There’s something about having your nails painted that feels great. Maybe it’s the indulgence you get for a little self-love session, either by doing it yourself or hiring a professional. However, there’s one thing we’re always afraid to do: using nail polish remover once our nails have grown out of the polish starts to chip.
Nail polish remover is a solvent that breaks down the acrylic substance in nail polish. Most nail polish removers are thru with acetone, and while it’s not toxic, exposure to it can cause our nails to become dehydrated. This is the case with many nail polish removers, which can cause irritation and weakening of the nail and surrounding skin after use.
However, many brands have created less harsh and harmful nail polish removers. Beauty Insider wants you to have beautiful nails without the fear of damaging them, so here are some of the best nail polish removers in Singapore that you can try.
Best Nail Polish Removers
1. Sephora Collection Express Nail Polish Remover
Let’s start this list of Singapore’s best nail polish removers and introduce this one from the Sephora Collection. This effective nail polish remover is loved by many for its instant effect. Many nail polish removers require a good wipe, but with just one swipe of this product, you’ll remove even the most stubborn nail polish residue without leaving any residue. With this, the word express in its name is entirely understandable. Just dip your nails in the pre-moistened sponge, and you’ll have clean nails soon!
Why we love it:
- Removes nail polish in less than a minute
- Convenient packaging
- Very easy to use
2. Guardian Nail Polish Remover Strengthening (discontinued)
Nail polish remover isn’t complex or complicated to find. Next time you’re on the go, head to your local Guardian and pick up this quick fix for your nails. Formulated with vitamin B3, it will help to condition and promote the strength of your nails and cuticles. It’s one of our favorite drugstores’ finds and beneficial if you have thin, weak nails. Dampen a cotton pad with this remover and clean away all traces of your old polish while strengthening your nails.
Why we love it:
- It doesn’t have a strong smell
- Strengthens nails
- It won’t leave nails feeling dry
3. Cutex Swipe & Go Remover Pads
If liquid nail polish remover in a bottle isn’t your thing, try these Cutex nail polish remover pads. This alternative nail polish remover is excellent if you travel a lot and are constantly worried about the bottle of remover in your bag and spills. Plus, they’re formula-soaked pads that come individually wrapped, so you don’t need cotton pads. It’s formulated with essential oils, which are great to have on hand when you’re busy during the day.
Why we love it:
- Portable and great for traveling
- Gentle on nails and hands
- Very easy to use
4. Silkygirl Quickclean Nail Polish Remover Extra Strength
Finding one that is beneficial for your nails is essential when looking for a good nail polish remover. So, next on our list is this nail polish remover from Silkygirl. It’s formulated with vitamin E, which will condition your nails and cuticles while gently removing all traces of polish, even in the trickiest crevices. Dampen a cotton pad and hold it on the nail for a few seconds before wiping it off for best results.
Why we like it:
- Nourishes nails and cuticles
- Very effective at removing enamel
- Affordable
5. OPI Acetone-Free Remover
While the main ingredient in most nail polish removers is acetone, which is excellent for breaking down acrylic, it can also be harmful, especially if you like to change the color of your nails. However, OPI has developed an acetone-free formula that replaces it with aloe vera, which will moisturize your nails while cleaning them. To use this product, twist the dispenser cap to unlock it before moistening a cotton pad. Hold the pad against your nails briefly before wiping it off.
Why we love it:
- It’s gentle on nails
- Won’t leave nails brittle or dry
- With aloe vera to nourish nails
6. Sally Hansen Extra Strength Nail Polish Remover
If you are looking for an affordable yet highly effective nail polish remover, Sally Hansen Extra Strength Nail Polish Remover is for you. It is enriched with multivitamins and proteins to improve nail health and strengthen weak and brittle nails. It is highly effective at quickly removing nail polish and contains vitamin E to condition nails.
Why we like it:
- Suitable for all nail types, including dry and brittle nails
- Highly effective
- Nourishes nails
7. Nails Inc. Express Nail Polish Remover
Another favorite of ours, this Nails Inc. nail polish remover, is quickly becoming popular. This coconut-scented nail polish remover is highly effective, efficient, and reasonably priced. The problem with cotton pads is that we subconsciously apply too much pressure, damaging our nails. However, with this nail polish remover, you dip and swirl your finger inside the container before removing clean, healthy nails. This is because the pre-soaked sponges inside the container make cleaning your nails much more manageable.
Why we love it:
- With collagen to strengthen nails
- No acetone
- With coconut flavour
8. Chanel Gentle Nail Enamel Remover
Want to feel like a classy girl? We hate to say it, but we love Chanel’s Gentle Nail Polish Remover. Simply wiping it with a cotton pad soaked in this remover will instantly remove all traces of polish and enamel. It’s even enriched with argan oil and vitamin E derivative, which allows it to nourish and condition nails while gently cleaning away polish. Trust us, even removing your nail polish at home will be a luxurious experience with this nail polish remover.
Why we love it:
- Suitable for all nail types
- Enriched with argan oil and vitamin E derivative to strengthen nails
- Highly effective at removing nail polish
9. Mylee Edit Undo Nail Polish Corrector Pen
We know this isn’t a nail polish remover per se, but it’s a must-have if you love doing your nails at home. The Mylee Edit Undo Nail Polish Corrector Pen is a handy tool for cleaning messy nails. Suitable for regular and gel polish use, place this product on your hands as you would a regular pen and remove any unwanted polish. We love that it’s acetone-free and comes with three replacement tips.
Why we love it:
- Suitable for all nail types, including dry, brittle and sensitive nails
- Comes with three replacement tips
- It can be used with both regular and gel polish
How to Use Nail Polish Remover Properly
Step 1: Choose the Right Nail Polish Remover
Use an acetone-based remover for tougher nail polishes.
Use a gentle, non-acetone remover for regular polish or fragile nails.
Step 2: Soak a Cotton Ball
Pour a minor amount of remover onto a cotton wad or cotton ball.
Step 3: Press and Hold
Hold the soaked cord pad on your nail for 5-10 seconds to allow the remover to break down the polish.
Step 4: Gently Clean
Wipe the cotton pad in one direction to remove the polish without damaging the nail surface.
Step 5: Moisturize
Wash your hands and apply carapace oil or hand cream to prevent drying.
Precautions for Healthy Nails
- Limit the use of acetone to prevent excessive drying of the nails.
- Moisturize your nails with cuticle oil afterward, removing the polish.
- Use a strengthening base coat if you change nail colors frequently.
- Avoid scraping or peeling the polish off, as this can weaken the nails.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nail Polish Removers
1. Which is better for gel or acrylic nails?
Acetone-based removers work best, but soak your nails in acetone for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Can nail polish removers damage your nails?
Frequent acetone-based removers can weaken your nails, so opt for non-acetone removers whenever possible.
3. Are natural nail polish removers effective?
Yeah! Soy and oil-based nail polish removers work well for regular nail polish but may not be strong enough for gel or glitter polish.
4. How often can I use nail polish remover?
Limit use to once or twice a week to avoid excessive nail dryness.
5. What is the best way to remove stuck-on glitter nail polish?
Use the foil method: soak a cotton pad in acetone, place it on the nail, wrap it with the foil, and wait 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it off.