9 Best Beauty Specialist-Approved Nail Polish Thinners Of 2024+Buying Guide
Bring your old nail polishes back to life with long-lasting and harmless products.
Barbara Ritzman is a beauty and skin care specialist and the founder of Barbie's Beauty Bits. With over 16 years of hands-on experience as a beauty editor, she has collaborated with a multitude of makeup, skin care, and cosmetic brands. Barbara’s expertise has been showcased on major media platforms like ABC, NBC, Vogue, Entrepreneur, Roku, and Allure.
Read full bio of Barbara Ritzman
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
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If you are looking for the best nail polish thinner to bring your old nail polishes back to life and make them seem brand new, you have come to the right page. We have compiled a list of the top nail polish thinners that every nail lacquer fan should have on hand.
Nail polishes contain volatile solvents that can evaporate at room temperature, thickening or drying them over time. Nothing is more frustrating than reaching for your favorite nail paint bottle only to discover that it has transformed into a sticky, gooey, or flaky mess that you can’t use. Nail polish thinners are what you need in these moments. Just adding a couple of drops of thinner into your old nail polish bottle can bring it back to its original consistency and make it easier to apply.
So, before you throw away your gloopy and dried-out polishes, try some of these 9 finest nail paint thinners. Keep scrolling if you are willing to revive your favorite nail polish!
In This Article
Top 9 Best Nail Polish Thinners That Will Restore Nail Polishes– Reviews
1. Best For Top Coats:Seche Restore Restoration Thinner
Do you have one or many old nail polishes that need to be restored to its perfect consistency? Give Seche Restore Restoration Thinner a try. This good-quality bottle of nail polish thinner is capable of diluting any polish and bringing it back to the right consistency without diminishing the color and shine of the polish. Using the included glass dropper, add 2-3 drops (more if required) of thinner directly into the nail polish, mix it, roll the bottle between your palms, and it’s done. This effective thinning solution not only works with regular nail polishes but can also be used to thin out top coats. To get a better understanding of the product and a tester’s experience with it, you can check out this video on YouTube.
Pros
- Includes a glass dropper
- Will easily restore dried enamel
- Comes in a transparent bottle
- Adheres to natural nails
- Works with regular nail polish and top coat
Cons
- The liquid may vaporize when not stored in a cool place.
"This polish thinner enhances the consistency of my polishes, allowing them to apply smoothly to my nails. It does not change the color of my polishes. It is devoid of any strong fragrance. I love how it extends the longevity of my polishes."
Quick TipThis product works best on Seche Premium Color nail polish, Seche Base, and Seche Clear Top Coat.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 1,333 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
2. Best In Easy To Use:Super Nail Polish Thinner
If you want your nail lacquer or clumpy nail polish to have a good consistency so that it goes on smoothly on your nails, what you need is a nail polish thinner such as this manicure tool. A couple of drops of this thinner can instantly bring back any clumpy regular nail polish to its original form. A thin and smooth consistency is what you require for an even and easy application. However, this formula contains trace amounts of acetone, which could reduce the shelf life of your polish. So, it’s recommended that you use it only when truly necessary.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy cleanup
- Lasts for long
- Makes polish smooth
- Helps maintain the consistency of the polish
Cons
- May have a strong chemical odor
"This product not only extends the life of my hardened polish but also improves its consistency and finish. Only a few drops of this thinner is enough to revive my hardened polish. I love how smoothly the polish glides on my nails and offers good coverage after I have thinned it out. However, it has a strong scent."
Quick TipBesides using the product, you can place the nail polish in warm water to help thin it out.
3. Best Multipurpose Thinner:Orly Nail Lacquer Thinner
What is better than a simple nail lacquer thinner? A versatile thinner that is used not only to thin nail polishes but also to clean brushes. One of the best lacquer thinners, this effective formula, can revive a thickened nail lacquer and extend its life. Rest assured, it won’t ruin the quality of your nail polish or make it clumpy. Aside from thinning the polish, it also retains its quality for a smooth application. It comes enclosed in an unbreakable bottle and includes a built-in dropper. Add this amazing product to your nail care routine to see fabulous results. Check out the review of this product through the reviewer’s experience of using it for more information.
Pros
- Multipurpose thinner
- Built-in dropper
- Thins thickened lacquer
- Enhances nail maintenance
- Increases the shelf life of a polish
Cons
- The polish to which the thinner is added may take a long time to dry.
"This thinner is highly effective in reviving my old polishes. It enhances their color, and the polishes apply smoothly to my nails. It comes with a built-in dropper, which allows me to add only the required amount of this product to thin out my polishes."
4. Best Formaldehyde-Free:OPI Nail Lacquer Thinner
When your nail polishes harden to the extent that it’s no longer usable, all you need to do is add a few drops of this thinner to the nail lacquer and wait for the magic to happen. This award-winning product brings back the nail lacquer to a perfect consistency for optimal results and increases the longevity of your lacquer. It is made of butyl acetate and ethyl acetate, which makes it safe to use. With this formula, a little goes a long way, so a few drops of this liquid should do the trick and help you achieve the desired thickness. If you want to know more about the benefits of this product, check out this quick review on YouTube that also features the reviewer’s experience with it.
