A no wipe gel top coat is the kind of gel top coat that doesn’t leave a sticky layer after you apply it and cure it with a UV/LED lamp. So you don’t have to remove the stickiness off with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. This eliminates the need for another time-consuming step in your gel manicure. This is really great because you can finish your manicure faster and save time and effort. No wipe gel top coat is also more convenient to use with nail art, including chrome/unicorn/mermaid powders.
There are many companies that manufacture no wipe gel top coats. And here are the best ones for a quick manicure, according to many nail technicians:
My top 3 picks
Chroma Gel No Wipe Gel Top Coat
Chroma Gel brand was launched by a nail technician from the UK.
The company’s 1-step Chroma Gel is a special gel nail polish that has the base coat, the color coat, and the top coat in one bottle.
You need to cure it with a UV/LED lamp like any other gel nail polish.
Chroma Gel no wipe top coat is a gel top coat that you can use with any other gel polishes and nail art products too.
It doesn’t leave a sticky residue after curing, and you don’t need to wipe your nails at the end of your manicure.
As the name suggests, this is a perfect top coat for chrome powders and glitters.
It’s very shiny and pretty durable. It can last for up to 3 weeks, according to the manufacturer.
The shine is really superb. And this product makes the chrome powders underneath look divine.
Chromagel top coat is not too thick, so you won’t have a problem in applying it evenly in a thin layer.
It takes a bit longer to cure than some other polishes. So make sure you cure it thoroughly.
The only downside to this gel top is that it’s a bit smelly.
Orly GelFX No Cleanse Top Coat
Orly is one of the oldest companies in the nail industry.
It manufactures ordinary polishes, gel nail polishes, and Builder in a Bottle, which is an easy to use sculpting gel.
Their current line of gel nail polishes is called Orly GrlFX.
And the special No Cleanse top coat from the GelFX line doesn’t leave a sticky layer.
Orly also has another GelFX top coat that you do need to wipe.
So make sure you get the No Cleanse one that doesn’t require wiping.
All Orly gel nail polishes are non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free, and vitamin-infused, which is a huge plus!
They contain vitamins B5, E, and A.
And they are also 12-free. It means they are free of 12 most toxic ingredients or animal products.
These polishes can protect your nails, as Orly promises. So Orly GelFX polish may make the nails stronger while you are wearing it.
The No Cleanse GelFX top coat is very shiny and strong. It’s infused with vitamins and minerals too, just like Orly’s color polishes.
So the top coat is also formulated for strengthening and protecting your natural nails underneath the polish layer.
And if you want to use Orly Builder in a Bottle sculpting gel then Orly No Cleanse GelFX is designed to work with it perfectly.
KUPA Gelfinity
KUPA is the manufacturer of some of the best nail drills on the market, including KUPA ManiPro Passport portable nail drill.
The company was founded by dental technicians back in 1984.
The founders wanted to use their experience in the dental industry for creating high-quality tools and materials for the nail industry, which was only emerging at the time.
Today they are manufacturing professional, salon-grade acrylic and gel nail products.
Their gel nail polish line is named Gelfinity.
And KUPA Gelfinity top coats are very good quality ones.
The regular glossy top coat is shiny, durable and doesn’t leave a sticky layer when you cure it.
So you don’t have to wipe it with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol.
Just make sure you apply the top coat in a thin layer, as it’s a bit thick.
If you apply too much of the base coat, color coat or top coat, then your manicure may form a bubble under the lamp and peel off in a day or two.
However, if you apply KUPA products in thin layers they can last up to 3 weeks.
Matte no wipe gel top coat:
If you want to re-create the hottest matte gel nails trend then you need a matte gel top coat.
And of course, matte no wipe gel top coats exist too!
KUPA manufactures a no cleanse matte top coat under their Gelfinity line.
The top coat looks just like the ordinary shiny top coat right out of the bottle.
However, it becomes completely matte immediately after you cure it with a UV/LED lamp.
Then it becomes soft and velvety to the touch and doesn’t reflect any light off the surface.
And it stays matte all the time while you are wearing it.
You can buy both the glossy and the matte top coat, along with the base coat in one set if you get KUPA’s Gelfinity Trio Pack.
