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A collage of nail polish removers, including People of Color Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover and Tenoverten The Rose Soak

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Nail polish remover is an essential part of every DIY manicurist’s kit.

These powerful solvents dissolve the polymers found in nail lacquer.

Of course, not all formulas are created equal.

ZOYA Remove Plus 3 in 1 Formula - Polish Remover, Nail Cleaner, Nail Prep, 8 Fl Oz

PHOTO: Amazon

The following are the best in show.

This nail polish remover gets rid of any shade of lacquer, dark or light, opaque orglittery.

(Note: the main ingredient is 2-propanone, the chemical name for acetone).

Gel Nail Polish Remover by Cutex, Ultra-Powerful & Removes Glitter and Dark Colored Paints, Paraben Free, 6.76 Fl Oz

PHOTO: Amazon

It also works as a pre-polish nail prepper, dissolving oily residues and leaving you with a clean canvas.

But that’s not all.

This powerful nail polish remover can easily dissolve all types of lacquer, including salon-grade UV gel.

Onyx Professional 100% Pure Acetone Nail Polish Remover, 16 fl oz

PHOTO: Walmart

If you’re looking for something containing nothing more than acetone, she recommends Onyx.

you’re able to use this product to remove regular polish or soak off gel lacquer.

This no-nonsense formula uses acetone to soak off stubborn shellac and gel lacquer within minutes.

Olive & June Nail Polish Remover

PHOTO: Olive & June

We also love that it doesn’t dry out the skin or nail beds.

It works quickly as well, so preparing for your next style can be a breeze.

We also love that it has a smaller opening to distribute the product easier without causing a mess.

butter LONDON Nail Scrubbers 2-in-1 Prep & Lacquer Remover Wipes, 10 Count

PHOTO: Amazon

Both acetone and non-acetone remover break down the polish, but acetone is way more powerful.

Melanie Rudis a Chicago-based writer who covers all things beauty and lifestyle for Byrdie since 2019.

She holds a B.A.

THE ROSE SOAK 4 OZ

PHOTO: Violet Grey

in Journalism and English from New York University.

Nassim J and Liu K.A look at the effects of nail polish on nail health and safety.

2019;38(3_suppl):6S-22S.

Ella + Mila Jojoba Based Nail Polish Remover

PHOTO: Ella + Mila

doi:10.1177/1091581819883820

Abid Keen, M.; Hassan, I.Vitamin E in dermatology.Indian Dermatology Online Journal.

July-August 2016; 7(4): 311315. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.185494

Kurowski G, et al.Active Ingredients in Paint Strippers.Chemistry.

Deborah Lippmann The Stripper - Nail Polish Remover

PHOTO: Sephora

People of Color Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover

PHOTO: People of Color

Sally Hansen Gel Polish Remover

PHOTO: Ulta

LeChat Perfect Match Soak-Off Remover

PHOTO: LeChat

Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover, Acetone-Free & Non Drying for Regular & Shellac Nail Polishes, 6 Ounce

PHOTO: Amazon

Pronto Nail Polish Remover

PHOTO: Amazon

Dr. Dana Hydrating Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover

PHOTO: Dr. Dana