Pros
- Durable
- A small amount is enough
- Formaldehyde-free
- Features a dropper lid
- Extends the life of nail lacquer
Cons
- Might have a thick consistency
"This nail thinner restores my old polishes within seconds. It improves their color. My restored polishes apply smoothly to my nails and last for weeks. They do not chip easily. The thinner never changes the original color of my polishes."
5. Best Leak-Proof:BEAUTY SECRETS Nail Polish Thinner
Nail polishes tend to get thick and sticky over time, making it difficult to spread on your nails. But don’t throw them away yet as they are totally fixable with BEAUTY SECRETS Nail Polish Thinner. Adding a few drops of this thinner to your polish can bring it to a perfect brushable consistency and make it easy to use, ensuring exceptional results. Plus, it includes a built-in dropper attached to the cap that makes it easy to dispense the liquid. This vegan thinner is a simple formula composed of butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and heptane, which are ingredients found in regular polishes. It is the best matte blush as it works excellently with all air-drying nail paints. Keep it in handy for your recent or future manicures.
Pros
- Leak-proof
- Unbreakable bottle
- Upgrades polish maintenance
- Blends quickly
- Quick-drying
- Made of solvents found in nail paints
- Works with all air-drying nail polish brands
Cons
- Slightly expensive
"This product thins out my hardened polishes quickly. It has a nozzle-like opening, which allows me to pour it into my polishes without spilling. My nail polishes apply easily to my nails without clumping after I have thinned them out with this product. It also enhances the color of the polishes."
6. Best For Gel Polishes:Glam And Glits Gel Polish Thinner
Wondering how to thin a gel-based polish that has turned sticky? We bring to you a thinner specially designed to fix a clumpy gel polish that has completely become unusable. This formula reduces the thickness and stickiness of a polish and makes it smooth for an even application. Moreover, it does not change the color or quality of the polish. When using this thinner, remember the ‘less is more’ approach, because if you add too much of this liquid, the polish may not cure well or offer a clean application.
Pros
- Comes with a small pipette
- A little goes a long way
- Provides cuticle protection
- Suitable for gel polishes
- Makes polish smooth and easy to apply
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Some people may not like the strong smell.
"This product thins out my hard nail polishes without changing their color. It enhances the color of the polishes and improves their lasting power on my nails. The product also does not have any strong scent, so it never bothers my senses."
7. Best For All Nail Types:Nail Tek Extend Professional Polish Thinner
Is your limited-edition shades of nail polishes or collection of nail lacquers getting gloopy? And you can’t buy another one because it’s been discontinued? Well, not to worry, ladies! Fix your polish up with this professional nail polish thinner, which has received exceptionally positive reviews online, and make it look as good as new! Nail lacquers tend to thicken at the bottom of the bottle due to the evaporation of solvents. Just a few drops of this thinner will replace the essential solvents, restore the original viscosity, and prolong the life of your limited-edition nail paint. It comes with a dropper that helps you add the exact number of drops, so no more worries about adding too many or wasting a drop.
Pros
- Restores nail polish
- Extends polish longevity
- Extends the polish use
- Suitable for all nail types
- Includes a dropper with a screw-on cap
- Free from animal testing
Cons
- May not last long as it tends to evaporate
"This thinner smoothes out my hardened polishes to improve their viscosity. It enhances their original color. My restored polishes glide seamlessly on my nails. The polishes lend my nails a glossy look. They also last for more days on my nails."
8. Best Non-Solvent Product:LeChat Gelos Gel Thinner
Struggling with a gel nail polish that has become more viscous and is causing streaks and clumps during application? Then what you need is a gel nail polish thinner such as this one by LeChat to achieve a smooth finish. This non-solvent specialized thinner contains monomers and a photoinitiator that helps dilute thickened polish without affecting its original curing time. It comes with a dropper that allows for convenient and accurate usage. Compatible with soak-off and traditional curable gel polishes, this thinner ensures that your gel nail polish consistency is decent and it becomes easy to apply and go the distance.
Pros
- Non-solvent thinner
- Maximizes the use of gel polishes
- Preserves color
- Works with UV and LED light
- Protect against clumping
- Features an easy-to-use dropper
- Does not affect the curing time
Cons
- You may need to use more drops to liquefy gel polishes.
"I use just a couple of drops of this product, and it is enough to thin out my polishes. It restores my dark polishes within minutes. It has also improved their consistency to avoid clumpy applications. I love how smooth my nails look after I apply the restored polishes."
9. Best Long-Lasting Thinner:Mavala Nail Beauty Thinner For Nail Polish
Restore your nail polish with this high-quality thinner and make it look brand new. A couple of drops of this excellent product is all it takes to get back your thickened or gunky nail varnish to its ideal consistency, while also retaining its original smooth shine. Liquefying the nail polish assures smooth application of thin coats of nail paint that last longer as opposed to thick coats that tend to chip or peel within a few days. It features a built-in dropper that makes it convenient to add drops to the polish.