As with any gel nail products, you can remove KUPA gel nail polishes just by soaking them off with an acetone-based remover.
Bio Seaweed Gel
Bio Seaweed Gel manufactures non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free professional quality gel nail polishes.
Their products are 5-free and water-based, but they don’t contain any seaweed.
It’s just a nice name to indicate the healthy nature of their products.
The polishes are made in the USA.
Bio Seaweed Gel has several lines of gel nail polishes.
Their most popular line is 3STEP that includes gel polishes, base coat, and top coat.
Bio Seaweed Gel 3STEP top coat is a no wipe one.
It’s shiny and durable and can stay on your nails for up to 14 days, according to the manufacturer.
This top coat is also healthy, non-toxic, and free of animal components.
All the harmful solvents in Bio Seaweed’s products are replaced by water.
So this top coat can protect your nails and reinforce them with vitamins, as Bio Seaweed promises.
In 2019 Bio Seaweed released a new and upgraded version of their no cleanse top coat.
Bio Seaweed Gel top coat’s only downside is that it may chip or peel if applied too thick. You need to apply it in a very thin layer.
MelodySusie
MelodySusie is a San Francisco-based brand founded by two friends, Melody and Susie, who used to work as nail technicians.
They wanted to create a brand of professional-grade nail products, gel nail polishes, and tools that you can use at home.
The no wipe top coat is sold together with the base coat in one package.
This base coat takes a bit longer to cure than base coats from other manufacturers.
On the other hand, MelodySusie top coat works really well with dipping powders, which is great.
It’s a very shiny top coat and makes your nails look as if they were done professionally at a salon.
MelodySusie also manufactures a line of very pretty and functional professional quality UV and LED lamps that work great with their products.
Aimeili No Wipe Gel Top Coat
Aimeili manufactures their gel nail polishes and nail products in Hong Kong, but they use ingredients imported from the USA, Japan, and Germany.
Their products are also vegan and cruelty-free.
One of their most interesting lines is mood changing gel nail polishes that create a pretty ombre effect on your nails.
Aimeili is a very popular budget-friendly brand that makes a high quality no cleanse top coat that doesn’t leave a sticky residue after you cure it in a lamp.
It’s a popular top coat because it’s amazingly shiny, can stay on for up to 3 weeks if applied right, and works well when combined with other brands of gel polishes.
Aimeili products are great for at-home users, especially for newbies.
Their top coat is easy to apply because it’s not as thick as some other top coats.
It’s more fluid so you can paint it in a thin layer and make it cure without any bubbles.
Another plus is that it works great over chrome powders.
In addition to that, it’s pretty much compatible with other gel nail polishes.
Aimeili also manufactures a great no wipe matte gel top coat.
The only downsides are that Aimeili top coat is quite smelly and doesn’t cure well if applied a bit too thick.
Pretty Diva
Pretty Diva is another Chinese manufacturer of nail products mainly selling online.
They create nail products, cute makeup brushes and brush sets, and eyebrow products.
One of their most prominent products is chrome powders for nail design.
And another top seller is the Pretty Diva no wipe gel top coat.
The manufacturer promises that it works great over any other brand of gel nail polishes.
Of course, it’s perfectly compatible with Pretty Diva’s own chrome powders.
Pretty Diva leaves no sticky residue.
This top coat is very fluid.
As with most gel nail products, please make sure you apply it in a thin layer or it wouldn’t cure properly and may get wrinkled in the lamp.
If you do it right this top coat applies very evenly and looks really shiny.
Beetles No Wipe Gel Top Coat
Beetles is a brand of budget-friendly gel nail polishes, UV/LED lamps and nail embellishments.
Beetles products are mostly sold online too.
A great feature of Bettles gel nail polishes and their gel base and top coat is that they are low odor and non-toxic.
They are 9-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
A low odor formula also means that they don’t have a strong unpleasant smell.
Beetles top coat doesn’t leave a sticky layer and is a no wipe one.
It’s really shiny and is great for at-home manicures.
Beetles no cleanse top coat is compatible with gel nail polishes from other manufacturers.
