Nail Polish Removers That Work In A Single Swipe (2024)

There are few beauty rituals more irksome and tedious than removing nail polish. Whether you’re attempting to erase what’s left of a gel manicure or simply taking the polish off of one nail after smudging an at-home paint job, the process can feel like the most dreaded of chores. It's likely the reason most of us will go days (err, weeks) with chipped nails. No matter how much you try to avoid the pungent acetone smell or the drying effect it has on nails, though, we know polish removal is a necessary sacrifice when it comes to doing your nails. But it doesn’t have to be all terrible. With more nail polish removers on the market than ever before, there’s really something for every nail and every concern, be it sensitive skin or stubborn polish.

“I’ve been doing nails for a long time, and I love acetone for a quick removal, but if you like a more nourishing and less drying product, there are tons of options,” says celebrity nail artist Canishiea J. Sams. With any polish remover, she recommends applying cuticle oil before and then adding the remover to a cotton pad and slowly swiping from the base of the nail to the tip. For darker colors or polish that seems to require some extra work, the nail artist suggests applying a remover soaked cotton ball to the nail and letting it sit there for 10 to 20 seconds before swiping it away from the cuticle. Afterwards, she says, “always wash your hands, apply a nourishing basecoat, and apply cuticle oil and lotion.”

Finding the right nail polish remover for your needs can be daunting, but to help simplify your search, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best ones. Read on to see our picks.

For those hoping to get away from the acetone-based nail polish removers that have long been a go-to, this favorite from Olive & June is a great alternative. The polish remover boasts a gentle, vegan, and cruelty-free formula and comes in a convenient pot and sponge-top lid, so all you have to do is dip fingers into the center and twist for salon-perfect removal.

Sundays has long been known for creating clean, non-toxic nail polishes that are as good for your nails as they are beautiful, and its polish remover is no different. The two-in-one soy-based remover takes polish off gently and leaves nails nourished and hydrated. Formulated with only essential oils, the remover delivers vitamins A, C, and E and is infused with a soothing grapefruit scent to make the entire experience relaxing.

For a nail polish remover that will really get the job done--even on the most stubborn of colors--look no further than this OPI classic. With the efficacy and quickness of salon removal, it will swipe away polish without the drying effects of harsh removers and will leave cuticles soft and smooth.

Often, the worst part of taking off nail polish is the heavy alcohol smell that fills the air and lingers on hands the rest of the day--but with Côte’s Takeoff, the sea rose scent is so lovely that you’ll never want the removal to end. The acetone-free formula is made with essential oils and is less drying on nails than traditional removers, yet it’s just as effective.

For a polish remover that actually leaves nails stronger rather than dry and brittle, this Sally Hansen option is ideal. Enriched with a blend of vitamins and proteins, including gelatin, the remover gets rid of polish quickly and thoroughly while softening cuticles and fortifying nails.

As the name suggests, this remover from Static Nails is completely non-toxic and has no smell whatsoever. Gentle and highly effective, it’s free of acetone and will condition and hydrate nails and the surrounding skin. A little bit goes a long way with this remover, and don’t let the natural ingredients fool you: this will get rid of even the toughest of glitters and gels.

Cucumber-scented and designed to tackle the toughest polishes, this Cutex remover has likely made an appearance in your bathroom cabinet at some point or other, and there’s good reason for that. The spa formula contains 98 percent acetone for fast and easy removal, making it a great choice for salon gel and stubborn polish.

A favorite among beauty insiders, The Stripper is known for making the polish removal process fast as can be, but it also makes it quite effortless. Infused with aloe vera and lavender, this remover is extremely hydrating and will make dry, brittle nails a thing of the past.

Gel polsih is always a nice indulgence--it’s long-lasting, doesn’t chip, and boasts a beautiful shine--but removing it at home is one of the most dreaded activities imaginable. With ORLY’s Genius Remover, though, it’s never been easier. The all-purpose remover can take on gel, lacquer, and hybrid polishes quickly and painlessly, and it won’t strip away any moisture.

Whether you’re heading on a beach vacation or simply spending the night at your significant other’s house, there’s nothing worse than needing to take off a decaying manicure and having no remover in sight. For those on-the-go occasions, these wipes from Ella+Mila are the perfect insurance. The vitamin-enriched soy formula is effective and keeps nails healthy and moisturized, and you can throw them in your purse or gym bag to make sure you’re always covered.