We’ve done the research and found several different kinds of effective gel nail polish removers for you to consider.
Buying Guide for Gel Nail Polish Removers
Why buy gel nail polish remover?
Do you love the look of a gel manicure? The smooth finish is dreamy, and it outlasts traditional nail polish by double or more. If you love gel nails, you will need gel nail polish remover to switch things up or give your nails a breather between polishes.
What should you consider in gel nail polish remover?
- Removal Time: While traditional gel nail polish remover takes a little longer to break down your gels, some gel nail polish removers claim to remove your gel polish in just minutes. If you have time to sit and relax, the time factor likely won’t be an issue. But if you’re constantly on the go, you may want to consider a faster alternative.
- Odor: Traditional gel nail polish remover is made with acetone. While the smell doesn’t bother some people, it can be caustic to others. Some of the gel nail polish removers listed below are made with acetone, while others are not and have less odor.
- Volume: How many uses will you get out of one purchase of gel nail polish remover? Most offer several, some up to 10 or more. If you’re an avid nail artist or love getting new nails often, buy a remover that you can get more than just a couple of uses out of.
How much can you expect to spend on gel nail polish remover?
Gel nail polish remover is surprisingly inexpensive. Products begin at under $10 and can go up to $50 or more. Even some of the $10 products promise several uses. You can definitely save a lot of money by removing your nail polish at home vs. going to the salon.
Our Picks for the Best Gel Nail Polish Removers
Pros: This product works to remove various manicures from regular polish to gel, shellac, and acrylics. It removes most manicures within 15 minutes. Just soak your nails in the solution and then rub it off. This nail polish remover is very easy to use and contains only one ingredient—acetone.
Cons: Pure acetone isn’t for people with sensitive skin. Acetone can cause dizziness or headaches if not used in a well-ventilated space.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a multipurpose nail polish remover that’ll get the job done, look no further. Pure acetone can also be used to clean wheel bearings, superglue, and other materials. This versatile product is also extremely cost-effective.
Pros: This gel nail polish remover is virtually odorless. One coat is all you need to remove gel nail polish. This product does not contain acetone, and it works very quickly—just five minutes or so.
Cons: Before using this gel nail polish remover, you need to remove your sealing top coat with another nail polish remover, or it won’t work properly. Be careful not to get this nail polish remover on your skin, as it can potentially cause chemical burns. It’s not safe for children.
Bottom Line: If you want to try a gel nail polish remover that’s ultra-fast, this may be a great product for you. One layer directly on the gel polish will break it down in a matter of minutes without the smell of acetone.
Pros: No more aluminum foil waste! You can reuse these clips over and over again to wrap acetone pads around your nails. This nail polish remover kit will also work for acrylic nails if you soak them first. You get multiple uses out of this product, saving you time and money.
Cons: The clips won’t fit on large toes. The directions aren’t the easiest, and the plastic clips may loosen over time.
Bottom Line: If you’re sick of wrapping your nails in foil to remove your gel polish, this may be a great alternative for you. The clips are easy to use and easy to clean; you simply wash them with soap and water and then allow them to air-dry after you’re done. This kit comes with a lot of pads, so you can remove your gel polish many times without having to purchase extra supplies.
Pros: These foil-wrapped pads remove gel polish quicker than traditional foils. You also get a lot of bang for your buck. Wrapping your nails cuts down on the aggressive odor of nail polish remover and keeps the nails saturated.
Cons: This product does not come with its own storage container, so you will need to find your own storage solution. It also doesn’t come with the acetone remover, so you’ll have to buy that separately. It also doesn’t remove all types of manicures, so read the instructions carefully before using.
Bottom Line: If traditional foils aren’t working for you, these may be a great alternative. The pads hold onto moisture so that they don’t dry out on your nails, which can be uncomfortable or even painful. Save money and time with this method.
Pros: Using this steamer machine only takes 12 minutes to remove most gel polish. It also breaks down nail polish glue, making it easy to remove gems, glitter, and tips. The machine is also easy to clean when you’re done, and it doesn’t create a bunch of waste as other methods do.
Cons: Unfortunately, it doesn’t work on toes. It isn’t as effective on dip powder manicures.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a gift for a friend who loves gel nails, this could be an excellent choice. It’s simple to operate and works quickly. And you don’t have to worry about the irritating smells of nail polish remover when using this product.
Final Thoughts
There are many styles of gel nail polish removers, so it’s all about deciding which will work best for you. Maybe you want to try something new, or perhaps you’d prefer to stick to tried and true methods. Either way, there’s a product here that should work for you.
