The 10 Best Nail Polish Removers

Editor's Notes

June 15, 2020:

When it comes to nail polish removers, most users know that there are two basic categories, acetone and non-acetone. We've included both; although acetone has a reputation as a dangerous chemical, there's little evidence to suggest that it's toxic when used properly. It is, however, unsafe to ingest, so if you have little ones around the house, you'll want to keep your nail polish remover locked away safely. In the acetone category, we've included Pronto 100% and Onyx Professional, both of which are pure acetone choices strong enough to remove gel and acrylic nails. OPI Expert Touch is another one to consider. It doesn't have a pure acetone formula, so it might not dissolve glues, but it's tough enough for very dark, stubborn nail polishes.

As for non-acetone options, we removed Karma Organic Spa over concerns about its effectiveness, opting instead for Mineral Fusion and Marley Marie Naturals. Because these are formulated to be gentler on the nails and skin than some others, they generally take longer to work — and they tend not to be strong enough to remove gel polishes. Nevertheless, they smell better than most "standard" choices, like the popular Sally Hansen, and come in cuter bottles than most, to boot. For a non-acetone model that's perfect for travel, we selected the Cutex Care Swipe & Go pads. They're on the pricier side, but you can slip them in your purse without worrying about spills, making them an excellent portable choice.