Whether you are out of remover or just looking for an acetone-free solution, there are plenty of creative tricks to removing your nail polish without nail polish remover. These methods are not only effective, but can be surprisingly gentle on your nails and cuticles — and they are expert-approved, too. We are breaking down the various alternatives to nail polish remover that might become your new go-to. Remember that acetone nail polish removers are typically quite efficient at what they do—so give any substitute a little more time to work. Soaking your nails in warm water beforehand may help expedite the process.
Material required:
Alcohol
Cotton balls
Vinegar
Orange juice
Lemon
Hairspray
Toothpaste
Baking soda
Rubbing alcohol: Out of acetone? If your bottle is bone-dry, you can use rubbing alcohol to remove nail polish. Apply some to a cotton ball or pad and place it on your nail. Let it sit for about 10 seconds and gently rub it back and forth. Your nail polish should come off fairly quickly.
Vinegar and orange juice: While the combo sounds a little sickening as a beverage, a mixture of orange juice and vinegar can be used to remove nail polish in a pinch. Combine an equal amount of each ingredient and mix thoroughly. Dip a cotton ball or pad in the mixture and press on your fingernails for about 10 seconds until the nail polish softens. Then, pull down the cotton pad to remove the polish.
Lemon: From cleaning the microwave to removing stubborn fabric stains, lemon has numerous household uses—and that includes removing nail polish. The secret is in the acidity, so beware of this method if you have any cuts or cracked cuticles. Otherwise, simply place a slice or lemon juice on your nails and let it sit until your polish softens before rubbing it off.
Hairspray: If you are tearing through house and home searching for a way to remove nail polish without nail polish remover, consider that can of aerosol hairspray under the sink. Saturate a cotton ball or cotton pad with hairspray and wrap the cotton on your nail. Let it sit before rubbing the nail with the cotton pad and washing away any residue.
Toothpaste and baking soda: Who knew that that tube in your medicine cabinet could clean up your nails just as well as your teeth? Use a basic white toothpaste to remove polish by rubbing the paste onto your nails, then sprinkling baking soda on top. Continue to rub before wiping off with a damp cotton ball or cloth. (The key ingredient here is solvent ethyl acetate, found in some toothpastes and polish removers.)
