Nail polish removers are designed to make your life easier. By allowing you to quickly remove your nail polish at home, you can coordinate your nails with your outfit. If you loved our review of the best makeup kits, you may have decided to try a whole new look, in which case you can use a nail polish remover to quickly coordinate your nails, too!
We reviewed dozens of nail polish removers to identify the best of the best. We looked at features such as whether the remover used acetone, or was non-acetone based. We also considered which type of nail polish it was best at removing, and whether it contained any extra ingredients aimed at protecting your nails and skin.
For our top pick, we selected the Pure Vitality Beauty Nail Polish Remover. This non-acetone blend is based on a selection of natural and plant based ingredients. As well as effectively removing your nail polish, this formulation also helps to condition and strengthen your nails.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Nail Polish Removers
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Pure Vitality Spa Nail Polish Remover | 4.5 |
| Runner Up | ZOYA Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Buy | OPI Nail Polish Remover | 4.1 |
| Best Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover | Karma Organic Spa Unscented Nail Polish Remover | 4.3 |
| Best Nail Polish Remover Wipes | Karma Nail Polish Remover Wipes | 4.1 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Pure Vitality Beauty Nail Polish Remover
Our Top Pick is the Pure Vitality Beauty Nail Polish Remover. This natural, plant based nail polish remover is made from a blend of ingredients designed to not only remove your polish, but also condition and strengthen your nails. The dropper top on this bottle is designed to let you apply the liquid directly to the polish, before wiping away.
This nail polish remover has over 1000 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.5. Comments include how pleased reviewers were with the performance of this product, and it’s low odor. Pure Vitality Beauty also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can buy this product with confidence.
Pure Vitality Beauty Nail Polish Remover Key Features:
- 4 fluid ounce glass bottle
- Low odor
- Cruelty free
Our Runner Up Pick: ZOYA Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover
Our runner up pick is the ZOYA Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover. This award winning formula gently yet effectively removes your nail polish. The 3-in-1 formula includes a nail preparation treatment, nail remover, and nail conditioner. This means your nails are nourished and fortified, as well as left super clean and ready for your next coat of polish.
Reviewers on Amazon loved the pump action top of this product bottle, meaning there’s no need to worry about spilling it as you remove your polish. While the formula contains acetone, there is no harsh smell which can sometimes be a problem with other brands.
ZOYA Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover Key Features:
- Large, 8 fluid ounce bottle
- Extended polish wear guaranteed
- Conditioning formula
Best Budget Pick: OPI Nail Polish Remover
As our best budget pick, we selected the OPI Nail Polish Remover. This non-drying formula is designed to sweep away even the darkest shades of polish in a flash. The moisturizing formula leaves your cuticles smooth and soft, rather than dry and tight.
The excellent price point of this nail polish remover, coming in at jut under $6. And, with OPI being the number 1 salon brand for nail polishes worldwide, you can be confident that this is a quality nail polish remover which will get the job done.
OPI Nail Polish Remover Key Features:Â
- 3.7 fluid ounce bottle
- Fast acting formula
- Also available in a non-acetone formula
Best Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover: Karma Organic Spa Unscented Nail Polish Remover
As the best non-acetone nail polish remover, we selected the Karma Organic Spa. This is a soybean oil based remover, which helps to keep your nails strong, and your skin soft. This non-acetone nail polish remover comes in a 100% recyclable glass bottle, an excellent choice if you’re looking to reduce your use of plastics.
This non-toxic nail polish remover is cruelty free, and suitable for vegans. Reviewers on Amazon are pleased with how effective this nail polish remover is at removing even dark polish, but also found that the condition of their nails improved as a result of switching to this product.
Karma Organic Spa Unscented Nail Polish Remover Key Features:
- Also available with tea tree, or lavender oil
- 4 ounce glass bottle
- Contains nourishing Vitamin E and soybean oil
Best Nail Polish Remover Wipes: Karma Nail Polish Remover Wipes
Our pick for the best wipes to get rid of your polish, are the Karma Nail Polish Remover Wipes. These contain soybean oil, and organic lavender to help nourish both your skin and your nails. They’re also acetone and alcohol free, which means they’re more moisturizing than some other brands.
