Buying guide for Best gel nail polish removers
Written by Ade Hennis
Updated April 2023
Gel nail polish has become the standard for those who are serious about the appearance of their nails. True gel nail polish requires ultraviolet or LED light to dry and set it. Nails look and feel amazing for weeks, and the durability of gel polish makes it a perennial favorite. But that durability also makes it hard to remove, and that’s where gel nail polish removers come in.
Gel nail polish does take some extra work to remove, and while salons offer the service, not everyone wants to spend time and money at the salon every time they change nail colors. Gel nail polish remover is specifically designed to not only remove the polish but also moisturize and protect your nail and the surrounding skin. With the health of your nails at stake, you want to find a gel nail polish remover that gets the job done without harming your nails.
You can find gel polish removal aids sold separately – such as plastic protectors that slide over the nail and hold the cotton ball in place – to make removing polish much easier and less messy.
Gel nail polish remover features to consider
Acetone vs. acetone-free
Acetone: Also known as propanone, acetone is a flammable liquid solvent that removes nail polish. Basically, it’s a paint stripper with a strong scent, and it can be pretty harsh on your nails and skin. The higher the percentage of acetone in the gel nail polish remover, the better and more quickly it removes the nail polish, but frequent use can cause cuticles to dry and split, creating a higher risk of infection.
Solutions with a high percentage of acetone work incredibly well to remove all kinds of gel nail polish, including those that contain glitter, which can be particularly hard to remove. It’s possible to find 100% acetone removers, but these should be used sparingly because they can dry out your nails and skin.Acetone-free: Some people prefer to use an acetone-free and/or alcohol-free gel nail polish remover. These removers may include propylene carbonate, a weaker solvent than acetone, along with natural oils to help moisturize nails and skin. These nail polish removers can be unscented or scented with lavender and other essential oils.
Liquid, pad, or brush
Liquid: The vast majority of gel nail polish removers come in a liquid-filled bottle. You soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it to the nail. Liquid nail polish removers are less expensive than pads or brushes.
Pad: Nail polish remover pads come in containers of ten or more pads that are saturated in nail polish remover. You’ll still need to let the solution sit on your nails to fully remove the polish, but it eliminates the need to apply nail polish remover to a cotton ball. Pads are convenient because they’re ready to go as soon as you open the container, but they cost more than liquids.
Brush: These gel nail polish removers come in a small tub with a sponge and brush. The sponge covers the opening of the tub. You hold your finger in the solution through a hole in the sponge and then scrub off the nail polish with a brush. This method is more convenient and less messy than a bottle of liquid, but it costs more and gets used up quickly.
Hydration
Gel nail polish removers that include lotions and moisturizers can save your nails and skin from permanent damage. Some formulas work better than others, and finding one that you like might take some trial and error. Keep in mind that solutions that include hydration helpers may be oily, but the extra oils can be wiped away or rubbed into your skin for further moisturizing.
Because acetone can be drying to the nails, some removers are infused with moisturizers to offset this effect. We take note of products that incorporate moisture for this purpose.
Many nail polish removers contain acetone, but acetone-free options are also available. In our research, we keep in mind that acetone is effective at removing polish, but it can cause skin irritation and dry nails.
Gel nail polish remover is formulated to effectively remove gel polish from fingernails, but certain steps must be followed for best results. We factor this into our research and include tips and steps to guide our readers through the process.
The best gel nail polish remover is powerful yet doesn’t damage the nails. When we research a product, we consider whether it works well without harming nails.
In our search for the best gel nail polish removers, we evaluate liquid, brush, and pad forms, exploring their benefits and limitations.
The most popular type of polish remover is liquid, which stands out in terms of value. We take this into account when advising consumers of their options.
Brush nail polish remover includes a sponge for quick and easy use, but it’s pricey and doesn’t last as long as liquid remover. We take this into account when selecting the best gel nail polish removers for our shortlist.
We assess whether a gel nail polish remover works quickly and thoroughly. A big question on our minds is whether the remover leaves behind any residue.
