure to apply a good hand cream to rehydrate your skin after use. If you’re curious about Russian manicures, here’s what you need to know—including whether or not they’re actually safe.
Best for quick nail polish removal
Deborah Lippmann The Stripper Nail Polish Remover
Removing nail polish can be both time consuming and messy. Enter this fast-acting nail polish remover from Deborah Lippmann. Though the main ingredient is acetone, it also contains aloe vera extract and glycerin to hydrate nails. It’s infused with lavender essential oil, so you don’t have to worry about any harsh chemical smells. And since it works so quickly, now would be the perfect time to try your hand at these DIY nail art designs.
Best 3-in-1 nail polish remover
Zoya Remove+ Nail Polish Remover
This 3-in-1 acetone-based nail polish remover does more than just take off your old polish. It also preps and conditions nails, ensuring that your next manicure will last. Speaking of your next manicure, here’s what your nail polish color reveals about your personality.
Best value nail polish remover
Cutex Ultra-Caring Nail Polish Remover
Taking care of your nails doesn’t have to cost a ton of money. This affordable nail polish remover only sets you back around $3, and it won’t damage your nails. It’s acetone-free and contains high levels of natural oils to nourish nails rather than dry them out. If you’re worried about dry nails, you’ll definitely want to pick up this top-rated cuticle oil.
Best strengthening nail polish remover
Londontown Kur Strengthening Lacquer Remover
This gentle nail polish remover may be free from acetone, formaldehyde, toulene, DBP, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, TPHP, xylene, formaldehyde resin, and other harsh chemicals, but it’s wildly effective. It works quickly to lift away color without stripping natural oils, so nails stay strong. Another way to keep your nails healthy and strong? Here’s how to file your nails so they never break again.
Best nail polish remover for weak nails
Sally Hansen Strengthening Nail Polish Remover
If you want to use an acetone-based nail polish remover but are worried about already weak or thin nails, don’t be. This strengthening nail polish remover is specially formulated for weak, thin nails. It contains acetone but is enriched with vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients to help soften cuticles and keep nails strong and healthy.
Best nail polish remover for touch-ups
OPI Nail Polish Remover Pen
When painting your nails at home, odds are you’ll need the occasional touch-up. This nail polish remover pen is perfect for cleaning up color that smudged onto cuticles and nail edges. This pen can be refilled once it runs out, and it comes with a replacement tip, making this a convenient, one-time purchase. Smart!
Best nail polish remover for travel
Tenoverten The Rose Nail Polish Remover Wipes
To remove your polish on the go, pick up a pack of these nail polish remover wipes. Each biodegradable, acetone-free wipe comes individually wrapped, so you won’t have to worry about leaks or spills. Eight wipes come in a pack, and one wipe should be enough to remove the polish from all 10 fingers or toes. And if you want to give yourself an instant and oh-so-simple manicure once you’ve removed your old polish, try these press-on nails.
Best unscented nail polish remover
Karma Organic Nail Polish Remover
If you can’t stand harsh, chemical smells, then add a bottle of this unscented nail polish remover to your cart. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic, and doesn’t contain acetone. It also contains vitamin E oil to help keep nails hydrated. Glass bottles, metal caps, and soy-based ink are a better choice for the environment.
Best nail polish remover for kids
Piggy Paint Nail Polish Remover
Whether you’re planning a spa day with little ones or happen to be super sensitive to nail polish removers, Piggy Paint’s nail polish remover is a good choice. This low-odor, eco-friendly nail polish remover does not contain acetone. It does, however, contain aloe vera and vitamin E to help supplement the natural oils that protect and nourish your nails. The pig label is pretty cute too.
Originally Published: June 13, 2022