As many of us are more aware about animal testing, these wipes are cruelty free, vegan, and non-toxic. On Amazon, reviewers love the quick and mess free way these wipes remove your polish. The fact that they have a pleasant lavender aroma is also a definite plus!
Karma Nail Polish Remover Wipes Key Features:
- 10 individually wrapped wipes per pack
- 100% vegan
- Biodegradable wipes
Who Should Buy Nail Polish Remover
If you ever paint your nails, even if just once a year, then it’s a good idea to have a bottle of nail polish remover in your beauty cabinet. If you regularly use nail polish, it’s a definite must! Many of us choose to keep different brands or types of nail polish remover, which can be used for different types or colors of nail polish. Some
It’s worth bearing in mind that nail polish remover has a surprising number of household applications, including removing ink stains, dissolving glue, and rubbing paint off surfaces!
Important Features to Consider
Nail Polish Remover should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when choosing the best nail polish remover to suit your needs:
- Acetone or non-acetone. Nail polish removers that contain acetone are very effective, but can also be harsh on your nails and skin. Non-acetone nail polish removers are gentler on your skin, but can be less effective at removing darker shades of polish, or those that contain glitter.
- Type of nail polish. Make sure you select a nail polish remover which is suited to the type of nail polish you frequently use. Gel nails need to be soaked in pure acetone. If you try to remove them with a non-acetone remover, it simply won’t work. Non-acetone nail polish removers are great for pale nail polish, and will be gentler to your skin if you change your polish color frequently.
- Packaging. A large bottle of nail polish remover is the best option if you’re trying to reduce your use of disposable packaging. If you travel a lot though, you may prefer individual nail polish remover wipes for convenience and saving space.
- Scent. If you have a sensitive sense of smell, you may find the smell of some acetone based nail polish removers overwhelming. Unscented, non-acetone removers are a good option in this case. Other acetone based removers contain additional ingredients which can make them smell more pleasant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does nail polish remover work?
All nail polish removers work in a similar way, whether or not they contain acetone. This is because they all contain a type of solvent. These solvents work by dissolving your coating of hard nail polish back into a liquid. This makes it possible to wipe it off your nail.
Is there a difference between acetone and nail polish remover?
Acetone is an ingredient in some nail polish removers. Some contain pure acetone, and others will include a blend of other ingredients as well.
Not all nail polish removers contain acetone though. Non-acetone removers still contain solvents, but these are generally milder, or less harsh than acetone. They include isopropyl alcohol, propylene carbonate, or ethyl acetate.
Can nail polish remover damage your nails?
Certain types can, yes. Nail polish remover which contains acetone can dry out your nails. This can then cause peeling, splitting, and ultimately, more nail breakages. The nail polish remover designed for gel nails can be the most damaging, as it often contains pure acetone.
How is nail polish remover used?
This really comes down to personal preference. Many beauticians will use a cotton wool ball to dab a small amount of remover over each nail, before moving on to wiping them clean, using another cotton ball and more remover if necessary.
For gel nails, the process is a little longer. Each nail will need soaking in pure acetone, before the gel can be removed. This is usually achieved using a foil wrap or clip, which is placed over the tip of your finger and left there while the acetone gets to work. The gel nail polish can then be removed.
Other Nail Polish Removers We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other nail polish removers. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best nail polish removers, they’re the best of the rest and each is a still a great option for your makeup kit. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Non-Acetone Nail Polish Removers
- Nail Polish Remover Wipes
- Gel Nail Polish Removers
- Nail Polish Remover Pens
Non-Acetone Nail Polish Removers
786 Cosmetics Soy-Based Nail Polish Remover
This soy-based, non-acetone nail polish remover is designed to gently remove polish, and nourish your nails.
Key Features:
- Eco-friendly
- 2 fluid ounce glass bottle
- Enriched with almond essential oil
Cost:Â $10
Ella+Mila Soy Nail Polish Remover
This soy-based nail polish remover also contains lavender essential oil for a pleasant fragrance.
Key Features:
- Enriched with Vitamins A, C, and E
- Certified cruelty free by PETA
- Made in the USA
Cost:Â $12
Majestic Pure Soy Nail Polish Remover
Enriched with tea tree oil, this nail polish remover is moisturizing, and hydrating.
