Professional hair care

Acetone & Removers

Proper acetone is one of those salon consumables that nobody pays attention to until they run out — at which point everything stops. Whether you're a nail technician removing gel manicures, a salon doing daily acrylic infills, or a confident home gel polish user wanting genuinely effective removal, you need proper professional-grade acetone in the right format. Cheap drugstore "acetone" or non-acetone removers won't dissolve cured gel polish properly, won't soak off acrylics in reasonable time, and waste your time fighting your tools instead of doing the actual job. Our acetone and removers collection brings together pure professional acetone in every working size, plus Gelish's industry-trusted Soak-Off Gel Polish Artificial Nail Remover in three trade-friendly volumes. Properly trade-grade quality with proper trade pricing and free UK delivery for working salons restocking the consumable they get through fastest.

Pure acetone vs branded soak-off remover: which do you need?

Two genuinely different products, suited to different use cases:

Pure acetone (S-PRO and Skintruth)

100% pure cosmetic-grade acetone — the strongest, fastest, most effective solvent for breaking down cured gel polish, acrylic nail enhancements, and stubborn artificial nail products. Pure acetone is what every working nail technician uses for the vast majority of removal services. The drying effect on cuticles and skin is a known trade-off — proper aftercare with cuticle oil and hand cream addresses it. Pure acetone is also significantly more cost-effective per millilitre than branded gel-specific removers, which makes it the obvious choice for high-volume practices.

Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish Artificial Nail Remover

Acetone-based remover with added conditioning ingredients designed to soften the impact on skin and cuticles during removal. Slower than pure acetone but properly gentler on the surrounding skin — particularly useful for clients with dry, sensitive, or compromised cuticle skin. Branded compatibility with Gelish gel polish system means the remover is specifically formulated to work with their products, though it removes other major gel polish brands effectively too.

Most working salons stock both: pure acetone for the everyday workhorse removal jobs, branded soak-off remover for clients with sensitive skin or as the premium option in service tiers.

Shop by product type and size

S-PRO pure acetone

The accessible professional pure acetone option, offering proper salon-grade quality at properly competitive prices across three sizes:

  • S-PRO Acetone 1 Litre — the trade workhorse size for high-volume salons. Most cost-effective per millilitre. Lasts most working salons 1-3 weeks of regular gel and acrylic removal services depending on volume
  • S-PRO Acetone 500ml — the mid-size for moderate-volume salons or committed home users. Properly balanced between cost-per-use and storage practicality
  • S-PRO Acetone 125ml — the compact size for occasional use, mobile therapists, or backup stock. Smaller container is properly portable and quick to use without committing to bulk storage

Skintruth Acetone

  • Skintruth Acetone 1 Litre — proper professional pure acetone in trade workhorse format. Genuine alternative to S-PRO for salons preferring the Skintruth brand or wanting variety in their acetone supply

Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish Artificial Nail Remover

The branded gel-specific remover from Gelish, one of the most-trusted gel polish brands in the professional industry. Acetone-based formulation with added conditioning ingredients for gentler removal:

  • Gelish Soak-off Gel Polish Artificial Nail Remover 960ml — the trade workhorse size for high-volume Gelish-using salons
  • Gelish Soak-off Gel Polish Artificial Nail Remover 480ml — the mid-size for moderate-volume practices
  • Gelish Soak Off Gel Polish Artificial Nail Remover 120ml — the compact size for occasional use, retail offering, or backup stock

The 480ml and 960ml sizes are particularly cost-effective per millilitre versus the smaller 120ml format — properly worth sizing up if you're committed to the Gelish system.

How to use acetone for proper soak-off removal

Proper soak-off removal is genuinely critical for nail health. Picking, peeling, or filing off cured gel polish removes layers of the natural nail with it, causing thin, weak, damaged nails over time. The proper soak-off method:

  1. Buff the top layer of the gel polish lightly with a 180-grit file to break the top seal. Just enough to scratch the surface, not down to the colour.
  2. Saturate cotton wool with acetone, place over each nail, and wrap with foil to hold in place.
  3. Soak for 10-15 minutes. The acetone breaks down the cured gel during contact time. Longer for thicker gel polish, shorter for thinner applications.
  4. Remove foils one nail at a time. Use a wooden cuticle stick to gently push the softened gel off the nail surface — never scrape or force.
  5. Re-soak if needed. If gel doesn't come off easily, re-soak rather than forcing removal. Forcing causes nail damage that takes weeks to recover.
  6. Buff the nail surface lightly to smooth, apply cuticle oil generously, and let nails breathe for at least an hour before reapplying polish.

