7 Best Gel Nail Polish Removers, According to Reviews
This is all you need to take off your gel polishes and keep changing your nail style.
Beth Brown is a licensed nail technician/esthetician with over 30 years of experience. She currently holds licenses in three states as well as a degree in fashion merchandising. Beth founded Be a Betty in 2020, fulfilling her dreams of nami... more
baishali bhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior ... more
srijani roy chowdhury Associate Commerce Editor Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
srijita deCommerce Writer Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Gel nail polish tends to stay on for weeks, unlike regular ones. So, if you want to keep changing the style and design frequently, you need to get your hands on the best gel nail polish remover. While you can also visit a nail salon for the same, it might not always be feasible as and when you want. That’s when a gel nail polish remover comes in handy. To get you started, we have shortlisted the 7 best gel nail polish removers for you to choose from.
In This Article
What’s The Difference Between Nail Polish Remover And Gel Nail Polish Remover?
Most regular nail polish removers are effective at removing gel polishes. But, the process is long and can damage your skin and nails. Gel nail polish removers contain hydrating ingredients and moisturizers that protect your skin, nails, and cuticles. They also remove gel polish with ease and are not harsh on your natural nails.
Now, let’s check out the nest gel nail polish removers available right now.
7 Best Gel Nail Polish Removers
1. Best Easy-To-Use: Cutex Care Nail Polish Remover
Image: Cutex The Cutex Care Nail Polish Remover is an acetone nail polish remover infused with a combination of ingredients that helps in strengthening and nourishing the nails and thus improve your experience of removing nail lacquer at home. This ergonomically designed nail gel remover has a fresh, light cucumber aroma and apricot kernel oil. It contains 98% acetone for quick and simple removal of gel manicures and pedicures at home. It is effective at removing even the most difficult and stubborn polishes, such as salon UV gel, extended wear, glitter, and dark colors, providing quick, easy, and exceptional results. Also, several reviewers have given positive feedback for its nourishing and hydrating formula.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Easy to use
- Paraben-free
- Strength-shield
- Nourishing
Cons
- None
2. Best Compact:Americanails Fast Foils Remove
Image: Americanails Tired of following lengthy procedures to remove your gel polish? This instant gel nail polish remover by Americanails is the perfect choice for you! This versatile remover comes as foil wrapped over a thick cotton pad that is soaked in pure acetone. It does not contain any additives, fragrances, or water, and is also gentle on your skin. It effectively removes gel nail polish, acrylic nails, dip powders, and fabric wraps. You simply need to tear the foil, insert your finger, wrap it, and pull out your polish. It is ideal for personal as well as salon use.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Compact
- Less time-consuming
Cons
- Dries out quickly
Pro Tip3. Best Sturdy Material: Teenitor Nail Lacquer Gel Removal Tool Kit
Image: Teenitor The Teenitor Nail Lacquer Gel Removal Tools Kit provides you with the necessary salon-quality tools to absorb, dissolve, and eliminate gel polish. The kit includes a coarse sand file, handle grip nail brushes, nail removal pads, nail clips, a cuticle pusher, and a buffer block. They are manufactured out of heavy-duty plastic, which is long-lasting, reusable, easy to clean, and convenient to use. You can effortlessly remove nail paint gels at home with the utmost convenience in just five simple steps and save yourself an appointment at the nail salon! Several reviewers online, after testing the product, have lauded it for its ease of use and long-lasting results.
Pros
- Clips stay intact
- Easy to use
- Does not damage your nails
- Softens the nails
- Time-saving
- Reusable
- Washable
Cons
- None
Cutex Care Nail Polish Remover Best Easy-To-Use | Americanails Fast Foils Remove Best Compact | Best Sturdy Material Best Sturdy Material | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.2 Kilograms | - | 0.01 Ounces |
| Dimensions | 1.81 x 2.95 x 6.42 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 7.05 Ounces | - | - |
| Package Dimensions | - | 8.9 x 6.69 x 2.56 inches; 1.52 Pounds | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 575 | - |
| Price | $3.97 | $9.99 | $8.99 |
4. Best Mess-Free: ALIVER Nail Polish Gel Remover
Image: Aliver The ALIVER Nail Polish Gel Remover is an easy-to-use product to remove gel nail polish. With the gel polish remover, visiting a nail salon to remove it is no longer necessary as it quickly removes the gel polish layer without hurting the nail’s natural shine. In only three to five minutes, even the most stubborn nail paint will be gone with this gel remover’s help. It is safe for UV plastic nails, acrylic nails, and natural nails.
