etting your nails done can be a fun, uplifting, and creative experience that adds an extra layer of polish to your style. If you wear bright-colored nail polish, you might have noticed the boost of energy and confidence, while pastel colors might make you feel relaxed and serene.
Without a doubt, painting your nails can bring an unexplainable joy that makes you feel beautiful, elegant, and well put together. However, most conventional nail polishes are made with toxic chemicals that take the “healthy” out of this fun experience. Beyond the beauty and glam of colorful nails lies a serious health concern. Today's savvy beauty enthusiasts are increasingly aware of the potential toxicity in cosmetics and are turning their attention to natural, non-toxic nail polish brands for safer beauty solutions.
Traditional nail polish contains harmful chemical ingredients like Formaldehyde and Toluene, which are linked to health concerns including respiratory issues, reproductive toxicity, and skin irritation. Some traditional nail polish is also non-biodegradable, so when it is discarded, it leaches toxins into the soil and water supply, putting marine life at risk.
The good news is that many are scrutinizing the ingredients list and moving towards clean, non-toxic brands.
Non-toxic nail polishes contain safer ingredients for your health and the environment as many brands have removed a hefty list of toxic chemicals. This is why the 7-free, 15-free distinctions were born. Let’s learn all about these terms, and what’s in conventional nail polish fomulations, then go through a list of our top ten picks.
What makes a healthy non-toxic nail polish?
We've been wearing nail polish for thousands of years. The first historical record of nail polish use goes as far back as 3000 B.C. in China, where nail polish was made for the elite as a status symbol. Nail polish was initially made from egg white, beeswax, and gelatin but the ingredients have since changed from natural to more non-toxic chemicals.
The modern cosmetic industry has been using chemicals like Formaldehyde, Toluene, Camphor, and Dibutyl Phthalate to make nail polish. These ingredients have been known to cause health issues and environmental pollution. Nail polish manufacturers are now switching to non-toxic ingredients, replacing toxic ones with natural organic options.
Non-toxic nail polish does not contain ingredients that are toxic and may contain natural or organic ingredients. Before we learn more about non-toxic nail polish let’s first clarify that non-toxic does not mean natural. A brand could eliminate non-toxic chemicals but use alternative synthetic options that are not natural. The ingredients list is a good source of information if you want to find out what is in the nail polish bottles.
The 3 key signs of healthier non-toxic nail polish brands
Here are some of the things that make for a healthy non-toxic nail polish.
1. They use natural Ingredients
Non-toxic lacquer uses natural ingredients in place of traditional toxic petrochemicals. Some of the natural choices are sugar cane, cassava, celery, cotton, corn or potatoes. These ingredients are either used directly or by upcycling their waste from other industries. Natural ingredients nourish nails making them stronger and healthier.
- Celery: Celery seed extracts are used in the top and base coat. They promote the production of keratin which strengthens the nail and improves nail structure.
- Soy: Soy Amino Acids help keep the nails hydrated and moisturized.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Niacinamide soothes and moisturizes the skin, and helps to improve texture and appearance.
- Biotin: This is a water-soluble vitamin B that is good for brittle nails. It helps soothe and moisturize nails.
- Silica Dimethyl Silylate: This is a mineral obtained from sand and is used as a stabilizer and thickener.
- Panthenol: Panthenol moisturizes nails and prevents drying and nail damage.
2. They avoid using toxins: 3-Free to 21-Free
Healthy nail polish eliminates or minimizes toxic chemicals in its formulas. Have you seen labels like 3-free, 7-free, or 21-free on the nail polish you love? Nail polish manufacturers use these labels to show the harmful chemicals that they no longer use in their products, whether it's the three main toxins or five or up to 21 toxic substances.
The omission of a few toxins does not automatically mean there aren't any other toxins in the nail polish. Some brands avoid using the commonly known toxins and replace them with uncommon chemicals that are not well-researched and could be more harmful to humans. The good news is that we have provided a list of the common toxins to avoid, and if you comb through the ingredients list on polish bottles or company websites, you can get a clear picture of what is in the nail polish formulations. `
- 3-Free: This means that the manufacturer has eliminated Toluene, Formaldehyde, and Dibutyl Phthalate.
- 4-Free: Polish lacks Toluene, Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate and Formaldehyde Resin.
- 5-Free: Nail lacquer does not have Toluene, Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate, Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor.
- 6-Free: Polish lacks Toluene, Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, and Parabens.
- 7-Free: The nail polish does not contain Toluene, Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Parabens, and Xylene.
- 8-Free: This categorization means that the polish is free of Toluene, Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Xylene, Paraben, and Rosin.
- 9-Free: This category means the polish is without Toluene, Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate, Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Xylene, Lead, Paraben, Ethyl Tosylamide
- 10-Free: Polish is free of Toluene, Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate, Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Paraben, Xylene, Styrene, Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-3.
- 12-Free: Polish is free of Toluene, Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate, Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Paraben, Xylene, Lead, Fragrance, Benzophenone-1, Ethyl tosylamide, and Triphenyl phosphate.