For acrylic removal, the process is similar but takes longer — typically 20-30 minutes of soaking depending on acrylic thickness. Always work in a well-ventilated space when using acetone in volume.

Storing acetone properly

Acetone is highly flammable and evaporates quickly when exposed to air. Proper storage matters for both safety and longevity:

  • Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ignition risks
  • Keep tightly sealed when not in use — acetone evaporates rapidly through loose-fitting lids
  • Decant working quantities into smaller containers for daily use rather than opening the 1 litre bottle repeatedly. Extends the life of the bulk stock
  • Keep away from open flames, sparks, and electrical heating — acetone is highly flammable and the vapour ignites easily
  • Use in well-ventilated areas — extended exposure to acetone vapour causes headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation
  • Wear gloves during use to protect your skin from drying effects, particularly during high-volume removal sessions
  • Don't pour down the drain — dispose of properly through hazardous waste channels per local regulations

Why bulk sizing makes sense for working salons

If you're running a salon offering regular gel polish removal services, the per-millilitre price difference between trade-bulk acetone and consumer-size acetone is properly significant. A typical salon doing 10-20 gel removals per week uses around 200-400ml of acetone per week. The 1 Litre S-PRO or Skintruth acetone, decanted into smaller working bottles for daily use, lasts 2-5 weeks at properly competitive cost per service.

The same logic applies to Gelish Soak-Off Remover — the 960ml and 480ml sizes work out significantly cheaper per millilitre than the 120ml format. For salons committed to the Gelish system, sizing up makes proper commercial sense.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between pure acetone and nail polish remover?

Pure acetone is 100% acetone — the strongest, fastest solvent for dissolving cured gel polish, acrylics, and artificial nail products. Standard "nail polish remover" is typically a diluted formulation that may contain water, fragrance, conditioning agents, and sometimes alternative solvents like ethyl acetate. Diluted formulations are gentler on skin but significantly less effective at removing cured gel polish or acrylics. For gel and acrylic removal, you genuinely need proper acetone, not a diluted nail polish remover.

Can I use regular nail polish remover on gel polish?

Properly no. Cured gel polish is chemically bonded into a hardened polymer that requires concentrated acetone to break down. Standard nail polish remover (especially non-acetone or low-acetone formulations) won't dissolve the polymer effectively, leaving you scrubbing at hardened gel for hours with no results. For gel polish removal, use either pure acetone or a dedicated soak-off remover like Gelish's product.

Is pure acetone bad for your nails?

Acetone itself doesn't damage nails — it's repeated incorrect removal that causes problems. The dehydrating effect of acetone on cuticles and surrounding skin is genuine but addressable with proper aftercare (cuticle oil, hand cream, occasional polish-free recovery periods). The bigger nail damage risk comes from picking or peeling gel polish off rather than soaking it off properly — which is why having proper acetone available actually protects nail health.

How long does acetone last once opened?

Properly stored (tightly sealed, cool dark place), pure acetone retains its full strength for 1-2 years from opening. The main shelf-life concern is evaporation through loose-fitting lids — keep bottles tightly closed when not in use. If you notice diminished effectiveness, the acetone has likely evaporated and become diluted with absorbed moisture; replace with fresh stock.

What size acetone should I buy for home use?

For occasional home gel polish removal, the S-PRO Acetone 125ml or Gelish 120ml are properly sufficient — enough for 5-10 full removals before needing to replace. For regular at-home gel users (weekly removal or more), the 500ml S-PRO size is more cost-effective and properly sized for consistent use without bulk storage commitment. The 1 litre sizes are typically overkill for home use unless you're sharing with household members.

What size acetone does a salon need?

For most working salons, the 1 litre S-PRO or Skintruth Acetone is the correct workhorse size — typically lasting 1-3 weeks depending on removal volume. High-volume nail-focused salons may go through 1 litre per week and benefit from stocking multiple bottles at a time. For salons using the Gelish system specifically, the 960ml Gelish Soak-Off Remover paired with bulk pure acetone for non-Gelish removal jobs is the proper combination.

Can Gelish Soak-Off Remover be used on other gel polish brands?