When analyzing liquid polish remover for gel nail polish, we want to know if a little goes a long way or if a lot of product is required to get the job done.
Although pricier than liquid remover, gel nail polish remover pads stand out for their convenience. We consider ease of use and the number of pads per package.
How to remove gel nail polish
Gel nail polish can last two or three times longer than regular nail polish. However, its durability and staying power can make it hard to remove. Here are some basic steps to follow for better nail polish removal.
Prep your materials. Gather ten cotton balls and ten pieces of aluminum foil cut into rectangles large enough to enclose each fingertip. You’ll also need a nail file and skin lotion.
File your nails. This is to remove the top coat of polish. You only need to file down until the sheen is gone.
Put lotion on the skin around your nails. This keeps your skin from drying out.
Soak a cotton ball in polish remover and place it over your fingernail. Make sure to cover the entire nail surface.
Wrap the fingertip and cotton ball in a rectangle of aluminum foil. This holds the remover in place on the nail. (Repeat for each finger.)
Soak your fingernails for 15 to 20 minutes. If the polish has been on your nails for a long time, give it an extra few minutes.
- Press on the foil and move the cotton ball gently back and forth across the fingernail. Remove the cotton ball and foil. Most, if not all, of the gel nail polish should come off with the cotton ball. (Repeat for each finger.)
Gel nail polish remover prices
You can expect to pay from less than $1 to more than $2 per ounce for gel nail polish remover, depending on the brand, format, and ingredients.
Inexpensive: For less than a $1 per ounce, you can find many liquid gel nail polish removers that contain 98% to 100% acetone. These powerful removers might contain some extra moisturizers like vitamin E and/or grapeseed oil. Some are designed for general nail polish removal, while others are specialized for gel nail polish.
Mid-range: At $1 to $2 per ounce, you’ll see more formulas specifically designed to remove gel nail polish. Some of these removers also include a nail file for pre-treatment of the nails.
Expensive: For over $2 per ounce, you’ll find some of the most effective acetone-free, organic, and hydrating gel nail polish removers. These removers may also come as a kit that includes a file or stick to remove excess nail polish.
Caution
If part of your nail starts to peel off with the nail polish, stop removal, and apply more nail polish remover. Stripping away the nail weakens it and can potentially lead to infection.
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Tips
Be patient. If your gel polish has been on your nails for two or three weeks, you might need to let your nails soak in the remover a bit longer than usual. The polish is well bonded to the nail, and you don’t want to damage your nails by peeling the polish off too soon.
Speed up the process. You can buy precut foil wraps that come with cotton pads already attached. You still have to apply the gel nail polish remover, but these handy options make the process easier and faster.
- Finish up the job. After you’ve finished the removal process, some pesky nail polish might still remain on your nails. Use a cotton ball soaked with remover to take off the last vestiges of nail polish.
Removing the nails from the gel nail polish remover too soon can cause part of the nail plate to come off with the nail polish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
FAQ
Q. What’s the difference between nail polish remover and gel nail polish remover?
A. In some cases, there is no difference. Many general nail polish removers are effective on gel nail polish. However, they might take longer and cause more damage to your nails and skin. That’s usually where the products differ – gel nail polish remover tends to include moisturizers and other hydrating ingredients to protect cuticles, nails, and skin. Typically, the higher the percentage of acetone in the remover, the harsher it is on your skin and nails.
Q. Are organic gel nail polish removers effective?
A. There are several organic products on the market that can remove gel nail polish. However, many of them require you to leave the remover on your nail for longer periods of time. So, yes they are effective, but they take more time to work.
Q. Should I soak my fingers in a bowl full of gel nail polish remover?
A. Some manufacturer instructions recommend this method. However, professionals continue to use foil for the best removal. Aluminum foil helps keep the nail polish remover localized to your nails and provides some protection for the skin on your fingertips. That isn’t to say some remover won’t find its way onto your skin, but it does provide some extra protection. Plus, you don’t have to sit with your fingers in a bowl for 15 to 20 minutes.