Pros
- Built-in dropper
- Improves nail health
- Dilutes thickened nail polish
- Does not affect color or shine of polish
- Extends shelf life of nail polish
Cons
- May not work with gel polishes
"This product improves my polishes’ flow. It makes my polishes last for weeks on my nails without chipping. I love how nicely the revived polishes glide on my nails. It has no foul fragrance and one bottle will last me years. The formula also improves my nail health."
Before you decide on a nail polish thinner, it’s essential to go through the points given below so that you pick the right one.
A Helpful Buying Guide To Choose The Right Nail Polish Thinner
What Is A Nail Polish Thinner
Nail polish thinners are chemical formulas used to dilute clumpy or dried-out nail polishes and bring them to better consistency. They usually contain isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate, which are the primary solvents present in nail polish. So when a thinner is added to the polish, these elements act as replacement solvents. A few thinners may also contain other solvents such as toluene, acetone, and heptane. But this liquid does not work with gel nail polishes, so it would be best if you used gel thinners specially designed for gel polishes.
What Should You Look For When You Buy A Nail Polish Thinner
- Look for a thinner that works with the nail polishes you use. Not all polish thinners are suitable for all nail polish types. Different thinners are used for regular nail polishes and gel polishes. However, if you own a variety of nail polish formulas, you could opt for a multipurpose thinner compatible with every type of nail polish, no matter the brand.
- Whether you prefer a regular lacquer or gel polish thinner, it’s wise to go through the nail polish thinner’s ingredient list before buying. Make sure that it does not contain ingredients that could damage your nails. For instance, trace amounts of acetone in a thinner are great for thinning out polishes, but it could make your nail weak and brittle in the long run.
- Opt for a thinner that comes with a separate or built-in dropper, which makes it easy to add the exact number of drops in the polish.
Here is how to thin nail polish while avoiding air bubbles.
How To Use Nail Polish Thinner
Step 1:
Use a dropper to take 2 to 3 drops of nail polish thinner.
Step 2: Open the nail polish bottle and add the drops directly into it.
Step 3: Screw the cap back on, mix it, and let it sit for some time.
Step 4: Now, roll the bottle between your palms to blend well. Again, avoid shaking as it can cause air bubbles.
Step 5: Open the cap and check the consistency of the polish.
Step 6: If it is still thick, add a few more drops (a little at a time) and roll it between your palms again.
Step 7: Once you get a smooth and flowy polish, it’s good to use.
Step 8: You can repeat the process if necessary.
Beauty specialist Barbara Ritzman says, “Once you have achieved the desired consistency, make sure to store your polish correctly by sealing the bottle tightly and storing it upright in a cool, dry place.”
Infographic: 3 Quick-Fixes To Thin Nail Polish At Home
No matter how many nail polishes you own, you can always find a new shade that calls out to you! However, with time, even the best nail polish becomes clumpy and difficult to apply. The good news is that several quick fixes can help thin it out and restore its smooth consistency. Check out some simple methods in the infographic below. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
You can bring your old favorite dried-out nail polishes back to life with the help of these nail polish thinners. They contain solvents that make the thickened and sticky nail polish volatile by adding a few drops of the thinner. They help maintain the consistency of nail polish without tampering with the formula. These expertly crafted nail polish thinners have long-lasting, leak-proof, and non-toxic packaging too. To restore dried enamel effortlessly, try the Seche Restore Restoration Thinner. If you want to go formaldehyde-free and extend the life of your nail lacquer, the OPI Nail Lacquer Thinner would be ideal for you, while to preserve the color and prevent clumping, use the LeChat Gelos Gel Thinner, a non-solvent nail product. However, some thinners may evaporate rather quickly. Closely check our buying guide to choose the best nail polish thinners for your nail polish collection.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Chaitra Krishnan is a makeup enthusiast who advocates the importance of using nail thinners if you want to bring your old nail polish back to life. She has checked many reviews online and went through the products in detail before curating the list. She recommends using nail thinners into your old nail polish bottle to bring it back to its original consistency and make it easier to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nail polish thinner safe to use? Does it really work?
Yes, nail polish thinners are said to be safe for the nails as they contain the same solvents that nail polishes are made of. And since these solvents act as replacements to the solvents that were evaporated from the polish, we could say that it does work.
What can I use instead of nail polish thinner?
You could use rubbing alcohol (91% alcohol) or pure acetone instead of polish thinner. But keep in mind that using too much acetone on your nails could break or split them.
What do I do if my nail polish is too thick?
If your nail polish is too thick, just add 2 to 3 drops of nail polish thinner into the polish and mix it well.
Is nail polish thinner the same as acetone?
Yes, in terms of what they do (restore nail polish), they are the same, but their chemical composition is different. While acetone is a solvent in itself, a nail polish thinner contains an assortment of solvents. Moreover, acetone is mainly used to remove polish from the nails and should only be added to polish if you don’t have a nail lacquer thinner, and have no other option.
Is nail polish remover a lacquer thinner?
No. A nail polish remover is a solvent used to remove previously applied nail polish from your nails. In contrast, a nail lacquer thinner is a solvent used to revive and increase the longevity of nail polish.
Read full bio of Barbara Ritzman
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Krati Darak
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