Acetone-based removers: powerful, but not without consequences
What exactly is acetone?
Acetone is a strong solvent found in most traditional nail polish removers. It's widely used to break down nail polish, glue, or resin. While it’s undeniably effective at dissolving polish pigments in seconds, it also strips the natural protective oils from the nail plate. And it's not just your nails—your cuticles take a hit too. Acetone dries them out, weakening their role as a protective barrier for your nail matrix.
What are the effects of acetone on nails?
If you regularly use acetone-based removers, you might notice:
-
Peeling or breakage that happens more easily.
-
Dryness or irritation around the nails.
-
Temporary whitening of the nail surface.
The culprit? Its stripping power. Acetone doesn’t just remove your polish—it also removes your nail’s natural lipid layer. The result? Dehydrated, weakened nails with compromised keratin structure. Before diving into your next manicure, it’s worth considering a gentler removal method to help your nails stay healthy and strong.
Polish removal without remover: is it possible?
Filing: use with caution
Nail files are meant to shape your nails—square, oval, almond, you name it. But using one to scrape off polish, especially when it’s chipping, can damage the nail plate and create surface irregularities. These imperfections stick around until the nail fully regrows (about 3 months). Best to steer clear if you want to keep your natural nails looking their best.
DIY removal methods
Want to steer clear of harsh removers? Here are a few gentle, natural methods worth trying. While they may not work on highly pigmented or dark polishes, they’re kinder to your nails and can be surprisingly effective with a little effort:
-
🛁 Warm water + mild soap + vinegar: Soak your nails for about 10 minutes in a bowl of warm (not hot) water, a bit of mild soap, and a spoonful of white vinegar. The heat softens the polish while the vinegar’s acetic acid helps break it down. Gently rub each nail with a cotton pad or clean cloth to lift the softened polish. It’s a patient process—but it won’t dry out your nails like acetone can.
-
🍋 Lemon juice + white vinegar or plant oil: Thanks to its citric acid, lemon juice has light dissolving properties. Mix it with a nourishing oil (like castor, almond, or olive oil) or white vinegar. The natural oils help break down pigments and nourish the keratin while softening cuticles. Soak a cotton pad with your blend, leave it on for a few minutes, then wipe gently to remove.
-
🪥 Toothpaste + baking soda: This combo works through gentle abrasion. The baking soda’s graininess plus surfactants in the toothpaste (like sodium lauryl sulfate) can lift off polish with a soft toothbrush. Not ideal for stubborn polish, but a handy fix for light colors. Be extra careful with sensitive nails.
Peel-off polish: one to watch
Inspired by peel-off face masks, peel-off polish offers effortless removal. Just lift an edge and gently peel—no cotton pads or remover required. While not quite as long-lasting as other formulas, it’s a fun, fuss-free way to switch up your manicure without putting your nails through the wringer.
They may not rival traditional removers in efficiency, but these methods offer a gentler approach that prioritizes nail care.
Our routine for a gentle polish removal
Looking for an effective way to remove polish while caring for your nails? Follow this easy, nail-friendly removal routine:
1. Cut 10 cotton squares sized to your nails.
2. Soak each piece in a gentle, acetone-free remover.
3. Place one on each nail, pressing gently and letting it sit for a minute. Use nail clips or foil to hold them in place and save time.
4. Slide off the cotton—no need to rub. Leftover polish? Use a fresh cotton pad with remover to clean up.
5. Finish with hydration: apply a nourishing cuticle oil or nail serum to replenish and protect.
Oil remover or gentle remover: which one’s for you?
It depends on your nail type! At Manucurist, we’ve created two formulas to suit different needs:
💧Green™ Oil Remover: Enriched with sweet almond oil and vitamin E, this formula removes polish while nourishing the nail plate. With a subtle orange blossom scent and 99% plant-based ingredients, it’s a must for dry or fragile nails—just allow a little extra time for removal.
🪶 Green Flash™ Gentle Remover: Free from acetone and infused with castor oil, this remover gets the job done in just one minute—perfect for all polish types, including Green™ and Green Flash™.
Post-removal care: what next?
To restore your natural nail’s glow and strength after polish removal, adopt these simple steps:
-
Massage a few drops of nourishing oil into your nails and cuticles. Try our Green Oil—a botanical blend of six oils that deeply hydrates and promotes healthy growth.
-
Assess your nails’ condition before starting a new manicure. Not sure what they need? Take our online nail quiz to determine your type and find the right care routine.
-
Need a quick refresh? Try a makeup-effect treatment polish from our Active™ range. These 11 caring polishes nourish and beautify your nails with a touch of natural color and high-performance actives. Choose from Gloss, CC Polish, Brightening and more!
There are countless ways to remove nail polish—but not all of them are created equal. Between harsh removers and natural tricks, gentle, acetone-free formulas strike the perfect balance between effectiveness and nail care. For a healthy, long-lasting manicure, we think that’s the way to go.