Key Features:
- Soy-based formula
- Made in the USA
- Dropper top glass bottle
Cost:Â $12
Marley Marie Naturals Nail Polish Remover
This is available in 4 scents: eucalyptus spearmint, orange ginger, vanilla blackcurrant, and vanilla lavender.
Key Features:
- Moisturizing and conditioning formula
- Recyclable bottle
- Essential oils add aromatherapy benefits
Cost:Â $11
Mountain Falls Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover
Containing no animal-based ingredients, this remover is suitable for vegans.
Key Features:
- Contains Vitamin E
- Suitable for artificial nails
- Salon quality formula
Nail Polish Remover Wipes
Body Prescriptions Acetone Polish Removing Wipes
These wipes are effective at removing even the darkest of nail polishes
Key Features:
- 25 individually wrapped wipes
- Cruelty free
- Includes moisturizing ingredients
Cost:Â $15
Diamond Nail Polish Remover Pads
The classic, acetone based formula of these wipes is also infused with aloe vera.
Key Features:
- 50 individually wrapped wipes
- TSA carry on approved
- Made in the USA
Cost:Â $13
LA Fresh Classic Nail Polish Remover Pads
Just 1 of these wipes is designed to remove polish from all 10 nails.
Key Features:
- Pack of 50 individually wrapped wipes
- Contains aloe vera
- Made in the USA
Cost:Â $20
Medline Nail Polish Remover Wipes
This pack of 100 individually wrapped wipes offers incredible value for money.
Key Features:
- Non-Acetone
- 1 pad can remove polish from 10 nails
- Individual foil packets
Cost:Â $12
Mountain Falls Nail Polish Remover Wipes
These acetone based wipes are suitable for natural, and artificial nails.
Key Features:
- No animal-based ingredients
- Extra thick felt wipes
- 10 individually wrapped wipes
Gel Nail Polish Removers
AIMEILI Soak Off Gel Nail Polish Removal Wraps
These easy to use foil wraps are designed to remove gel nail polish.
Key Features:
- 200 individual wraps
- 100% acetone
- Suitable for UV and LED gel nail polish
Cost:Â $10
Baisidai Gel Nail Polish Remover Pads
These wraps are made from soft silicone, and designed to quickly remove your nail polish.
Key Features:
- 200 foil wraps per pack
- 100% acetone
- Suitable for gel and acrylic nails
Cost:Â $9
BTArtbox Gel Nail Remover Wraps
The special triangular design of these wraps fits all types of nail sizes.
Key Features:
- 200 wraps
- Includes a professional grade nail tool
- 100% acetone
Cost:Â $10
Markatt Gel Nail Polish Remover Foils
These foils now include a larger cotton pad, for quick removal of polish. Note that you need to add the acetone remover to these foils.
Key Features:
- Suitable for gel and acrylic nails
- Pack of 200 wraps
- Leak-proof design
Cost:Â $12
Platinum Gel Nail Polish Remover Wipes
These non-toxic wipes are designed for the removal of gel nails.
Key Features:
- Cruelty free
- Pack of 200 wraps
- Also suitable for removing nail powder
Nail Polish Remover Pens
Coobbar Nail Polish Corrector Removal Pen
You can use this corrector pen 2 ways – either dip the tip in nail polish remover, or soak the internal sponge.
Key Features:
- Pack of 3 nail polish remover pens
- Replacement tips included
- Allows for fine corrections
Cost:Â $7
CUTICATE Nail Polish Remover Pen
The nail polish remover pen has a sloping tip for precise removal of polish.
Key Features:
- 3 spare tips included
- Suitable for use with different nail polish remover liquids
- Various colors available
Cost:Â $8
Precision Nail Polish Corrector Pen
This pack of 2 pens includes replacement tips.
Key Features:
- Pack of 2 pens
- Nail tool on pen cap
- Refillable design
Cost:Â $6
This manicure pen helps you to instantly clear up any smudges, or mistakes.
Key Features:
- 2 replacement tips
- Contains Vitamin E
- Non-Acetone
Cost:Â $16
Sodial Acetone Nail Polish Remover Pen
This value pack includes 5 nail polish remover pens.
Key Features:
- Includes 15 changeable tips
- Refillable design
- Variety of tip shapes included
Cost:Â $4
