Can't stand the smell of nail polish remover? Good news: there are DIY nail polish remover alternatives—cheap, natural ones—that you probably already have on hand (pun totally intended). Learn how to remove nail polish without remover using 7 simple methods you can try at home.
Although I’m a diehard fan of nail polish, I almost never wear it. The biggest reason? That stinky nail polish remover that is the natural consequence.
My mom always taught me that "no polish is better than chipped polish," and nothing gets rid of flaky tips quite like acetone polish remover.
So I stopped using polish altogether to avoid the fumes and chemicals of traditional remover. But it turns out you don’t really need to go that far.
Jump to:
What Makes Nail Polish Remover So Bad?
Before we dive in, let’s talk about traditional nail polish remover for a second.
What makes it so nasty? Well, it comes down to acetone and its cousins, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and isopropyl acetate.
Acetone is most often used as a paint thinner—and that’s exactly what makes it so effective for removing nail polish. But it’s also super harsh, especially when it comes in contact with skin.
- Sporadic use can cause nearby skin to become red and irritated.
- Chronic exposure removes a lot of the skin's natural oils, leading to dry, cracked fingers and toes.
- The fumes are so strong that it’s also been shown to cause headaches, dizziness, and eye and throat irritation when used in an enclosed space.
And while occasional use is fine (think once or twice a year), you might want to switch to a gentler alternative if you paint your nails often.
7 DIY Nail Polish Remover Recipes
Now, let’s just get something out there: natural alternatives will make the process take longer than conventional methods. I mean you’re not chemically melting the paint off your fingertips, so it’s bound to require a bit of elbow grease.
Personally, I’m fine with that if it means I get to skip the headache, dizziness, and eye irritation that comes with sniffing paint thinner.
Here are some of my favorite ways to remove nail polish without nail polish remover.
1. Baking Soda
Is there anything baking soda can't do? Because it's slightly abrasive, baking soda can help break down and buff away nail polish.
- Soak your nails in hot water to soften the polish.
- Sprinkle some on your nails, and use a damp dish towel or old toothbrush to massage it in.
Baking soda is gentle, and it takes time to wear away at the polish, so be patient!
2. Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or alcohol wipes can be used to remove nail polish. The alcohol helps to break down the polish much like acetone.
Reach for either 80+ proof vodka or straight rubbing alcohol and a few cotton balls.
- Soak your nails in warm water for a few minutes to soften the polish.
- Rub the alcohol-based product over the nails with a cotton ball or pad.
- Let it soak into your nails for a few minutes to soften the polish, and then scrub away.
Just note that alcohol can be incredibly drying. So use it sparingly, and always follow up with a nourishing hand lotion to replenish moisture and keep your cuticles from splitting.
3. Vinegar and Lemon Juice
A mixture of vinegar and lemon juice can act as a natural nail polish remover. The acid in vinegar is said to soften nail polish while the lemon juice boosts its effectiveness and gives it a fresh(er) scent.
- Mix equal parts of vinegar and lemon juice.
- Soak a cotton ball in the solution, and apply it to your nails.
- Wrap each nail with aluminum foil to hold the cotton ball in place, wait for 10-15 minutes, then rub the polish off.
- Gently scrub away at the polish. If needed, gently file off any remaining specks of paint.
4. Toothpaste
A dollop of toothpaste is all you need to get rid of lingering polish. Toothpaste that contains ethyl acetate, which is also found in nail polish remover, can be used to remove nail polish.
- Simply dab a pea-sized amount onto your nails.
- Buff in a circular motion using a paper towel, nail brush, or an old toothbrush.
As you scrub, the polish will slowly wear away until you’re left with perfectly clean nails. This method may require some elbow grease!
As a bonus, whitening toothpaste can lighten the discoloration caused by nail polish. So once the polish is gone, keep buffing for a few minutes to get rid of stains and brighten yellowed tips.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Diluted hydrogen peroxide can also help lift nail polish. This method is gentler on the nails, however, so it might take longer to work.
- In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide with ¼ cup of hot water.
- Soak your nails in the solution for 10 minutes to help soften and dissolve the nail polish.
- Once the polish has softened slightly, gently scrape it off as best you can using your fingers, a cuticle stick, or the back of a small spoon.
- Use a nail file or buff block to remove any stubborn bits.
6. Hairspray
If you're specifically looking for natural alternatives, I'll admit that this method may seem like cheating. But hairspray often contains chemicals that act like paint thinner, so it makes a great nail polish remover in a pinch.
- Spray hair spray directly onto your nails and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Rub off with a cotton ball or paper towel. If all goes according to plan, your nail polish should wipe off easily.
Since hair spray can be drying, wash your hands and moisturize afterward.
7. Peel It Off
This isn’t the most mind-blowing of methods, but sometimes the easiest thing to do is just peel it off. Personally, I love this method because it’s even a little fun, if you’re into that sort of thing.
- Soaking your nails in warm, not hot, water for about 10-15 minutes can help loosen the nail polish.
- Scrape off gently with a nail stick or the flat side of another nail. Be careful not to damage the nail bed.
- If your polish won’t peel off in large chunks, go ahead and add another coat of polish. The solvents in nail polish will soften the old coat, making it easier to peel or wipe away.
You can also try using a hair dryer to soften the polish until it becomes perfectly peelable.
Top Tip
Remember, these methods may be more time-consuming and may not be as effective on your nails and skin as commercial nail polish removers. Always follow up with a moisturizer or oil to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated after using these alternatives.
Natural Polish Alternatives
If you don't want to DIY, you can still skip the acetone with these natural alternatives:
ella&mila Soy Nail Polish Remover is made without acetone, acetates, or alcohol. It's gentle and effective on natural nail polishes, but won't remove gel polish.
Karma Organic Natural Nail Polish Remover Unscented is non-toxic, scent-free, and it also strengthens your nails.
The Cutex Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover is a non-acetone miracle, and an affordable one, too.
FAQ
Most of these alternatives are suitable for regular nail polish, and they work even better on natural nail polishes, but are less effective on gel or shellac polish.
If you get too scrub-happy, you can do some damage to your nail bed. And always apply moisturizer and cuticle oil after removal to restore moisture, and give your nails a break between polish applications to allow them to recover.
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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