Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to use nail polish remover?
When it comes to traditional remover in a bottle, Kandalec has a few tips for making the process as quick as possible. She recommends fully saturating a small piece of cotton in the liquid—use more than you think you need. “Most people use too much cotton and not enough remover,” Kandalec says. Then, allow it to sit on your nail for 10 to 20 seconds (longer, for glitter polish) before pulling it straight off of your finger. Avoid reusing the same piece of cotton on multiple nails, she says—instead, flip the cotton over to the clean side for the next nail, then toss it and move on to a new one. “This will prevent the softened polish from getting under the cuticle and in the sidewalls,” Kandalec explains.
For wipes or pots, we recommend following the instructions on the packaging for best results.
What’s the difference between nail polish remover and pure acetone?
Acetone is the active ingredient in most nail polish removers. The more acetone that’s in a nail polish remover, the stronger it will be, says Kandalec. Most removers fall into one of three categories:
- 100% pure acetone is the strongest remover you can use, she explains. It removes polish almost instantly—but we don’t recommend it, as it’s also the most drying on your skin and nails, Kandalec adds.
- Acetone-based nail polish removers often contain between 80% and 98% acetone, Kandalec notes. Many are also made with hydrating glycerin or moisturizing essential oils to offset the dryness that pure acetone can cause, she says.
- Non-acetone nail polish removers are the slowest to remove color and require more work (you usually need to rub the nail plate more vigorously to get the polish off, Kandalec says). They can also leave behind oils that prevent nail polish from adhering, so she doesn’t recommend using them if you’re going to reapply color soon. Instead of acetone, the active ingredient in these formulas is often ethyl acetate, which softens nail polish similarly, she explains.
Meet the experts
- Julie Kandalec, a manicurist, educator, and co-owner of Star Touch Agency, based in New York City
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best nail polish removers, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
