6 Ways to Remove Nail Polish Without Using Nail Polish Remover

Is your bottle of nail polish remover bone dry? Been there. Does acetone leave your cuticles feeling dry or cracked? Whatever your reason for needing to know how to remove nail polish without remover, there are a few alternative methods that will work (and may feel better on your hands). The best part? You likely already have at least one of these common essentials somewhere at home.

Keep in mind that non-acetone removers are gentler on the nails, but they need a little more time to be effective. Before starting any of the removal processes below, soak your nails in warm water to expedite the process. This can help loosen the polish and prime your nails for one of the following expert-recommended methods.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol (or alcohol-based hand sanitizer) can effectively remove polish without the need for acetone. "Apply some to a cotton ball or pad and place it on your nail," says Brittney Boyce, celebrity nail artist and the founder of Nails of LA. "Let it sit for about 10 seconds and gently rub it back and forth. Your nail polish should come off fairly quickly."

Additionally, an alcohol-based perfume can work in a pinch but will require more product than if you just used plain rubbing alcohol, says Boyce. Also keep in mind that the scent may be overpowering, so it definitely shouldn't be your first choice.

Vinegar and Orange Juice

Mix orange juice with white vinegar, and you've got a homemade solution for removing nail polish, says Sundays founder and CEO Amy Ling Lin. "Combine an equal amount of white vinegar and natural orange juice and mix together," she says. "Dip the cotton ball or pad in the mixture and press on your fingernails for about 10 seconds until the nail polish softens. Then, pull down the cotton pad to remove the polish."

Lemon

In addition to its cleaning capabilities, the acidity of lemon can also remove nail polish. Place a slice or lemon juice on your nails and let it sit until your polish softens before rubbing it off, says Ling Lin. Definitely skip this option if you have any small cuts or cracks in your cuticles, as it can sting.

Hairspray

The "myth" that hairspray can remove nail polish is absolutely true, says Boyce, adding that it has to be aerosol hairspray. "Saturate a cotton ball or cotton pad with hair pray and wrap the cotton on your nail," she says. Let sit.

Soy-Based Removers

Soy, which softens nail polish, has become the preferred ingredient in non-acetone removers. Soy-based removers will not react as quickly as ones containing acetone, but they are a gentler option. You may need to wait up to 45 seconds after applying a soy-based remover before you can scrub your nails with a cotton pad.

Toothpaste and Baking Soda

Basic white toothpaste contains the solvent ethyl acetate, a common ingredient in some nail polish removers. To use toothpaste to remove polish, first rub the toothpaste into nails. Then sprinkle baking soda over top and continue rubbing. Wipe off polish with a damp cotton ball.

Post-Removal Care

After you've removed your polish by your chosen method, be sure to follow up with a little nail care. "Because [options like] rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer can be dehydrating to the skin and nails, use a cuticle oil to re-moisturize your nail, cuticles, and surrounding skin," Boyce says.

"You definitely just want to hydrate as much as possible to keep your nails healthy," adds Christine Koehler, founder and CEO of Flora 1761. "Proper diet is always good for strong nails, but hydration is just so important. Drink a lot of water, and then specifically, work on hydrating your nails."