The Top 5 Nail Polish Removers

Everyone loves a great manicure, but there also comes a moment when it's time to swipe the polish off or soak the gels away. That's when an amazing nail polish remover comes in handy. A quality option can mean the difference between an effortless swipe to remove polish or having to endlessly wipe away. Whether your nails have stubborn glitter polish, acrylics, or a dark hue, these top 5 nail polish removers get the job done.

Pronto 100 Percent Pure Acetone Nail Polish Remover

Easy Peasy

For a truly salon quality experience, this polish remover does the job in a matter of seconds.
Best Overall

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Whether your nails are natural, gel, or acrylic, Pronto’s nail polish remover will get the job done. This professional strength remover truly works wonders with a single or a few swipes of a cotton pad. The acetone formula means it works extra hard to easily remove polish or stubborn gel or acrylic manicures. This is truly a way to have a salon quality feel but in the privacy of your own home. Also, it’s so much cheaper.

Pros:

  • Quickly removes a variety of nails
  • A small amount of the remover get the job done

Cons:

  • The pure acetone can be harsh for really sensitive skin

Cutex Ultra-Powerful Nail Polish Remover

Hard Working Formula

Ditch the excessive rubbing and scrubbing for this polish remover that easily removes gel or glitter.
Best Heavy Duty

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Sometimes you need a heavy, really heavy duty nail polish remover. Anyone who’s ever had glitter nail polish or gel will tell you that sometimes the removal process can be tedious. However, this Cutex nail polish remover is specially formulated for those heavy duty moments. Consisting of 98 percent acetone, the remover is a pro at getting rid of gel or glitter polishes. No more endlessly soaking or rubbing nails. This gets the job done quickly.

Pros:

  • Infused with apricot seed oil to nourish natural nails
  • Takes minimal effort to remover polish

Cons:

  • The light cucumber scent can be too strong for those who prefer something fragrance free

Pure Vitality Beauty Nail Polish Remover

One Swipe and Done

This polish remover is free of harsh chemicals but still performs well and quickly.
Best Ingredients

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Sometimes it can feel like you have to sacrifice quality products for a nail polish remover that works quickly. But that isn’t always the case. Pure Vitality Beauty’s nail polish remover is free of harsh chemicals. Also, the ingredients can actually strengthen nails, versus causing them to feel brittle or look dry. A few drops of the polish remover and before you know it, you’re on your way to a new, fresh manicure.

Pros:

  • No strong scent
  • The dropper application makes it easy to control

Cons:

  • Can take some time to remove stubborn polish like glitter or darker shades

Diamond Wipes Nail Polish Remover Pads

Swipe and Go

Add a few of these polish remover wipes to your bag and you'll always have a fresh manicure.
Best for Travel

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The normal polish remover process involves dousing a cotton pad, but what if you don’t have any cotton pads on hand or if you’re on the go? These nail polish remover pads from Diamond Wipes are absolutely essential. The cloth is soaked in acetone that can be used to remove polish in a cinch. Also, the cloth is lint free so you don’t have to worry about it leaving behind any residue on your nails. A single wipe is suitable for all 10 finger nails.

Pros:

  • Individually packaged and perfect for travel
  • Infused with aloe vera

Cons:

  • Can require more than one wipe when removing polish from toes

Sally Hansen Extra Strength Fast Polish Remover

Quick Fix

Your wallet will thank you for this affordable find that also swipes away polish in an instant.
Best On A Budget

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Sally Hansen is a reputable name in the nail care industry so it’s no wonder their nail polish remover is a great option, especially for those on a budget. A single bottle lasts quite a long time and works hard to remove polish. Though the formula is affordable, you’re not left with a horrible, strong odor and the specially formulated ingredients don’t leave nails feeling brittle and absolutely stripped.

Pros:

  • Vitamins B5 and E moisturize natural nails
  • Doesn’t leave nails brittle

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work well at removing gel polish

Frequently Asked Questions

Is acetone nail polish bad for your nails?

Acetone nail polish can be great to remove stubborn polish, gel, or acrylic nails. However, the strong formula can be harsh for some nails and even dry out the skin.

What nail polish remover gets rid of gel polish?

The best way to remove gel polish is to soak your nails in acetone nail polish remover. Soaking the nails for a few minutes in the pure acetone remover can work wonders to remove gel polish.