A composition useful as a paint remover which may include a carbonate, a dibasic ester and a mono-ester. The paint stripping composition may also contain an organic sulfur-containing compound such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a glycol ether, a ketone, or combination thereof. The composition may be used in a process for removing paint by applying it to a painted surface. A degreasing composition is also disclosed which may comprise a carbonate and a alkyl-substituted cyclo-alkane such as naphthene. The compositions have several important attributes, including low toxicity and high efficacy in removing paint and coatings.