This article was first published on 19 May 2022.
After two weeks of having an IG-worthy manicure, you may find that the nail polish has started to chip and your tips are no longer ~aesthetic~. It's time to reach for a nail polish remover! However, not all nail polish removers are made the same. Some are too drying and leave white streaks on your natural nail. Others are too mild and require several passes to remove a coat of polish. How do you find the best one? Don't fret — we've curated the 13 best nail polish removers in Singapore to help with your dilemma.
What to look for in a nail polish remover
When your cute manicure has already started chipping, it’s time to reach for a trusty nail polish remover.
Nail polish removers come in two types: acetone-based and non-acetone formulas. Acetone-based nail polish removers can quickly remove your nail polish, even hardier ones like gel, in seconds. However, these are known to be potentially drying and harsh. If you have dry and brittle nails, you should consider looking for a formula with nourishing ingredients to counteract the acetone's drying effect.
Non-acetone nail polish removers are a gentler formula that's kinder to your nails and cuticles. You can find natural non-acetone nail polish removers on the market now too.
Now that you know your options, here are the best acetone and acetone-free nail polish removers you can get your hands on ASAP.
Best acetone-based nail polish removers
1. Sally Hansen Moisturising Polish Remover
Sally Hansen Moisturising Polish Remover. (guardian.com.sg)
Get rid of the dry feeling that comes with removing nail polish with the Sally Hansen Moisturising Polish Remover. Folks with dry or brittle nails will like its gentle, nourishing formula.
Why it's great: It's infused with vitamins and aloe vera to pamper your dry or damaged nails from previous manicures.
It's available at Guardian and Watsons for SGD6 per 200ML.
2. Butter London Scrubbers™ 2-in-1 Prep & Remover Wipes
Butter London Scrubbers™ 2-in-1 Prep & Remover Wipes. (butterlondon.com)
Need to remove your chipped nail polish while on the go? Keep the Butter London Scrubbers™ 2-in-1 Prep & Remover Wipes in your purse. The dual-sided nail polish removing wipes are made to efficiently dissolve the lacquer and prep your nails for a DIY manicure in one step.
Why it's great: The wipes are soaked in an acetone-based formula with vitamin E and aloe to keep your nails moisturised.
You can find it at Sephora for SGD15.
3. Sephora Collection Original Gentle Nail Polish Remover
Sephora Collection Original Gentle Nail Polish Remover. (sephora.sg)
Sephora also has its nail polish remover that promises to lift away all lacquers, polishes, nail gems and glitter varnishes without damaging the nail surface. It's gentle, non-drying, and doesn't have a strong scent.
Why it's great: It’s formulated with white peach extract that’s known for its skin softening and nourishing properties.
It's available at Sephora for SGD13 per 125ML.
4. Zoya Remove+ 3 in 1 Formula
Zoya Remove+ 3 in 1 Formula. (zoya.com)
Want to skip the nail and cuticle oil? This award-winning formula is a polish remover, nail prep formula, and nail conditioner in one.
Why it's great: While this is an acetone-based remover, it's also formulated with glycerin to help pamper your nails.
It's available through Amazon for SGD106.82 per 237ML.
5. OPI Expert Touch Nail Lacquer Remover
OPI Expert Touch Nail Lacquer Remover. (opi.com)
Top nail care and polish brand OPI has a nail polish remover that's beloved by nail techs worldwide. The brand claims that its non-drying acetone-based formula “is more effective than traditional nail polish remover” and will quickly remove any nail lacquer, no matter how dark or stronghold its formula may be.
Why it's great: It's infused with aloe vera to nourish your nails and cuticles. Plus, it has a refreshing citrus scent that will lift up your spirits.
It's available in Singapore through United Nail Supply for SGD9 per 110ML, SGD19 per 450ML, and SGD30 per 960ML.
