Over harsh, strong-smelling chemical nail polish removers? Then you'll love this non-toxic, nourishing soy polish remover! Read on for my full, honest review of ella+mila Soy Nail Polish Remover.
I love having my nails and toes nicely polished (with a clean nail polish, of course!). What I don't love is the removal process once the paint starts to chip. Acetone and even non-acetone drugstore polish removers are harsh, smelly, and leave nails and cuticles dried out. And they often leave stains around your nails from the polish. I went searching for a healthier solution to remove my nail polish, and came across ella+mila Soy Nail Polish Remover. But would something soy-based with no harsh chemicals actually work? Read on for my full, honest review!
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Why You Need a Nontoxic Nail Polish Remover
The main active ingredient in nail polish removers is typically acetone, a chemical solvent. Though the FDA doesn't classify acetone as toxic (that doesn't say much!), the EU restricts it to low doses in the workplace. Besides, irritating and damaging skin and nails, acetone has been linked to symptoms such as headache, nausea, eye/throat or respiratory irritation, and even pregnancy complications and kidney toxicity1. Non-acetone removers often use other chemical solvents, such as Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) or N-Methyl-Pyrrolidone (NMP). MEK is a possible neurotoxin, causing headaches, memory problems, sleep problems and irritability, as well as eye and respiratory irritation in workers exposed to it. It also may cause developmental problems in the fetuses of pregnant women2. US OSHA places limits on exposure to it. NMP has been classified as a reproductive toxin by California's prop 65, causing harm to unborn offspring of rats when mothers were exposed. In addition, NMP can cause skin irritation, eye irritation and headaches3.
Because of the possible harmful effects of most nail polish removers (even non-acetone ones!), it's best to seek out a safer alternative, especially if you are pregnant. I was skeptical that a polish remover without harsh chemicals could work, but I was pleasantly surprised by one formula in particular, and I'm not turning back!
I'm in love with this gentle, nourishing nail polish remover! It has no acetone or harsh chemicals, but removes even the the strongest of polish with no residue.
Meet the Product: ella+mila Soy Nail Polish Remover
What It Is: Nontoxic soy-based nail polish remover free from acetone, acetate, alcohol and other harsh chemicals.
What It Claims: "Our soy-based nail polish remover is designed to effectively remove all natural nail polishes. Ingredients include Vitamins A, C & E, as well as Lavender Essential Oil, all of which promote healthy and moisturized nails." - ella+mila website
ella+mila Soy Nail Polish Remover: My Honest Review
Ingredients: 8/10
For a nail polish remover, the ingredients list is probably as close to a 10 as you're going to get. It receives a score of 2 on EWG's database, with each ingredient scoring a 1 with the exception of vitamin A, so it's pretty darn good. The soy-based formula is free from harsh additives like acetone, MEK, NMP, and alcohol, and is vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the USA.
Experience: 10/10
The first thing I noticed when I opened the bottle was the lack of an overpowering chemical smell, in fact, the mild lavender smell is very pleasant. It does take just a little more time and finger strength to remove polish - I use a 2 coats each of base, color, and top coat when I paint my nails so there's a lot to remove! But it's not so difficult that I find it annoying. And at the end of it all, my nails and cuticles feel soft, moisturized and nourished - not at all dried out or stripped!
Performance: 10/10
I was skeptical at first, but not only does this nail polish remover work, it works better than acetone removers! You know how conventional polish removers can sometimes leave color residue all around your nail beds? Not this one. It gets every last bit with just one cotton ball. And again, nails are left clean, healthy and nourished at the end. I am incredibly impressed by the performance.
Value: 8/10
No, this is not your typical $2 drugstore polish remover. It is more expensive, but when you think of the quality of the ingredients, performance, and nourishment you get, it's a way better value than the alternative. Even though the bottle is small, it lasts a long time. You only have to soak a cotton ball one time for all 10 nails - no round two touchups required! You can also grab a big bottle for an even better value, but the 4 oz bottle has lasted me quite a while. Of course, the individual wipes that are available are going to be much more expensive per use, but I'd only use them in rare travel situations.
Overall: 9/10
Overall Impressions
Before trying this nail polish remover, I had serious doubts about whether a non-toxic remover could really take off all 6 coats of the (non-toxic) gel-like polish that I typically use. After one use, I was smitten. Not only does only one soaked cotton ball remove even the toughest polish from all 10 nails without a trace of color residue, but it leaves nails and cuticles soft, nourished, and healthy looking. The fact that there is a light, pleasant smell instead of a headache-inducing chemical odor is just the cherry on top! I haven't tried the unscented or jojoba versions yet, but I imagine they are just as wonderful. If you're on the fence, go for it! You won't regret it. Just make sure you follow the directions, since the technique is slightly different than regular remover.
Buy It: ella+mila Soy Nail Polish Remover
Also available at Target and Amazon!
- Reviewer Stats
- Age: 30s
- Hair Type: Oily + Color Treated
- Skin Type: Oily/Combo
- Concern: Breakouts + Preventing fine lines