6 DIY Solutions for Removing Nail Polish Without Nail Polish Remover (2025)

Whether you're out of remover or just looking for an acetone-free solution, there are plenty of creative tricks to removing your nail polish without nail polish remover. These methods are not only effective, but can be surprisingly gentle on your nails and cuticles—and they’re expert-approved, too.

Below, we’re breaking down the various alternatives to nail polish remover that might become your new go-to. Remember that acetone nail polish removers are typically quite efficient at what they do—so give any substitute a little more time to work. Soaking your nails in warm water beforehand may help expedite the process.

Rubbing Alcohol

Out of acetone? If your bottle is bone-dry, you can use rubbing alcohol to remove nail polish. "Apply some to a cotton ball or pad and place it on your nail," instructs 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."

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer or perfume can also work—though these methods will require more product because of the lower alcohol content, explains Boyce. (You should also consider how scented they are before you turn to these products.)

Vinegar and Orange Juice

While the combo sounds a little sickening as a beverage, a mixture of orange juice and vinegar can be used to remove nail polish in a pinch. Nail care expert and brand CEO Amy Ling Lin says combine an equal amount of each ingredient and mix thoroughly. "Dip a cotton ball or pad in the mixture and press on your fingernails for about 10 seconds until the nail polish softens," she says. "Then, pull down the cotton pad to remove the polish."

Lemon

From cleaning the microwave to removing stubborn fabric stains, lemon has numerous household uses—and that includes removing nail polish. The secret is in the acidity, says Ling Lin, so beware this method if you have any cuts or cracked cuticles. Otherwise, simply place a slice or lemon juice on your nails and let it sit until your polish softens before rubbing it off,

Hairspray

If you're tearing through house and home searching for a way to remove nail polish without nail polish remover, consider that can of aerosol hairspray under the sink. "Saturate a cotton ball or cotton pad with hairspray and wrap the cotton on your nail," says Boyce. Let it sit before rubbing the nail with the cotton pad and washing away any residue.

Soy-Based Removers

A gentler option compared to their acetone-based counterparts, soy-based nail polish removers are growing in popularity. Just know that their mild nature makes them slower to work: The trick is allowing the solution to properly penetrate the polish. Let it sit on nails for around 45 seconds before scrubbing with a cotton pad.

Toothpaste and Baking Soda

Who knew that that tube in your medicine cabinet could clean up your nails just as well as your teeth? Use a basic white toothpaste to remove polish by rubbing the paste onto your nails, then sprinkling baking soda on top. Continue to rub before wiping off with a damp cotton ball or cloth. (The key ingredient here is solvent ethyl acetate, found in some toothpastes and polish removers.)

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."