
There are many nail varnish removers on the market, and it can be tricky to know which is the best. Many removers contain acetone, which is a solvent that has been used for years to remove polish and false nails. While acetone is very effective, it can be drying on the nails and surrounding skin. If you want to avoid this, there are plenty of acetone-free options available, including some that are eco-friendly and made from natural ingredients. Some popular options include Tenoverten's Rose Soak, Manucurist Green Flash, and Nailtopia, which contains avocado oil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Contains acetone | Yes/No |
| Cruelty-free | Yes/No |
| Vegan | Yes/No |
| Natural ingredients | Yes/No |
| Moisturizing | Yes/No |
| Scented | Yes/No |
| Packaging | Bottles/Pots/Pads/Wipes/Creams |
| Quick-acting | Yes/No |
| Gentle on nails | Yes/No |
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What You'll Learn

Nail varnish remover kits
The Gellen Gel Polish Remover Kit is a popular option that can remove nail polish in 2-5 minutes without damaging nails. It includes latex tape, peel-off liquid, and manicure tools. The Morovan Gel Nail Polish Remover is another complete kit that includes a cuticle pusher and scraper. This remover is natural, portable, and easy to use, with no need for soaking or wrapping.
The Onyx Professional 100% Pure Acetone Nail Polish Remover Kit is a maximum-strength option that includes an 8 fl oz bottle of acetone and a 7-inch nail file. Pronto and ForPro also offer similar 100% acetone kits. If you're looking for an eco-friendly alternative, Benecos Natural offers an acetone-free remover made with organic orange peel oil and organic lavender oil, packaged in a glass bottle. Manucurist is another vegan and cruelty-free brand that offers an acetone-free remover with 97% bio-sourced ingredients.
For an option that's both effective and gentle, Tenoverten's Rose Soak uses rose hip extract, aloe, vitamin E, and essential oils to remove nail polish in seconds while nourishing the skin. Londontown's Kur Strengthening Lacquer Remover is another acetone-free formula that delivers hydration and strengthens nails.
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Acetone-based removers
Acetone is a powerful solvent that has been used for years to remove nail polish and false nails. It is a quick and effective way to remove nail polish, breaking down the polymers present in the nail paint. However, acetone can be very drying to the cuticles and skin around the nails, and can even cause nail extensions to become brittle and lift. To combat this dryness, you can add glycerin or an additive to the acetone, or apply a thicker, cheaper oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil) around your nails before removing the polish.
Pure acetone is the fastest option for nail polish removal, and it is available at most drug stores. It is important to note that acetone can be harsh on the skin, so it is recommended to use a cotton swab and avoid the cuticles when using it on natural nails. You can also protect your skin by applying a moisturising cream or oil after using acetone.
There are several acetone-based nail polish removers available on the market. Pronto, Onyx Professional, and ForPro Professional Collection all offer 100% pure acetone nail polish removers. These products are effective for removing natural, gel, acrylic, and glitter nail polishes.
If you are looking for an acetone-based remover that is not pure acetone, Zoya Remove+ is a popular option. It contains a touch of glycerin to help combat the drying effects of acetone. It is important to note that Zoya Remove+ is more expensive than other options.
Another option for acetone-based removal is to use pre-soaked pads, such as Glamonade Nail Polish Remover Pads or MAQIHAN Nail Polish Remover Wipes. These pads are convenient for travel and can be used to rapidly remove gel fingernail polish.
In conclusion, acetone-based removers are a quick and effective way to remove nail polish. However, they can be drying to the nails and skin, so it is important to take precautions such as adding moisturising ingredients or applying oil to the skin before and after use. There are several acetone-based remover products available, including pure acetone and options with added ingredients to reduce dryness.
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Acetone-free removers
While acetone is a popular choice for nail varnish removers, there are many acetone-free options available. These are often sought after as they are considered less harsh on the nails.
Soy-Based Removers
Soy-based nail polish removers are designed to effectively remove all natural nail polishes. They are enriched with vitamins A, C, and E, which promote healthy and moisturized nails. Some popular options include:
- Rogue Lacquer soy polish remover (recommended by a user on Reddit)
- Ella+mila's unscented soy nail polish remover (recommended by a user on Reddit)
Nailtopia
Nailtopia is an acetone-free nail polish remover that contains avocado oil. Users have reported healthy-looking nails since using this product. However, it can be hard to find and may need to be ordered directly from the company or from Ulta.
Côte Towels
Côte uses EPA-green-circle propylene carbonate as a solvent, along with horsetail extract, rosemary leaf extract, and aloe leaf juice. These towels conveniently remove nail polish without the use of harsh chemicals.
