DIY for removing nail polish; all-natural, no chemicals needed, toxin-free and effective!
I actually don’t really wear nail polish all that often for a few reasons:
- I’m that girl who gets ready at the last minute, who rarely wears makeup, and does the minimum amount possible to look semi-decent, and;
- I’m not a fan of the chemicals used in nail polishes and their removers.
Our nails actually absorb the chemicals from nail polishes and removers; chemicals like Isopropyl acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, and n-methyl-pyrrolidone.
According to SafeCosmetics.org:
Evidence suggests that these chemicals may cause reproductive harm and organ toxicity. They are a serious concern for nail salon workers and pregnant women.
So, using a more natural polish remover can be a helpful alternative.
On the rare occasions when I do wear nail polish, I don’t like keeping it on once it’s chipped away. So, to help remove the polish, I use this all-natural, chemical-free nail polish remover.
Before we get started in learning how to make this chemical-free nail polish remover if you like what you‘re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!!


Homemade Chemical-free Nail Polish Remover
Rather than turn to the chemical-laden nail polish removers, try your hand at making this natural and effective remover instead. According to Dr. Axe, the reason acetone is so dangerous is:
Because it is flammable and is powerful enough to dissolve plastic.
Lemon juice & Vinegar
Lemon and vinegar are both very acidic, which is helpful for breaking down nail polish. The rubbing alcohol is an optional ingredient, but it can help add a little more power to the remover. It’s made up of ethanol or ethyl alcohol, so it is natural but should still be used with caution, and only ever used topically. Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can be toxic when inhaled, so always use with caution and in a well-ventilated area.

The effectiveness of this remover can be improved by soaking your nails in hot water for 10-15 minutes beforehand, which can help soften the nail polish.
Ingredients:
- Cotton ball or reusable makeup remover pad
- 1/4 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice or orange juice
Optional:
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
To make:
- Soak nails in hot water – not too hot – for 10-15 minutes before removing the nail polish.
- Mix the lemon juice, vinegar and rubbing alcohol (if using) together in a small bowl, then soak a cotton ball or makeup remover pad in the solution, and begin rubbing it on your nails. Dipping the cotton ball or pad in the solution, then pressing it onto your fingernails – and holding it there for 10-20 seconds – can help remove the nail polish a little more easily, as it causes the enamel on the nail to dissolve and remove the remnants of nail polish. You can also dip the nails into the solution for about 20 seconds, then use a cotton ball or makeup pad to wipe it away. This approach to removing nail polish can take a little longer than the chemical-laden version.
- Once finished, wash hands with warm water and a natural soap, then apply some hand moisturiser, nail oil or coconut oil on your hands and fingernails, as the solution can dry out skin a little.
- Store in an airtight glass bottle or container.
For another DIY nail polish remover using essential oils, see here.
DIY nail polish remover tutorial
As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.
Have you made your own nail polish remover before? How did it go? Share in the comments below.
Lots of love,
Vanessa
Sources:
How to Remove Nail Polish Without Using Remover. (June 23, 2019). WikiHow. Retrieved from https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Nail-Polish-Without-Using-Remover
Kaviliga, Komal. (September 7, 2018). 6 Brilliant DIY Ideas For Nail Polish Removers. Style Craze. Retrieved from https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/brilliant-diy-ideas-for-nail-polish-removers
Nail Polish Removers. (Accessed: September 15, 2021). SafeCosmetics.org. Retrieved from https://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/nail-polish-removers/
Schneider, Jamie. (November 18, 2020). 4 Ways To Remove Nail Polish At Home Without Polish Remover (It’s Possible!). Mind Body Green. Retrieved from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/diy-nail-polish-remover
Healey’s, Jessica. DIY Non-Toxic Nail Polish Remover. Pronounce. Retrieved from https://pronounceskincare.com/diy-non-toxic-nail-polish-remover/
Oliver, Kyra. (August 4, 2017). DIY Nail Polish Remover with Grapefruit, Orange & Lemon Oils. Dr. Axe. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/beauty/diy-nail-polish-remover/