6. Lakme Nail Color Remover
Lakme Nail Color Remover. (lakmeindia.com)
Indian beauty brand Lakme has a nail polish remover that promises to efficiently remove all artificial colour without stripping your nails of moisture and even strengthen them with its formula. It also has a built-in plastic stopper that allows you to easily control how much product you’ll use.
Why it's great: The nail polish remover is infused with vitamin E that helps strengthen, repair, and protect your nails from damage.
You can find it on Amazon for SGD12 per 27ML.
7. Cutex Swipe and Go Nail Polish Remover Pads
Cutex Swipe and Go Nail Polish Remover Pads. (walmart.com)
Do away with any risks of mess or spills with the Cutex Swipe and Go Nail Polish Remover Pads. Each square contains a felt pad soaked in acetone that quickly removes your chipped nail polish without any hassle.
Why it's great: It's portable and fuss-free, perfect for nail emergencies!
It's available in Singapore through Amazon for SGD22.
Best acetone-free nail polish remover
8. Ella+Mila Soy Nail Polish Remover
Ella+Mila Soy Nail Polish Remover. (ellamila.com)
Do you use natural water-based nail polish? Then you’ll need a non-acetone nail polish remover. The Ella+Mila Soy Nail Polish Remover is a soy-based nail polish remover that’s specifically formulated to remove all-natural nail polishes. It's also vegan and cruelty-free.
Why it's great: Aside from being acetone- and alcohol-free, this nail polish remover contains vitamins A, C, and E as well as lavender essential oil that promote healthy nail and cuticle growth.
It's available in Singapore through Amazon for SGD22.51 per 118ML.
9. SilkyGirl QuikClean Nail Polish Remover — Gentle
SilkyGirl QuikClean Nail Polish Remover. (watsons.com.sg)
SilkyGirl’s QuikClean is one acetone-free drugstore nail polish remover you can consider picking up. It still has the same quick-removing properties as its Extra Strength variant but is kinder to soft, brittle nails.
Why it's great: It contains vitamin R that conditions your nails.
It's available in Singapore through Lazada and Watsons for SGD3.90 per 85ML.
10. Nails Inc. Express Nail Polish Remover
Nails Inc. Express Nail Polish Remover. (sephora.sg)
Don't want to use cotton wool to remove your nail polish? This acetone-free nail polish remover comes inside a pot lined with pre-saturated sponges. All you need to do is dip your fingers in and rub your nails against the sponges for easy removal.
Why it's great: The formula has the refreshing scent of coconuts and is infused with collagen to strengthen your nails.
You can find it at Sephora for SGD12 per 60ML.
11. Eveline Nail Therapy 8-in-1 Nail Polish Remover
Eveline Nail Therapy 8-in-1 Nail Polish Remover. (fairprice.com.sg)
This acetone-free nail polish remover promises to remove all types of nail polish on both natural and artificial nails. It’s also great at degreasing your nail plate, so it’s ideal for prepping your nails for new polish.
Why it’s great: It’s formulated with vitamins A, E, and F as well as argan oil to nourish and strengthen your nails.
You can find it at FairPrice for SGD4.90 per 150ML.
12. BL Nail Polish Remover
BL Nail Polish Remover. (fairprice.com.sg)
Don’t like the sticky residue that comes with removing nail polish? This acetone-free option promises to solve that dilemma. Its nourishing formula is also very kind to your nails.
Why it’s great: It’s powered by vitamin E, which is known for its nail health-boosting properties.
It’s priced at SGD3.90 per 190ML at FairPrice.
13. Ohora Easy Peel Remover
Ohora Easy Peel Remover. (guardian.com.sg)
If you use gel nail strips, this remover will be your best friend. Its formula is hypoallergenic and non-drying. A nourishing blend of hydrolyzed collagen and panthenol keeps your nails soothed and moist post-removal, so it limits any potential breakage. Just put a few drops and watch the nail strips come right off.
Why it’s great: It has dropper cap for hygienic and mess-free application.
It’s priced at SGD18.10 at Guardian.
Once your nails have rested for a little bit, check out these halal nail polishes for your next manicure!
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