Olive and June Polish Remover Pot
This is a non-acetone formula that is mess-free and eco-friendly. You simply dip your finger in and twist until the colour is removed. However, one user noted that the pot is not ideal as it does not reach the corners of their nails.
Other Options
- Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover: Acetone-free and non-drying for regular and shellac nail polishes
- Curvlife 20ml Pinpoint Nail Glue Remover: A gentle, non-acetone formula for gel nails
- Glamonade Nail Polish Remover Pads: Acetone-free wipes that rapidly remove gel fingernail polish
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Natural nail polish removers
While acetone is a popular choice for removing nail varnish, it can be harsh on nails and skin, causing dryness and irritation. Some natural alternatives to acetone-based removers include:
Soy-based removers
Soy-based removers are a gentler option that is growing in popularity. They are mild and take longer to work, so it's best to let the solution sit on the nails for around 45 seconds before scrubbing with a cotton pad.
Toothpaste and baking soda
A surprising combination, but the key ingredient here is solvent ethyl acetate, which can be found in some toothpastes and polish removers. Simply rub the paste onto your nails, sprinkle some baking soda on top, rub again, and then wipe off with a damp cotton ball or cloth.
Orange juice and vinegar
Combine equal parts orange juice and vinegar and mix thoroughly. Dip a cotton ball or pad into the mixture, press onto your nails for about 10 seconds until the nail polish softens, then pull down the cotton pad to remove the polish.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice has a high level of acidity, so it's best to avoid this method if you have any cuts or cracked cuticles. Place a slice of lemon or some lemon juice on your nails and let it sit until your polish softens before rubbing it off.
Some natural nail polish removers include the Kure Bazaar Natural Nail Polish Remover Rose, which contains rosa rubiginosa seed oil, tocopherol, citric acid, and other natural ingredients. Côte Take Off Towels are another option, which are towels that gently wipe away polish without acetone, leaving clean, chalk-free nails.
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Quick-acting removers
If you are looking for quick-acting nail varnish removers, acetone-based products are a good option. Acetone is a strong solvent that quickly breaks down the resins and film-formers in nail polish. While acetone can be damaging to the skin and cuticles over time, there are several acetone-based products that also contain ingredients to nourish the nails and prevent damage. Onyx Professional's 100% Pure Acetone Nail Polish Remover Kit, for example, is a maximum-strength gel polish remover that can rapidly remove natural, gel, acrylic, and glitter nail polishes. Similarly, Glamonade's Acetone Nail Polish Remover is enriched with natural grape seed oil to nourish the nails and cuticles.
For those who prefer acetone-free options, there are still plenty of quick-acting alternatives. Non-acetone solvents are typically gentler on the nails and cuticles than acetone. Modelones' Nail Polish Remover Cream, for instance, is an acetone-free cream that melts away nail polish without the harsh smell or damage associated with acetone. It is infused with beeswax and castor essential oil, making it perfect for dry and brittle nails. Another option is Tenoverten's Rose Soak, a gentle yet effective remover that uses rose hip extract, aloe, vitamin E, and essential oils to nourish the nails and surrounding skin.
If you are looking for an even more convenient option, consider nail polish remover wipes. Butter London's Nail Polish Remover Pads are saturated with an acetone solution that can quickly remove stubborn nail polish. They are also formulated with hydrating vitamin E and aloe to prevent dehydration of the nails. For an acetone-free alternative, Modelones' Nail Polish Remover Pads are individually wrapped wipes that easily and quickly remove nail polish with a lemon scent.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many nail varnish removers available, and the best one for you will depend on your needs. If you are looking for a quick and effective remover, acetone is a good option. However, acetone can be drying, so you may want to choose an acetone-free or nourishing remover if you have weak nails. Some popular acetone-based removers include Pronto 100% Acetone Gel Nail Polish Remover and Onyx Professional 100% Pure Acetone Nail Polish Remover. A good acetone-free option is Zoya Remove+.
Some natural nail varnish removers include Benecos Natural’s certified organic nail polish remover, which uses organic orange peel oil and organic lavender oil, and Manucurist Green Flash nail polish remover, which is packed with 97% bio-sourced ingredients.
If you are looking for a gentle nail varnish remover, you may want to try Tenoverten's Rose Soak, which uses rose hip extract and aloe to soothe nails, or Londontown's Kur Strengthening Lacquer Remover, which removes nail polish without drying the nails.











































