Safe, Nourishing Nail Polish Removers That Won't Harm Your Nails

If you regularly apply and remove your own nail polish, you may notice that, over time, your nails don't look quite like they should—something you may not experience if you regularly head to a professional for a manicure. There's a singular reason for this: Your nail polish remover is likely to blame. Salons—ethical ones, anyway—utilize safe formulas to protect your nails during the polish-removal process. Ultimately, the removers the experts choose are often better quality than the cheap, acetone-based bottles readily available in drugstores.

Safety and quality should be your main priorities when you shop for a nail polish remover. To find a suitable option, keep an eye out for products formulated with better-for-you ingredients, like soy or plant-based alcohols, nourishing oils, and essential vitamins. Since searching for those can be something of a task, allow us to do the heavy work for you. And speaking of work—some of the natural-based formulas on this list might require a bit more elbow grease when you use them on polish. This isn't a bad thing—and it doesn't mean they're less effective. We're simply used to those chemical-rich liquids that burn through polish. The only problem with that speedy approach? Those harsh formulas are wreaking havoc on your nails, nail beds, and cuticles.

Ahead you'll find 10 of our favorite nail polish removers—none of which will harm your nails during the removal process. They also showcase how far polish remover has come in the last few years: Though some on this list are conventional liquids, others include pots (dip your finger in, pull it out, and no more polish!) and wipes, which are perfect for on-the-go use. Whatever formulation you're into, stock up on these essentials—your nails will thank you.