The Best Nail Polish Removers of 2024
Feeling frustrated when it comes to removing nail polish? You’re not alone. It’s hard to find a remover that works well and doesn’t damage your skin or nails. We found the best nail polish remover brands and compared them based on how effective they are.
Plus, we’re also providing a helpful guide on what to look for in a remover. Whether you’re looking for an acetone-free remover for delicate nails or something stronger for removing your boldest colors, we’ve got you covered.
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Best Overall
Onyx Professional Nail Polish Remover
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Most Pleasant Smelling
Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover
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Organic Pick
Karma Organic Nail Polish Remover
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Most Nourishing
OPI Nail Polish Remover
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Gentlest Choice
Cutex Nail Polish Remover
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Buying Guide: The Best Nail Polish Removers
Price
Your budget for a nail polish remover should always be the first factor to consider when making a purchase. There will likely be a wide range of prices from cheap removers to more expensive, higher-quality options. Consider your budget and shop around for the remover that fits your needs and your wallet.
Volume
Nail polish removers come in a variety of sizes and volumes, ranging from small bottles for travel purposes to large bottles for more frequent usage. If you need to buy in bulk or if you’re looking for an economical option, you may want to opt for a larger product.
Ingredients
The ingredients in your nail polish remover can make all the difference when it comes to efficacy, safety, and smell. To assess which remover is best for you, read the label to find out what ingredients are inside and research any unknown or unfamiliar components. Generally speaking, avoid those with strong chemicals or those with too much alcohol as they can dry out your nails and hands.
Smell
Nail polish removers come in both scented and unscented varieties. Some might even include fragrances like lavender, chamomile, or aloe vera as natural alternatives to mask the odor of the remover itself. Consider how sensitive you are to smell when purchasing and whether or not it’s important for you to have nail polish remover with a pleasant aroma.
Effectiveness
When looking for a nail polish remover, make sure the one you choose can effectively remove all types of polishes—from traditional colors to glittery metallics and gels—without damaging the nails underneath or leaving behind residue. Check reviews online on sites like beauty blogs or YouTube videos before buying to make sure the product is up to par with your standards.
Residue Left Behind
The residue left behind after nail polish remover can be hard to clean off and leave your nails feeling greasy or sticky afterward. To avoid this problem altogether, look for a remover that doesn’t leave behind any residue (or at least one that leaves very little residue behind) and is easy to clean off with a cotton pad or tissue after each use.
Container Safety
Make sure that your chosen nail polish remover has an airtight seal on its container so that no evaporation can occur. Otherwise, the potency of the product will be reduced over time due to exposure to air and light. Also, check that no leaks are coming from the container itself so no spilling occurs during the application and removal process.
Acetone vs. Acetone-free
Acetone is used as an ingredient in some nail polish removers but is not suitable for all skin types since it can cause irritation and inflammation if used excessively without gloves. If you have delicate skin or are trying to avoid using acetone altogether, make sure your chosen remover is specifically labeled as "acetone-free" before purchasing it.
Packaging
There are various packaging types available when it comes to purchasing a nail polish remover, including plastic bottles with built-in applicators like wipes, small screw-top containers, and pump applicators. Think about how much product you need per use, how easy it is to transport (travel-sized packaging might be ideal), and how much waste is generated in the process before choosing.
Effectiveness
Being able to quickly remove tough polishes without having to scrub away at them can greatly reduce the time spent doing manicures/pedicures at home or in a salon setting. Look for formulas that claim they will remove stubborn polishes within seconds instead of minutes. These are typically more powerful than traditional ones but they may be harsher on the skin as well.
Convenience
When looking at different brands of nail polish removers, think about what kind of bottle works best for you (i.e., pour bottle vs. pump applicator). Larger bottles might require more effort since they take time to empty and pour, whereas smaller ones might provide more convenience since they’re easier to carry around with you when necessary. Additionally, look out for built-in wands in some bottles, which make application easier without having to use cotton pads/wipes separately.
Comparing the Best Nail Polish Removers of 2024
Onyx Professional Nail Polish Remover
Pros
- Easily removes nail polish
- Doesn’t irritate the skin
- Stainless steel nail file included
Cons
- Strong odor due to acetone
The Onyx nail polish remover offers a quick and efficient way to remove all types of nail polish. This convenient kit includes a 16-ounce bottle of acetone and a 7-inch nail file for all your nail care needs. The acetone quickly and easily breaks down the polish molecules and effectively removes any type of color with no smudging or streaking. This fast-acting formula ensures great results, saving time and hassle when it comes to changing up your look each day or week.
Even better, the included nail file is perfectly designed to help shape and contour your nails with ease. The long-lasting high-grade stainless steel construction is guaranteed to last, giving you the perfect finish every time. Plus, the easy grip handle makes it comfortable to hold and simple to control, making it simple to achieve salon-quality nails at home. Effective and reliable, this nail polish remover is easily the best on our list.
Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover
Pros
- Very pleasant scent
- Easy to use
- Gentle and non-irritating
Cons
- May leave the nails dry
Mineral Fusion’s nail polish remover is an excellent product for those looking to remove nail polish without damaging their nails. With its acetone-free, non-drying formula, it safely and effectively helps remove even the toughest of traditional and shellac polishes. It also helps prep and clean the nail surface to extend the life of color—all without stripping your nails’ natural oils.
The unique ingredients used in this nail polish remover are carefully selected for their natural and beneficial power of minerals. It’s free of gluten, parabens, talc, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, SLS, and phthalates and is never tested on animals, nor does it participate in any other form of animal cruelty. Whether you are looking for a gentle nail polish remover or part of a larger skincare routine, this option is worth considering. It offers an effective solution for cleaning and preparing nails for new coats of polish at an affordable price.
Karma Organic Nail Polish Remover
Pros
- Non-toxic, organic, and convenient
- Completely eco-friendly packaging
- Vitamin E oil moisturizes your nails
Cons
- Not effective enough for some
Karma Organic nail polish remover is unique due to its natural, vegan, and cruelty-free formula. This product is non-toxic and, therefore, contains no acetone or other harsh chemicals. It works well with a variety of polishes, including glitters, gels, and mattes, and removes nail polish quickly and efficiently. Plus, this nail polish remover contains Vitamin E oil, which helps leave your cuticles looking smooth and your nails moisturized.
The packaging is also eco-friendly, as these organic products come in glass bottles that are printed with soy-based ink. Overall, this is a great product for those who are environmentally conscious and looking for something to protect their nails. Not only does it act as an effective nail polish remover, but it also helps nourish your nails in the process of removing the polish. This makes it a great choice for those who aim to keep their nails looking healthy and gorgeous.
OPI Nail Polish Remover
Pros
- Doesn’t cause white dots on nails
- Removes polish with little effort
- Available in two sizes
Cons
- Cap isn’t very secure
OPI nail polish remover is an innovative product for anyone who enjoys changing up their manicure regularly. This non-drying formula is designed to sweep away even the darkest nail polishes efficiently without drying out your cuticles. The remover is even effective at removing gel nail polish, so you can keep up with all the latest manicure trends.
With this remover product in your arsenal, you can be sure that no matter how often you switch up your manicure, your nails will remain healthy and smooth. Most importantly, it's easy and simple to use. After applying it to polished nails, the polish can easily be wiped away, leaving behind soft and smooth cuticles. This particular nail polish remover is outstanding for those who frequently switch up their manicure style. It allows for easy shade removal, but all while leaving your cuticles nourished and soft.
Cutex Nail Polish Remover
Pros
- Great for regular use
- Fast and easy removal
- Softens and moisturizes nails
Cons
- Leaves an oily residue
The Cutex nail polish remover is a great choice for taking off your old nail polish without harsh chemicals. This product is designed to quickly and effectively remove nail polish without leaving residue behind. It’s also formulated with gentle conditioners that keep nails looking healthy and hydrated. All you need to do is soak a cotton pad with the remover, apply it to the nail surface, and wipe away until the polish is gone.
This product won’t leave your nails dry or brittle—instead, it makes them feel soft and moisturized. It’s not only good for removing color from your nails, but it can also be used to clean off dirt, oil, or grease from surfaces like counters, plastics, or even jewelry. Quick and easy to use, this nail polish remover won’t cause any damage or discomfort to your nails. With its gentle yet powerful formula, it’s a must-have for any beauty routine.
People Also Ask
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Q: Is nail polish remover safe to use?
A:Generally, yes. That said, you should always follow the safety instructions before using any product and avoid contact with the eyes and mouth.
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Q: Does nail polish remover damage my nails?
A:No, if used correctly. If used too often or left on the nails for too long, it can strip the nails of their natural oils, leaving them brittle and prone to damage.
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Q: Are there any instructions I need to follow when using nail polish remover?
A:Yes, you should always follow the instructions on the product label before using your nail polish remover — they will tell you how to use the product correctly, as well as provide practices to follow for safety.
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Q: How long does nail polish remover take to work?
A:Most nail polish removers typically take less than two minutes to work effectively depending on the type of nail polish being removed.
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Q: Can I reuse a bottle of nail polish remover?
A:It is not recommended to reuse a bottle of nail polish remover as exposure to air can cause oxidation, which can render it ineffective over time.
Why trust Us
At Us Weekly, we aim to inform readers to make smart purchasing decisions, saving you both time and money. Our editors are obsessed with finding products in a variety of categories from fashion and beauty, to home and fitness.
We try various products, so we can recommend our favorites, and we also summarize feedback and data from other customers. Data, like product reviews and ratings, helps us recommend the best product choices for individual price points and needs.
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