Painting your nails is all fun and games, but then comes the dreadful time when you have to remove what’s left from your lovely manicure. It may not be as fun, but using the right product to remove nail polish may be just what you need to make it easy. Once you start looking for your ideal nail polish remover, you may find a considerable part of them claiming to be acetone-free. But what does that really mean? Should you be avoiding acetone? Before revealing the our favorite formulas, we took some time to answer a few questions that will make you navigate nail polish removers like an expert.
What is the difference between acetone and acetone-free nail polish remover?
Nail polish removers usually count on acetone or ethyl acetate to break down the nail polish. Acetone is probably the most recognized type of nail polish remover. The reason is simple: it is the strongest and quickest to get rid of any nail polish. It dissolves substances in a blink of an eye! Yet, that comes with the price of being potentially harsh on the nails and cuticles, especially with continued use. Ethyl acetate—or an equivalent from the family—is, however, gentler on dissolving your manicure, keeping your nails and skin extra protected.
Should I use acetone-free nail polish remover?
If you’re using nail extensions, you should definitely stick to the acetone-free formula—an acetone-based remover would be damaging on the extensions. For those using nail polish remover regularly to change their manicure, an acetone-free formula would be a great idea, considering that it is gentler than its acetone counterparts.
Keep in mind that acetone-based formulas are also safe, they just tend to be quite harsh on the nails. If you’re using a glitter nail polish, or any polish that’s difficult to remove, using acetone may be the quickest, most efficient way to do it!
What is used in acetone-free nail polish remover?
In short, we can say that an acetone-free nail polish remover is any remover that doesn’t contain acetone. These formulas resort to other solvent ingredients to effectively remove nail polish. The solvents may be ethyl acetate—the most common alternative to acetone—, or other ingredients like propylene carbonate and propylene glycol. These agents may not be as immediate in dissolving nail polish, yet they tend to be gentler on nails and cuticles.
Try the best acetone-free nail polish remover for your nails
The choice of your nail polish remover is important for the health and beauty of your nails and cuticles. We’ve selected our favorite formulas—in different presentations, as you’ll see in a moment—so you can remove your nail makeup without compromising the moisture and hydration of your nails.
EyeCare Nail Polish Remover
Oil-enriched formula for fragile & sensitive nails
This high-tolerance nail polish remover manages to dissolve your once-fresh nail polish without disrupting the nails and skin, even for those with sensitivity. Providing a gentle yet effective nail polish removal process, this formula delivers a repairing action. Combining castor and jojoba oils with the solvents, this nail polish remover is a gentle solution that may be just what your sensitive nails and hands need.
Nail polish dissolving active: Ethyl Acetate
Ecrinal Mild Polish Remover
Gentle nail remover enriched with Silk Lipesters™
Say goodbye to every particle of nail polish, debris, or impurities that have been sitting on your nails; once you use this nail polish remover, they have no chance but to leave. In addition, thanks to calendula, castor oil, and Silk Lipesters™, this nail polish remover strengthens the nails and provides it with a powerful antifungal and antibacterial action. Once you use it, you’re ready to your next manicure.
Nail polish dissolving active: Ethyl Acetate
Nail HQ Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover Sponge
Magical dipping sponge
You never thought that nail polish remover could be this fun. We couldn’t resist to include a few images below to help you visualize the process! The magic in this product is quite easy to disclose: you have a pot with a sponge soaked in nail polish remover. This sponge has a tiny hole where you put your nails, one at a time, and the product and pressure of the sponge remove the nail polish. You just need to allow a few seconds before taking your fingernail off, and the magic trick is complete. There’s a before and after discovering this way of removing nail polish!
Nail polish dissolving active: Ethyl Acetate
Nail HQ Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover Wipes
Polish removal on the go with wipes
If you’re feeling lazy or you really don’t have the time to remove the nail polish before leaving the house, the nail polish remover wipes are your champion! Besides gentle nail polish solvents, these wipes contain vitamin E to care for the nails while removing your expired manicure. The individual sachets make it the perfect travel-friendly assistant for perfect nails around the globe!
Nail polish dissolving actives: Propylene carbonate and propylene glycol
Flormar Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover
Expert in makeup and nail beauty Flormar also has something for you! Providing a nourishing action, this nail polish remover works to boost your nails while removing your old nail polish. Vitamin E works together with glycerin to moisturize the nails and cuticles, preserving the health and beauty of your nails—especially important for those who keep updating their manicure.
Nail polish dissolving active: Ethyl Acetate
Now you know how to remove your nail polish without using acetone nail polish removers; it means that there’s nothing stopping you from looking for nail polish options to embellish your nails with! Are you looking for a brown or nude shade? Or maybe you’d rather go for a red nail look? Any color would be a good idea, but what about a green nail polish? We hope you feel inspired by our colorful suggestions!
Professional Makeup Artist & Beauty Writer