Yes — the acetone-based formulation removes most major gel polish brands effectively, not just Gelish. The branded compatibility means it's specifically optimised for the Gelish system, but it works as a generally effective gel remover across the industry. Pure acetone is faster and cheaper per use; Gelish remover is gentler on skin.

Is acetone the same as nail polish remover with acetone?

Not quite. Pure acetone is 100% acetone. "Nail polish remover with acetone" typically contains 60-90% acetone alongside water, conditioning agents, and fragrance. The lower acetone concentration removes cured gel polish slower than pure acetone, and the additives can leave a slight residue that affects new polish adhesion. For professional removal, pure acetone is the proper choice.

Why does my acetone seem less effective than it used to?

Three usual causes. Either the bottle hasn't been sealed properly between uses (acetone evaporates and becomes diluted with absorbed moisture from the air), or the acetone is older than 2 years and degrading, or you're using a non-pure formulation that contains additives diluting the acetone strength. For consistent results, store acetone tightly sealed and replace stock if you notice degraded performance.

Can acetone be used to clean other things in a salon?

Limited yes. Acetone effectively dissolves nail polish, gel polish, and acrylic residue from work surfaces, tools, and brushes. It's also used to clean nail polish brushes and remove dried polish from non-porous surfaces. Don't use acetone on plastic surfaces (it can dissolve some plastics), painted finishes (it strips paint), or fabric (it can damage textiles). For general salon cleaning, dedicated salon disinfectants are the right tool.

What's the proper aftercare following acetone removal?

The dehydrating effect of acetone on cuticles and surrounding skin needs proper aftercare. Apply cuticle oil generously immediately after removal, follow with hand cream, and consider a hydrating mask treatment for clients showing significantly dry hands. For clients getting frequent gel removals, recommend daily cuticle oil application between salon visits to maintain skin health long-term.

Shop the acetone and removers collection

Browse the full acetone and remover range below across all sizes. For complete nail care including gel polish, regular nail polish, base coats, top coats and treatments, see our wider nail polish collection. For gel polish specifically including the Hema-Free Halo range, browse our gel nail polish collection. For broader manicure and pedicure setups including tools and accessories, see our manicure and pedicure collection. Free UK delivery on all orders.

7 products

7 products

Acetone & Removers

Proper acetone is one of those salon consumables that nobody pays attention to until they run out — at which point everything stops. Whether you're a nail technician removing gel manicures, a salon doing daily acrylic infills, or a confident home gel polish user wanting genuinely effective removal, you need proper professional-grade acetone in the right format. Cheap drugstore "acetone" or non-acetone removers won't dissolve cured gel polish properly, won't soak off acrylics in reasonable time, and waste your time fighting your tools instead of doing the actual job. Our acetone and removers collection brings together pure professional acetone in every working size, plus Gelish's industry-trusted Soak-Off Gel Polish Artificial Nail Remover in three trade-friendly volumes. Properly trade-grade quality with proper trade pricing and free UK delivery for working salons restocking the consumable they get through fastest.

Pure acetone vs branded soak-off remover: which do you need?

Two genuinely different products, suited to different use cases:

Pure acetone (S-PRO and Skintruth)

100% pure cosmetic-grade acetone — the strongest, fastest, most effective solvent for breaking down cured gel polish, acrylic nail enhancements, and stubborn artificial nail products. Pure acetone is what every working nail technician uses for the vast majority of removal services. The drying effect on cuticles and skin is a known trade-off — proper aftercare with cuticle oil and hand cream addresses it. Pure acetone is also significantly more cost-effective per millilitre than branded gel-specific removers, which makes it the obvious choice for high-volume practices.

Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish Artificial Nail Remover

Acetone-based remover with added conditioning ingredients designed to soften the impact on skin and cuticles during removal. Slower than pure acetone but properly gentler on the surrounding skin — particularly useful for clients with dry, sensitive, or compromised cuticle skin. Branded compatibility with Gelish gel polish system means the remover is specifically formulated to work with their products, though it removes other major gel polish brands effectively too.

Most working salons stock both: pure acetone for the everyday workhorse removal jobs, branded soak-off remover for clients with sensitive skin or as the premium option in service tiers.