Pros
- Safe formula
- Easy to use
- Does not damage your cuticles
- Time-saving
- Affordable
Cons
- None
5. Best Non-Toxic: Saviland Gel Nail Polish Remover Kit
Image: Saviland The Saviland Gel Nail Polish Remover Kit includes a gel paint remover, nail clips, cotton pads, and various nail pieces of equipment, to remove gel manicures effortlessly. You can insert the cotton pads in the nail clips to tightly fit your fingers without any pressure. Both the cuticle pusher and the triangular cuticle peeler scraper are constructed of sturdy and aesthetically pleasing stainless steel. In addition to safely and rapidly removing your nail art without hurting your nails, the nail paint remover is also non-toxic and has little to no odor. The kit also comes with a pump container that you can fill with the liquid remover to make it more efficient and convenient to use and avoid wastage.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Odorless
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
- Hydrating formula
- Salon-grade results
Cons
- None
6. Best Natural Ingredients:Reazeal Nail Polish Remover
This unique nail polish remover by Reazeal is super effective and easy to use. It comes in a value-added set of two. The solution has a very gentle scent and is made with natural conditioning agents that do not irritate your nail beds. You just have to apply the remover onto your nails, wait, and peel them off. It does not leave any residue and gets the job done without being messy. This product can be used to remove the matte top coat, top coat, base coat, 3D nail decorations, etc.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Safe formula
- Mild scent
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- None
Caution7. Best Cruelty-Free: Morovan Nail Remover Gel Paint Removal Kit
Image: Morovan The Morovan Nail Remover Gel Paint Removal Kit has everything you need to take care of your nail polish removal requirements. Whether you’ve used gel nail polish, glitter paints, or nail adhesive, this removal package will get rid of it all in 2-5 minutes flat without damaging your nails. The acetone-free gel nail polish remover is formulated to remove gel nail polish in a gentle, non-drying manner. Natural resin is used to create the latex tape peel-off cuticle that guards the skin barrier protector. It also prevents nail polish from seeping into the cuticles and skin around the nails during the application of nail art, ombre nails, and other nail designs.
Pros
- Non-slip design
- Natural ingredients
- Non-irritation
- No irritating odor
- Cruelty-free
- Acetone-free formula
- Quick absorbing formula
- Easy to use
Cons
- Slightly expensive
That was a round-up of the best gel nail polish removers and kits. Confused about which one to invest in? Here’s a comprehensive guide of features to consider before investing in a gel nail polish remover.
Features To Consider Before Buying A Gel Nail Polish Remover
1. Acetone vs. Acetone-free
- Acetone: Acetone is a flammable solvent that is used to remove nail polish. It has a very strong scent and can be harsh on your skin and nails. If your nail polish remover has a higher percentage of acetone, it is more likely to get the job done in a jiffy. However, acetone-based removers can cause your cuticles to split and dry out, thus leaving your nail beds at risk of infection.
- Acetone-free: Acetone-free or alcohol-free gel polish removers are weaker compared to acetone-infused ones. These non-acetone removers contain natural oils that help hydrate your skin and nails. They may also contain scented essential oils for a luxurious feel.
2. Liquid, Pad, or Brush
- Liquid: Most gel nail polish removers come in a liquid form. They are less expensive and all you have to do is soak a cotton ball in the solution and work it on the nail.
- Pad: Pad nail polish removers often come in sets and are saturated with solvents. You need to place the nail polish remover pad or wipes on your nails and let it soak for a while to remove it. They are convenient to use on the go but more expensive than liquid removers.
