If you have sensitive nails that chip, peel, or feel dry after removing polish, non-acetone nail polish removers are your best friend. These gentle formulas remove colour without stripping away natural oils from your nails and cuticles. Popular options available in South Africa include Cutex Non-Acetone Remover, Essence Nail Polish Remover, and Sally Hansen Nail Polish Remover – all of which work well for people with delicate nails.
I’ve been doing nails for over eight years now, and I’ve seen so many clients come in with damaged nails from using harsh removers. The good news is that switching to a non-acetone formula can make a huge difference in just a few weeks.
What Makes Non-Acetone Removers Different?
Regular nail polish removers contain acetone, which is a strong chemical that dissolves polish super fast. While it works quickly, it also dries out your nails and the skin around them. Think of it like using dish soap on your hands all day – eventually, they get rough and cracked.
Non-acetone removers use gentler ingredients like ethyl acetate or isopropyl alcohol. Yes, they take a bit longer to work, but they don’t leave your nails feeling like paper.
Here’s the main difference:
| Feature | Acetone Remover | Non-Acetone Remover |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast | Takes longer |
| Drying effect | High | Low |
| Smell | Strong | Milder |
| Best for | Removing gel/acrylics | Natural nails |
| Price | Usually cheaper | Similar price |
Top Non-Acetone Nail Polish Removers in South Africa
1. Cutex Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover
Price: Around R45-R60 at Clicks and Dis-Chem
This is probably the most popular choice in SA, and for good reason. Cutex has been around forever, and their non-acetone version works really well. It has added vitamins that help keep your nails healthy.
What I like:
- Easy to find in most stores
- Removes polish in about 30 seconds per nail
- Doesn’t have an overpowering smell
- Affordable
What could be better:
- Struggles with glitter polish
- You need more product than acetone versions
2. Essence Nail Polish Remover
Price: Around R35-R45 at Clicks
Essence makes budget-friendly beauty products that actually work. Their non-acetone remover is perfect if you’re watching your rands but still want something gentle.
What I like:
- Super affordable
- Smells quite nice
- Contains caring ingredients
- Great for everyday use
What could be better:
- Takes longer on dark colours
- Bottle is small
3. Sally Hansen Nail Polish Remover with Vitamin E
Price: Around R70-R90 at Dis-Chem and Clicks
This one is a bit pricier, but it’s worth it if your nails are really damaged. The Vitamin E helps repair and strengthen while you remove your polish.
What I like:
- Very gentle formula
- Nails feel soft after use
- Works well on most polish types
- No harsh chemical smell
What could be better:
- More expensive than others
- Not always in stock
4. Revlon Non-Acetone Nail Enamel Remover
Price: Around R55-R75
Revlon is a trusted name in beauty, and their remover lives up to the reputation. It’s enriched with aloe and has a moisturising formula that’s kind to sensitive nails.
What I like:
- Moisturising formula
- Removes polish smoothly
- Nice packaging
- Available at most beauty stores
What could be better:
- Can leave a slight residue
- Needs more effort on darker shades
5. Gelish Nourish Cuticle Oil + Non-Acetone Remover Combo
Price: Around R150-R180 for both
Okay, this is a bit of a cheat because it’s two products. But honestly, if you have really sensitive nails, using a cuticle oil with your non-acetone remover makes such a difference. Apply the oil after removing polish and your nails will thank you.
How to Use Non-Acetone Remover Properly
Getting the best results takes a little patience. Here’s how I tell my clients to do it:
Step 1: Soak a cotton pad fully with the remover. Don’t be stingy – dry cotton pads just drag across your nails and don’t work well.
Step 2: Press the soaked pad onto your nail and hold it there for about 10 seconds. This gives the remover time to break down the polish.
Step 3: Wipe from the base of your nail to the tip in one direction. Don’t scrub back and forth as this can damage your nail surface.
Step 4: For stubborn colours like red or dark purple, hold the pad on longer – maybe 20 seconds.
Step 5: Wash your hands with mild soap after you’re done.
Step 6: Apply cuticle oil or hand cream to put moisture back in.
Signs Your Nails Are Sensitive
Not sure if you have sensitive nails? Here are some things to look out for:
- Your nails peel in layers
- You see white spots often
- Your cuticles crack and bleed easily
- Your nails feel thin and bendy
- The skin around your nails gets red or itchy after using products
- Your nails break very easily
- They look dull instead of shiny
If you notice three or more of these signs, switching to non-acetone remover is a smart move.
Why Your Nails Might Be Sensitive
Understanding why your nails react badly to harsh products can help you take better care of them.