Shop by product type and size

S-PRO pure acetone

The accessible professional pure acetone option, offering proper salon-grade quality at properly competitive prices across three sizes:

  • S-PRO Acetone 1 Litre — the trade workhorse size for high-volume salons. Most cost-effective per millilitre. Lasts most working salons 1-3 weeks of regular gel and acrylic removal services depending on volume
  • S-PRO Acetone 500ml — the mid-size for moderate-volume salons or committed home users. Properly balanced between cost-per-use and storage practicality
  • S-PRO Acetone 125ml — the compact size for occasional use, mobile therapists, or backup stock. Smaller container is properly portable and quick to use without committing to bulk storage

Skintruth Acetone

  • Skintruth Acetone 1 Litre — proper professional pure acetone in trade workhorse format. Genuine alternative to S-PRO for salons preferring the Skintruth brand or wanting variety in their acetone supply

Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish Artificial Nail Remover

The branded gel-specific remover from Gelish, one of the most-trusted gel polish brands in the professional industry. Acetone-based formulation with added conditioning ingredients for gentler removal:

  • Gelish Soak-off Gel Polish Artificial Nail Remover 960ml — the trade workhorse size for high-volume Gelish-using salons
  • Gelish Soak-off Gel Polish Artificial Nail Remover 480ml — the mid-size for moderate-volume practices
  • Gelish Soak Off Gel Polish Artificial Nail Remover 120ml — the compact size for occasional use, retail offering, or backup stock

The 480ml and 960ml sizes are particularly cost-effective per millilitre versus the smaller 120ml format — properly worth sizing up if you're committed to the Gelish system.

How to use acetone for proper soak-off removal

Proper soak-off removal is genuinely critical for nail health. Picking, peeling, or filing off cured gel polish removes layers of the natural nail with it, causing thin, weak, damaged nails over time. The proper soak-off method:

  1. Buff the top layer of the gel polish lightly with a 180-grit file to break the top seal. Just enough to scratch the surface, not down to the colour.
  2. Saturate cotton wool with acetone, place over each nail, and wrap with foil to hold in place.
  3. Soak for 10-15 minutes. The acetone breaks down the cured gel during contact time. Longer for thicker gel polish, shorter for thinner applications.
  4. Remove foils one nail at a time. Use a wooden cuticle stick to gently push the softened gel off the nail surface — never scrape or force.
  5. Re-soak if needed. If gel doesn't come off easily, re-soak rather than forcing removal. Forcing causes nail damage that takes weeks to recover.
  6. Buff the nail surface lightly to smooth, apply cuticle oil generously, and let nails breathe for at least an hour before reapplying polish.

For acrylic removal, the process is similar but takes longer — typically 20-30 minutes of soaking depending on acrylic thickness. Always work in a well-ventilated space when using acetone in volume.

Storing acetone properly

Acetone is highly flammable and evaporates quickly when exposed to air. Proper storage matters for both safety and longevity:

  • Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ignition risks
  • Keep tightly sealed when not in use — acetone evaporates rapidly through loose-fitting lids
  • Decant working quantities into smaller containers for daily use rather than opening the 1 litre bottle repeatedly. Extends the life of the bulk stock
  • Keep away from open flames, sparks, and electrical heating — acetone is highly flammable and the vapour ignites easily
  • Use in well-ventilated areas — extended exposure to acetone vapour causes headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation
  • Wear gloves during use to protect your skin from drying effects, particularly during high-volume removal sessions
  • Don't pour down the drain — dispose of properly through hazardous waste channels per local regulations

Why bulk sizing makes sense for working salons

If you're running a salon offering regular gel polish removal services, the per-millilitre price difference between trade-bulk acetone and consumer-size acetone is properly significant. A typical salon doing 10-20 gel removals per week uses around 200-400ml of acetone per week. The 1 Litre S-PRO or Skintruth acetone, decanted into smaller working bottles for daily use, lasts 2-5 weeks at properly competitive cost per service.

The same logic applies to Gelish Soak-Off Remover — the 960ml and 480ml sizes work out significantly cheaper per millilitre than the 120ml format. For salons committed to the Gelish system, sizing up makes proper commercial sense.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between pure acetone and nail polish remover?

Pure acetone is 100% acetone — the strongest, fastest solvent for dissolving cured gel polish, acrylics, and artificial nail products. Standard "nail polish remover" is typically a diluted formulation that may contain water, fragrance, conditioning agents, and sometimes alternative solvents like ethyl acetate. Diluted formulations are gentler on skin but significantly less effective at removing cured gel polish or acrylics. For gel and acrylic removal, you genuinely need proper acetone, not a diluted nail polish remover.

