Nail polish remover quick, but gentle.

Acetone dissolves any polish in seconds – and dries out your nails and cuticles. Acetone-free removers are milder but need patience. Which remover suits which polish, and the ones we recommend.

ARBUTI Hair Salon · Updated October 2026

Hand removing pink nail polish from a nail with a cotton pad on a marble table

Nail polish removers we recommend

1Maybelline Express Remover

Quick, for every day

Maybelline Express Remover

Removes ordinary polish quickly and is inexpensive. A good everyday remover if you change colour often.

What we like

  • Quick
  • Affordable

Keep in mind

  • Strong smell
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2Essie Good as Gone

From a nail brand

Essie Good as Gone

The polish brand’s own remover – handy if you use Essie anyway. Lifts colour reliably without lots of rubbing.

What we like

  • From a nail brand
  • Reliable

Keep in mind

  • Pricier than high-street removers
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3Sally Hansen Nail Polish Remover

High-street classic

Sally Hansen Nail Polish Remover

A tried-and-tested remover in a large bottle that takes off ordinary polish with little effort. A solid choice to keep in stock.

What we like

  • Large bottle
  • Good value

Keep in mind

  • Nothing special
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4SANTE Natural Nail Polish Remover

Natural and mild

SANTE Natural Nail Polish Remover

Acetone-free with caring extras, according to the manufacturer. Takes a little longer but is the gentlest choice for thin, brittle nails.

What we like

  • Mild on nails and skin
  • Natural cosmetics

Keep in mind

  • Slower, especially with dark polish
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5Mylee 100% Acetone

For gel polish

Mylee 100% Acetone

Pure acetone for removing gel and hybrid polish. Only for that – for ordinary polish it’s needlessly harsh. Protect your cuticles first with oil or a rich cream.

What we like

  • Removes gel polish
  • Large bottle

Keep in mind

  • Very drying
  • Highly flammable
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Acetone or acetone-free?

PolishRecommended removerTip
Light, ordinary polishAcetone-freeKind to nails and cuticles
Dark or glitter polishWith acetonePress the pad on for a few seconds instead of rubbing
Gel effect without a lampWith acetoneLeave it on a little longer
Gel / hybrid polishPure acetoneBuff the surface, wrap the pads in foil

Read on: nail varnish that lasts and nail dryers for gel polish.

Frequently asked questions

Is acetone-free nail polish remover better?

It’s gentler on nails and cuticles but removes dark shades, glitter and gel-effect polishes more slowly. For ordinary polish, it’s our first choice.

Can nail polish remover damage your nails?

Frequent removal with acetone dries out the nail plate and makes it more brittle. Don’t change your polish more often than necessary, and always follow up with care.

How do I get nail polish off without remover?

The most reliable way: apply a fresh coat and wipe it off straight away with a tissue – the fresh polish softens the old one a little. Home remedies such as vinegar or toothpaste barely help.

Which nail polish remover is best for sensitive skin?

An acetone-free, unscented remover. Protect your cuticles first with a little oil.

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