The only downside is that it’s not too long-lasting.
This top coat is a bit thick, so, again, make sure you apply it in a thin layer or it won’t last the promised 2 weeks and would peel off.
Some people apply it as a shiny top coat for extra gloss over dip powder nails.
Bettles also sells a matte no wipe gel top coat. You can create beautiful matte gel nail designs with it.
Makartt
Makartt is yet another Chinese manufacturer of gel nail polishes, polygels, chrome powders, decorative foils, acrylic nail tips, etc.
They also make very nice budget nail drills and UV and LED lamps for curing gel polishes.
Their no wipe top coat is very shiny, quick-drying, non-toxic, and is promised to stay on for 14 days.
Some customers use it with other gel nail polishes because it’s one of the shiniest top coats you can find.
The manufacturer also promises that it’s a low odor product, but it does have a bit of smell, which can be a downside.
OneDor
OneDor mostly manufactures all kinds of hair extensions, wigs, hair tools and accessories, and even extensions made from human hair.
However, they also make pretty nice nail products, including gel nail polishes, nail glitters, gel nail base, and top coat.
All their products are made in China too.
OneDor top coat is free of tackiness after curing.
It’s shiny and durable but takes a bit longer to cure than most other top coats.
If you don’t cure it well enough it may stay too soft and you can mess it up easily.
So keep it in a lamp for a bit more until the surface becomes rock solid.
This top coat also works well with chrome dust for nail art.
Born Pretty
Born Pretty is a very popular nail products brand from China.
It’s especially famous for its nail stamping pads, decals, and unicorn powders.
But it also manufactures many kinds of gel nail polishes, including the amazing cat’s eye effect polishes.
They are also very easy to use and budget-friendly.
So you can create great salon-quality designs on your nails at home.
You just need a special magnet stick tool to create the cat’s eye effect, along with a black polish layer under the color polish.
And of course, the best top coat that works with Born Pretty’s polishes is their no cleanse top coat.
So buy this top coat if you want to use their chameleon cat’s eye polish.
It also works fine with gel nail polishes from other brands.
However, it’s not the best staying top coat on the market.
It also may become duller with time.
And that’s where you may need to wipe it with 99% Isopropyl alcohol to return its shine.
You can buy Born Pretty top coat in a duo pack together with the base coat.
Gellen
Gellen is another popular brand of gel nail polishes and related products.
It’s not a professional gel nail polish, but it’s great for at-home manicures.
And Gellen products aren’t too smelly, which is another reason why they are great for at-home use.
The brand sells very nice large sets that contain numerous gel nail polish colors. For example, 16 or 18 shades in one pack.
So you can buy one Gellen set, along with the Gellen base coat and top coat, and you have almost everything you need to get beautiful nails done at home.
Gellen top coat does the job. It gives your nails a shiny and glossy look.
This particular Gellen top coat is a no wipe formula.
The brand also has a wipe-off top coat too if you need it.
How to choose the best no-wipe gel top coat
Choosing the perfect no-wipe gel top coat can be a game-changer for achieving salon-worthy nails.
Consider these key factors:
1. Beautiful finish
A quality glossy (non-matte) gel top coat should give your nails a stunning shine and glossy finish.
Look for a no-wipe gel top coat that delivers a lustrous appearance and enhances the look of your nail polish or nail art.
And if you want to buy a matte no-wipe top coat, look for one that creates an even and smooth velvety finish with no streaks.
2. Durability and Longevity
A good top coat should provide a protective layer that helps your manicure or pedicure last longer.
It should resist chipping, peeling, and fading to help your nails stay flawless for at least 10–14 days.
3. Good No Wipe Formula
A no-wipe gel top coat doesn’t require any post-curing cleaning with alcohol or cleanser. It leaves a clean, residue-free finish, hassle-free.
Look for a high-quality no-wipe gel top coat that really provides a clean and smooth finish without any additional steps.
4. Non-Yellowing
Over time, some gel top coats may yellow or discolor your polish.
Opt for a no-wipe gel top coat that is specifically formulated to resist yellowing.
This will help your gel manicure stay clear and vibrant for a long time.