Can I use regular nail polish remover on gel polish?

Properly no. Cured gel polish is chemically bonded into a hardened polymer that requires concentrated acetone to break down. Standard nail polish remover (especially non-acetone or low-acetone formulations) won't dissolve the polymer effectively, leaving you scrubbing at hardened gel for hours with no results. For gel polish removal, use either pure acetone or a dedicated soak-off remover like Gelish's product.

Is pure acetone bad for your nails?

Acetone itself doesn't damage nails — it's repeated incorrect removal that causes problems. The dehydrating effect of acetone on cuticles and surrounding skin is genuine but addressable with proper aftercare (cuticle oil, hand cream, occasional polish-free recovery periods). The bigger nail damage risk comes from picking or peeling gel polish off rather than soaking it off properly — which is why having proper acetone available actually protects nail health.

How long does acetone last once opened?

Properly stored (tightly sealed, cool dark place), pure acetone retains its full strength for 1-2 years from opening. The main shelf-life concern is evaporation through loose-fitting lids — keep bottles tightly closed when not in use. If you notice diminished effectiveness, the acetone has likely evaporated and become diluted with absorbed moisture; replace with fresh stock.

What size acetone should I buy for home use?

For occasional home gel polish removal, the S-PRO Acetone 125ml or Gelish 120ml are properly sufficient — enough for 5-10 full removals before needing to replace. For regular at-home gel users (weekly removal or more), the 500ml S-PRO size is more cost-effective and properly sized for consistent use without bulk storage commitment. The 1 litre sizes are typically overkill for home use unless you're sharing with household members.

What size acetone does a salon need?

For most working salons, the 1 litre S-PRO or Skintruth Acetone is the correct workhorse size — typically lasting 1-3 weeks depending on removal volume. High-volume nail-focused salons may go through 1 litre per week and benefit from stocking multiple bottles at a time. For salons using the Gelish system specifically, the 960ml Gelish Soak-Off Remover paired with bulk pure acetone for non-Gelish removal jobs is the proper combination.

Can Gelish Soak-Off Remover be used on other gel polish brands?

Yes — the acetone-based formulation removes most major gel polish brands effectively, not just Gelish. The branded compatibility means it's specifically optimised for the Gelish system, but it works as a generally effective gel remover across the industry. Pure acetone is faster and cheaper per use; Gelish remover is gentler on skin.

Is acetone the same as nail polish remover with acetone?

Not quite. Pure acetone is 100% acetone. "Nail polish remover with acetone" typically contains 60-90% acetone alongside water, conditioning agents, and fragrance. The lower acetone concentration removes cured gel polish slower than pure acetone, and the additives can leave a slight residue that affects new polish adhesion. For professional removal, pure acetone is the proper choice.

Why does my acetone seem less effective than it used to?

Three usual causes. Either the bottle hasn't been sealed properly between uses (acetone evaporates and becomes diluted with absorbed moisture from the air), or the acetone is older than 2 years and degrading, or you're using a non-pure formulation that contains additives diluting the acetone strength. For consistent results, store acetone tightly sealed and replace stock if you notice degraded performance.

Can acetone be used to clean other things in a salon?

Limited yes. Acetone effectively dissolves nail polish, gel polish, and acrylic residue from work surfaces, tools, and brushes. It's also used to clean nail polish brushes and remove dried polish from non-porous surfaces. Don't use acetone on plastic surfaces (it can dissolve some plastics), painted finishes (it strips paint), or fabric (it can damage textiles). For general salon cleaning, dedicated salon disinfectants are the right tool.

What's the proper aftercare following acetone removal?

The dehydrating effect of acetone on cuticles and surrounding skin needs proper aftercare. Apply cuticle oil generously immediately after removal, follow with hand cream, and consider a hydrating mask treatment for clients showing significantly dry hands. For clients getting frequent gel removals, recommend daily cuticle oil application between salon visits to maintain skin health long-term.

Shop the acetone and removers collection

Browse the full acetone and remover range below across all sizes. For complete nail care including gel polish, regular nail polish, base coats, top coats and treatments, see our wider nail polish collection. For gel polish specifically including the Hema-Free Halo range, browse our gel nail polish collection. For broader manicure and pedicure setups including tools and accessories, see our manicure and pedicure collection. Free UK delivery on all orders.