Caleb Foster
There are several ways to make nail polish remover, and many of the ingredients can be found in your kitchen. Acetone is the most common ingredient in nail polish remover, but it can be harsh on your nails and skin, causing dryness and damage. Natural alternatives include lemon juice and vinegar, vodka, and toothpaste, which can help remove nail polish without the same level of irritation. Soaking nails in hot water and soap is another way to remove nail polish without the need for harsh chemicals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Acetone |
| Other Ingredients | Water, fragrance, colour, emollients |
| Natural Alternatives | Lemon and vinegar, hot water and soap, toothpaste, vodka |
| Application Method | Soak cotton in acetone, place on nail, wrap with plastic food wrap |
| Caution | Acetone can damage skin, sinks, countertops, and furniture |
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What You'll Learn
Lemon and vinegar
Lemon juice and vinegar are dilute solutions of relatively weak, high-pH acids with a pH of around 2. This is not acidic enough to quickly dissolve nail polish. Water is too polar to get in between the nail polish molecules and separate them. Vinegar and lemon juice are mainly water, so it is unlikely that they will dissolve nail polish.
However, some people suggest that you can use lemon juice and vinegar as a nail polish remover in a pinch. First, soak your nails in warm water for 10 minutes to soften the nail polish. Then, soak cotton balls in a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and vinegar, and place them on your nails for 20-30 seconds. The acid in the lemon juice and vinegar will make the nail polish gummy, and you will be able to rub it off.
Lemon juice and vinegar may be less effective than traditional nail polish removers, and soaking your nails in an acid bath for 10 minutes could be damaging. Traditional nail polish removers contain acetone, a strong industrial solvent, or ethyl acetate, which is used in varnishes and dry cleaning. These chemicals are non-polar, so they can get in between the nail polish molecules and dissolve them.
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Hot water and soap
To make your own nail polish remover at home, you will need to gather some common household items. While acetone is the most effective way to remove gel nail polish, according to board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD, it can damage sinks, countertops, and furniture. To avoid this, line your work area with plastic wrap and place a thick towel on top. Acetone can also irritate the skin, so it's important to wash your hands with gentle soap and water after using it.
If you're looking for a more natural alternative to acetone, you can try removing nail polish with hot water and soap. This method is particularly effective for removing gel nail polish. Simply run a washcloth under hot water, and use it to gently rub off any remaining polish. Make sure to only rub the nail itself, and avoid the surrounding skin.
Using a mild, fragrance-free soap will help to avoid irritating your skin. After removing the nail polish, gently rub petroleum jelly into your cuticles and the skin around your nails every day for seven days. This will help to reduce any irritation caused by the removal process.
Another option for removing gel nail polish is to let your nails grow out and clip them once a week. This method helps to prevent your nails from catching on clothing and other objects, but it requires patience and resisting the urge to pick at your gel nail polish.
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Vodka
Non-acetone removers, including those made with vodka, are gentler alternatives. While they may not work as quickly or effectively on thicker polishes like gel or glitter, they are less damaging to the nails.
To use vodka as a nail polish remover, you can apply it directly to the nail and scrub, or soak a cotton ball or pad in vodka and gently rub it over the nail. It may take a bit more time and effort than acetone-based removers, but it can still be a viable option when traditional removers are not available.
Keep in mind that, like other alcohol-based products, vodka can be dehydrating to the skin and nails. It is recommended to follow up with a moisturising cuticle oil or lotion to rehydrate and care for your nails after using vodka or any nail polish remover.
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Toothpaste
- Soaking your nails in warm water for 20-25 minutes and then gently rubbing your nails with a dry cloth
- Using tea tree oil by letting it sit for 15 minutes on painted nails and then scrubbing them with a hot cloth
- Soaking your fingers in lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes and then soaking a cotton swab in vinegar and lemon juice
- Using a mixture of aloe vera, brown sugar, and a few drops of lemon juice. Scrub your nails with this mixture, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub your nails again with your fingertips. Finally, wipe the nail paint off with a cotton swab
- Using hairspray by saturating a cotton ball or pad with it, wrapping it around your nail, and letting it sit before rubbing the nail with the cotton pad and washing away any residue
- Using hand sanitiser by applying some to a cotton ball or pad and placing it on your nail. Let it sit for about 10 seconds and gently rub it back and forth
- Using perfume, though this will require more product because of the lower alcohol content
- A mixture of orange juice and vinegar. Dip a cotton ball or pad in the mixture and press it on your fingernails for about 10 seconds until the nail polish softens
- Using deodorant
- Applying a clear coat of new nail polish and quickly wiping it off
- Soaking your nails in spirits like vodka, grappa, or gin, which have a high alcohol content, and then wiping or peeling away the polish
- Using hydrogen peroxide, which is used in a lot of cosmetic and beauty products for lightening purposes
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Acetone
When using acetone to remove nail polish, it is important to take the necessary precautions to minimise the risk of ingestion and skin irritation. This includes using a small amount of acetone on a cotton ball or pad and holding it on the nail for a few seconds before gently wiping the nail polish away. It is also important to wash your hands after using acetone to remove any residue.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail polish remover is a solution that helps to remove nail polish from the nails.
The main ingredient in nail polish remover is acetone. Other ingredients include water, fragrance, colour, and emollients.
Acetone can be purchased from pharmacies or online retailers. Other ingredients such as water and fragrance may already be available in your household.
To make nail polish remover, simply combine the ingredients in a container and mix well. The solution is then ready to be applied to the nails using a cotton ball or pad.
Yes, there are several natural alternatives to making nail polish remover. These include using lemon and vinegar, hot water and soap, vodka, or toothpaste.
