Nail polish remover quickly and effectively takes off your polish, but it often leaves nails and cuticles feeling dry or cracked due to its acetone content. If you're looking to get rid of old polish without using a run-of-the-mill nail polish remover, there are a few alternative methods that will work—and feel better on your hands.
Keep in mind that non-acetone removers are gentler on the nails, but they need a little more time to be effective. Before starting any of the below removal processes, soak your nails in some warm water to expedite the process. This can help loosen the polish and prime your nails for one of the following expert-recommended methods.
- Brittney Boyce, celebrity nail artist and the founder of Nails of LA.
- Christine Koehler, founder and CEO of Flora 1761, a clean nail polish brand.
- Amy Ling Lin, founder and CEO of Sundays, a natural nail polish company.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer are two of the best ways to remove polish without needing an acetone remover. "Apply some to a cotton ball or pad and place it on your nail," says Brittney Boyce, celebrity nail artist and the founder of Nails of LA. "Let it sit for about 10 seconds and gently rub it back and forth. Your nail polish should come off fairly quickly."
Additionally, an alcohol-based perfume can work in a pinch but will require more product than if you just used plain rubbing alcohol, says Boyce. Also, keep in mind that the scent may be overpowering, so it definitely shouldn't be your first choice.
Vinegar and Orange Juice
Mix your orange juice with white vinegar, and you've got a homemade solution for removing nail polish, says Sundays founder and CEO Amy Ling Lin. "Combine an equal amount of white vinegar and natural orange juice and mix together," she says. "Dip the cotton ball or pad in the mixture and press on your fingernails for about 10 seconds until the nail polish softens. Then, pull down the cotton pad to remove the polish."
Lemon
The acidity of lemon can also remove nail polish. Place a slice or lemon juice on your nails and let it sit until your polish softens before rubbing it off, says Ling Lin. Definitely skip this option if you have any small cuts or cracks in your cuticles, as it can sting.
Hairspray
The "myth" that hairspray can remove nail polish is absolutely true, says Boyce, adding that it has to be aerosol hairspray. "Saturate a cotton ball or cotton pad with hair spray and wrap the cotton on your nail," she says.
Hairspray won't just remove nail polish from nails—it's particularly useful if you have a spill, says Boyce. The hairspray will lift the polish out of the carpet or fabric without discoloring it.
Soy-Based Removers
Soy, which softens nail polish, has become the preferred ingredient in non-acetone removers. Soy-based removers will not react as quickly as ones containing acetone, but they are a gentler option. You may need to wait up to 45 seconds after applying a soy-based remover before you can scrub your nails with a cotton pad.
Toothpaste and Baking Soda
Basic white toothpaste contains the solvent ethyl acetate, a common ingredient in some nail polish removers. To use toothpaste to remove polish, rub the toothpaste into nails, then sprinkle baking soda over top and continue rubbing. Wipe off polish with a damp cotton ball.
Post-Removal Care
After you've removed your polish by your chosen method, be sure to follow up with a little nail care. "Because [options like] rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer can be dehydrating to the skin and nails, use a cuticle oil to re-moisturize your nail, cuticles, and surrounding skin," Boyce says.
On the other hand, caring for your nails doesn't necessarily mean fancy products are required. "You definitely just want to hydrate as much as possible to keep your nails healthy," says Christine Koehler, founder and CEO of Flora 1761. "Proper diet is always good for strong nails, but hydration is just so important. Drink a lot of water, and then specifically, work on hydrating your nails."