Common causes include:
- Overwashing hands – especially with hot water
- Using gel or acrylic nails too often – these need strong chemicals to remove
- Health conditions – thyroid problems, anaemia, and fungal infections affect nail health
- Diet – not getting enough protein, biotin, or iron
- Dehydration – not drinking enough water shows up in your nails
- Age – nails naturally become more brittle as we get older
- Weather – our dry Highveld winters are tough on nails
Tips for Keeping Sensitive Nails Healthy
Beyond using non-acetone remover, here are some things that really help:
Wear gloves when cleaning. Dish soap, bleach, and other household cleaners are rough on nails. I keep a pair of rubber gloves under my kitchen sink.
Don’t use your nails as tools. Opening cans, scratching off labels, or picking at things – all of this weakens your nails over time.
Keep them short. Shorter nails break less and are easier to manage.
Moisturise daily. When you put lotion on your hands, rub it into your nails and cuticles too.
Take breaks from polish. Let your nails “breathe” for a week every now and then.
Eat well. Eggs, fish, nuts, and leafy greens all support nail health.
Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day.
Can Non-Acetone Remover Get Rid of Gel Polish?
Here’s the honest truth – no, not really.
Gel polish is designed to last, which means it bonds tightly to your nail. You need acetone to break that bond. Non-acetone removers just won’t cut it.
If you love gel manicures but have sensitive nails, here are some options:
- Go to a professional – salons have ways to remove gel that cause less damage
- Use the foil method – soak cotton in acetone, place on nail, wrap in foil, and wait 15 minutes
- Apply cuticle oil before and after – this protects the surrounding skin
- Try peel-off base coats – these let you peel gel polish off without any remover
Where to Buy Non-Acetone Removers in South Africa
Finding these products is pretty easy. Here are your best options:
Clicks – Great selection and often has specials on beauty products. You can also order online.
Dis-Chem – Similar to Clicks with good variety. Their rewards programme gives nice discounts.
Pick n Pay and Checkers – Basic options like Cutex and Essence are usually available in the beauty aisle.
Woolworths – They stock premium brands if you want to spend a bit more.
Takealot – Convenient for bulk buying or finding brands not in local stores.
Local beauty supply shops – Places like Sally Beauty or small cosmetic shops often have professional-grade products.
Common Questions About Non-Acetone Removers
It works on regular nail polish, yes. But it struggles with glitter polish (you’ll need to scrub more) and won’t remove gel or dip powder.
It’s considered safer than acetone because it has fewer harsh fumes. However, always check with your doctor if you’re worried.
This happens sometimes. Just wash your hands with soap after, or wipe your nails with a clean damp cloth.
Yes, it’s gentle enough for children. Just supervise them and make sure the room is well-ventilated.
With regular use (removing polish once a week), a 200ml bottle should last about 2-3 months.
Technically yes, but it takes years. If it smells weird or has changed colour, throw it out.
My Personal Recommendation
After trying dozens of products over the years, I always come back to Cutex Non-Acetone Remover for everyday use. It’s affordable, works well, and I can find it anywhere in SA.
For clients with very damaged nails, I suggest the Sally Hansen Vitamin E formula. It costs more but the difference in nail condition after a few weeks is amazing.
If you’re on a tight budget, Essence does the job perfectly well. Don’t let anyone tell you that you need expensive products to take care of your nails.
A Note on DIY Alternatives
I’ve seen recipes online for homemade nail polish removers using things like vinegar, lemon juice, or hand sanitiser. While I understand wanting natural options, these don’t really work well and can actually irritate sensitive nails.
Lemon juice is acidic and can dry out your cuticles. Vinegar has a strong smell and doesn’t break down polish properly. Hand sanitiser contains alcohol that’s just as drying as some commercial removers.
Stick with proper non-acetone formulas – they’re made for this job.
Wrapping Up
Taking care of sensitive nails doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. Simply switching from acetone to non-acetone nail polish remover can stop a lot of the damage, peeling, and dryness you might be experiencing.
The best options in South Africa right now are Cutex, Essence, Sally Hansen, and Revlon – all available at stores like Clicks and Dis-Chem. Pick one that fits your budget, follow the proper removal technique, and add some moisturising to your routine.
Your nails will look better, feel stronger, and you’ll be able to enjoy painting them without worrying about the removal process afterwards.
Got questions about nail care? Drop them in the comments below – I read every single one and do my best to help.
Written by Tumelo for Salonjournal.co.za – your go-to source for beauty tips that actually work in South Africa.