- Brush: This kind of gel nail polish removers come in a little tub along with a brush and sponge. The sponge is placed on the opening of the tub, and you place your finger in the solution through the hole given in the sponge. Then you gently scrub the nail polish with the brush. Although this method is a lot more convenient and less messy, it finishes off quickly and is also expensive.
3. Hydration
Using a gel polish remover that contains moisturizers and essential oils can prevent permanent damage to your skin and nails. Keep in mind that polish removers that include hydrating ingredients can be quite oily, but these ingredients – when rubbed into your skin – can be super moisturizing.
Want to do your nails with gel nail polish but don’t know how to remove it correctly once the time comes? Here’s a quick guide on how to get rid of that gel nail polish once you’re done.
How To Remove Gel Nail Polish
Gel nail polish is more long-lasting than your regular nail polish. Its durability can make it very hard to remove. Here are a few steps to follow for easy and effective gel polish removal:
- Gather Your Materials: Take 10 cotton balls and 10 pieces of aluminium foil that are cut into large rectangles to enclose each fingertip. Also, have your skin lotion and nail file close by.
- File Your Nails: Filing your nails helps remove the top coat of your nail polish. You need to file until the shine is gone.
- Apply Lotion Around Your Nails: This step keeps your skin from drying out. Do not skip it! You can also apply cuticle oil to keep your nail area fresh and moisturized.
- Place The Cotton Balls On Your Nails: Soak a cotton ball in some nail polish remover and place it over your finger nail, making sure the cotton covers the entire nail surface.
- Wrap With Aluminum Foil: Encase your fingertips and cotton ball inside the aluminium foil. This makes sure the remover stays in place. Repeat on all your fingertips.
- Wait For 20 Minutes: Let your fingernails soak off for about 20 minutes. If the polish has been on your nails for a long time, give it a few more minutes.
- Remove The Cotton Balls And Foils: Press down the foil and jiggle the cotton ball back and forth gently. Slide off the foil along with the cotton ball and your gel polish should come right off.
Beth Brown, a licensed nail technician, says, “Try removing the top layer with a file. This is the step most people don’t know about. Also, cuticle oil should be applied after removal if you are not reapplying gel polish.”
Infographic: Alternate Uses Of A Gel Nail Polish Remover
Gel nail polish removers are designed to remove stubborn polish marks while nourishing the nails’ beds. Apart from being nail care essentials, they can also come in handy for cleaning other things and maintaining their luster. The infographic below lists their alternate uses. Have a look!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Nail polishes add a pop to your fingers but some of them might be hard to clean. Try the best gel nail polish removers that allow you to remove your existing nail color effortlessly and prepare the nail base for the new shade that matches your outfit. These removers contain moisturizing ingredients that protect your cuticles from harsh chemicals and nail colors. The Cutex Care Nail Polish Remover helps you gently remove polishes while hydrating and strengthening the nails, while the Teenitor Gel Removal Tool Kit provides precision for gel polish lovers. If you are looking for a solution that protects your skin barrier, try the Morovan Gel Paint Removal Kit. The gel nail polish removers are easy to use, mess-free, and cruelty-free. However, some products may dry out quickly. Our buying guide will help you choose the best nail remover from our recommended list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to peel off gel nail polish?
No, do not peel off gel nail polish while removing it.
Does gel polish ruin your nails?
No, gel polishes are not bad for your nails. They are easy to remove with the right, damage-free gel nail polish remover.
Does 80% acetone remove gel nails?
Yes, any gel nail polish remover with at least 50% acetone can easily remove gel nails.
Can I remove gel nail polish with hot water?
No, it is difficult to remove gel nail polish with hot water. Before using acetone, soak your nails in lukewarm water to loosen your nails.
How long does gel nail polish remover last?
A gel nail polish remover can last you a couple of uses. However, it all depends on the type of the product. For instance, the Makartt Nail Polish Remover Kit can last you up to 20 uses for all nails.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya, the author of this article, is certified in makeup artistry. She likes experimenting with nail art and colors. This well-researched list of the best gel nail polish removers available on the market is curated after extensive research. These gel nail polish removers do not dry out the nails and cuticles. They are easy to use and lightweight.
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