5. Smudge and Chip Resistance
A top-performing no-wipe gel top coat should offer excellent resistance against smudging and chipping.
It should provide a protective barrier that prevents smudges and dents. Even when your nails are exposed to daily activities or external factors.
6. Ease of Application and Removal
The application process must be user-friendly.
You should get a smooth and even coverage quickly and easily.
And the removal process should be convenient. Without too much soaking or scraping, which can damage your nails.
10. Versatility
Look for a no-wipe gel top coat that works well with various nail polish brands and nail art techniques.
It should be compatible with different colors and textures. That means the colors must stay vibrant, etc.
What is a no wipe top coat?
Ordinary gel top coats are still sticky after you cure them under a lamp.
So the last step in a gel manicure is wiping that tackiness off with a lint-free wipe and rubbing alcohol. Usually 99% Isopropyl alcohol.
A no wipe top coat is a specially formulated gel top coat that doesn’t form a sticky layer after you cure completely it in a UV/LED lamp.
If you use this product you don’t need to rub anything off. No extra step needed!
So you finish your manicure faster.
Just cure the top coat and you have a nice durable gel manicure that will last you for at least a couple of weeks.
More and more manufacturers are starting to make no wipe top coats instead of the regular ones that require wiping.
Can you use a no wipe top gel coat with regular nail polish?
You shouldn’t use a gel top coat with regular nail polish.
This kind of top coat doesn’t air dry and needs to be cured in a lamp.
Use it with a gel base and a gel nail polish because you have to cure all these products in a lamp too.
It’s also always better to use a base coat, a top coat, and color polish of the same brand together.
However, most top coats on this list are compatible with all other gel nail polishes and are pretty much universal.
How to apply no wipe gel top coat
Gel manicure steps
Preparation
File the nails to the shape you want. Also, buff the nail plate to make the gel nail polish adhere better.
Clean the nail plate of any debris by rubbing it with a lint-free wipe and 99% Isopropyl alcohol.
Base coat
Apply one thin layer of the chosen base coat and cure it in a UV/LED lamp.
Curing gel nail polish products takes a bit more time in a UV lamp than in an LED lamp.
Color gel polish
After you have cured the base coat apply 2-3 layers of color gel nail polish.
You can even apply some highly pigmented polishes in one layer, while sheer polishes require 3 and even 4 layers.
Cure each layer in a lamp before you apply the next coat.
If your polish is too sheer it’s always better to apply many thin layers than a couple of thick layers.
A thick coat of gel nail polish may wrinkle during the curing process or form a bubble.
And all that will make your manicure look terrible and the product will peel off in just a day or two.
No wipe top coat
The last step in your gel manicure would be the application of the no wipe top coat.
Just apply one layer of the top coat, cure it in a lamp, and your perfect gel manicure is done!
No need to perform an extra step and wipe the tacky layer off with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and a lint-free wipe.
The use of no wipe top coat saves you time, effort, and money.
Recommended reading:
Best Gel Base And Top Coat: The Updated List Of The Best Gel Nail Base And Top Coat Sets
Rubber Base Gel 101: The Rubber Base Coat And Rubber Top Coat Ultimate Buying Guide
Best Professional Gel Nail Polish Brands Used In Salons
Kiara Sky Gel Polish: Full Review And Buying Guide
Non-Toxic Gel Nail Polish Brands 101: Choose The Safest Gel Nail Polish
Most Popular Shellac Colors – The Ultimate List Of 15 Best Shellac Colors For Fantastic Manicures
Gel Nail Polish vs Regular Polish
Black Gel Nails 101 And The Best Black Gel Nail Polish For A Flawless Finish
Color Changing Gel Nail Polish: 13 Best Mood Changing Gel Nail Polish Brands
Kupa ManiPRO Passport Nail Drill Review: The KUPA E-File That Nail Techs Swear By
Best No Light Gel Polish — Gel Nail Polish Without UV Light
Nail Shapes Chart And Types Of Nail Shapes — The Ultimate Guide
How To Shape Almond Nails — The No Nonsense Guide
11 Best Nail Files For Natural Nails That’ll Make Nail Shaping Easier