- 21-Free: audible packToluene, Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate, Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Paraben, Xylene, Benzene, Animal derivatives, Phthalates, Cyclic Silicones, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), Glycol Ethers of Series E, Hydroquinone (HQ), 4-Methoxyphenol (MEHQ), Triphenyl Phosphate (TPP), Chromium Oxide Greens, Bismuth Oxychloride, Carcinogenic Mutagenic, Synthetic Fragrances, and Ethyl Tosylamide
3. Use of Environmentally Friendly & Biodegradable Ingredients
Non-toxic nail polish manufacturers use sustainable packaging and eco-friendly ingredients while traditional nail lacquer contains non-biodegradable microplastics or toxic chemicals that can wash into water sources and leach into the soil. Gel, acrylic nails, and decorative glitter are some of the non-biodegradable nail products that remain in landfills for years. These non-biodegradable microplastics are harmful to animals that can accidentally ingest them from landfills or water bodies.
Most nail polish is solvent-based, meaning they use solvents to suspend ingredients and pigments, and some of these solvents, and ingredients are toxic. Non-toxic brands have switched to water-based products that use water as their main ingredient to avoid chemicals. Water-based polish with non-toxic ingredients is used in clean brands but the reason they are not used in most polish formulations is that they are less durable than solvent-based alternatives.
Environment-friendly brands also use sustainable packaging. Nail polish is packed in glass bottles which reduces plastic pollution and after we use them, we should dispose of the bottles in hazardous waste collection points. Additionally, they use recyclable and biodegradable packaging for the glass nail polish bottles to reduce their carbon footprint and promote a circular economy.
Why Avoid Conventional Nail Polish
While the our nails may look hard and impenetrable, both the nail plate and fold which is the skin around the nail are extremely susceptible to the chemicals found in nail polish. Apparently the ability of our nails to absorb various substances depends on a lot of factors such as:
- The ability of the chemical to react with the environment
- Nail properties such as hydration and thickness
- The nature of the formulation such as the pH and use of chemical penetration enhancer affects permeability.
- The binding property of the drugs or chemicals to the keratin matrix also affects the ability of substances to penetrate the nail plate.
The substances we apply on the nail plate and surrounding skin are absorbed into the bloodstream through the porous nail plate and skin. The fumes we inhale when we are in the nail salon for a manicure appointment can also make their way into our bodies, posing health risks.
The Icky Chemicals In Conventional Nail Polishes
Most nail polish ingredients are hidden under blanket terminologies so it might not be easy to know exactly what is contained in the bottle.
Something that consumers should be cautious of is the risk of misleading labels and branding. Some manufacturers focus on removing 3 of the most toxic chemicals, that is, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and formaldehyde (aka 3 free), and attach a “non-toxic” label on the product which is not entirely true. The product could be free of these products but may contain other toxic ingredients.
Here are some of the toxic ingredients used in several nail lacquers:
- Toluene: This is a solvent extractor that keeps the polish smooth for easy application. Toluene can cause skin irritation, and contribute to Central Nervous System (CNS) dysfunction, upper respiratory tract irritation, and dizziness. Toluene is also not good for pregnancy. Children exposed through their mothers can have attention deficiency and CNS dysfunction.
- Formaldehyde: Used in nail lacquer as a hardener, It helps keep nails hard and strong but is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a substance capable of causing cancer. It can irritate the eyes and skin leading to dying, scaling, and cracking. Formaldehyde is also an environmental pollutant and it is important to limit its spread
- Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): This is used in nail polish as a plasticizer in polish meaning it halls keep polish flexible and adhesive. DBP can cause reproductive toxicity in males and females and can cause developmental toxicity in humans and animals. Additionally, it is an environmental pollutant that can contaminate groundwater and soil when it sips into the ground. In Europe, Canada, and the United States, DBP use in children’s toys is banned because of the link to health concerns like contributing to kidney failure. This ban is not on the use of nail polish but the health risks warn of the dangers of its use even in pregnant women.
- Formaldehyde Resin (TSFR): Toluene and formaldehyde are mixed to make the TSFR polymer, used in nail polish to strengthen and harden nails. TSFR is linked to skin irritation and eye irritation.
- Camphor: A plasticizer used for flexibility and adhesion to prevent chipping. Camphor is toxic when ingested. It can result in shortness of breath, nausea, headache, and irritation of the skin, nose, and eyes. Camphor can also affect the central nervous system causing convulsions. In the United States, the FDA has ruled that camphor oil should not be marketed and that no product should contain more than 11% concentration of the camphor.
- Xylene: Added to nail polish formulations as a thinner to avoid lumpiness, acute inhalation can cause gastrointestinal issues, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Chronic exposure can cause central nervous system (CNS) issues, such as dizziness, headache, tremors, and incoordination.
- FD&C and D&C colors: These are artificial dyes derived from petroleum. These colors can contain chemicals like lead and arsenic which are toxic to humans and can pose serious health concerns contributing to neurological issues and reproductive toxicity.
- Benzophenones: Are powder like compounds that absorb UV rays and are used in polish to prevent color from fading. Benzophenone-1, -3, are used in a range of personal care products like nail polish, makeup, and Benzophenone-3 sunscreen. Benzophenone-3 is also known as oxybenzone, and as we clean sunscreen, it washes into water supplies causing coral bleaching and toxicity to fish.
- Triphenyl phosphate: A plasticizer used to make nail lacquer more flexible to avoid cracking. Triphenyl phosphate is toxic to aquatic life and can also affect humans leading to reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, allergies, and immunotoxicity.
- Parabens: Are preservatives that have estrogen-mimicking effects which may lead to hormonal problems.
The ingredients used in cosmetic products are treated as proprietary formulas therefore companies do not reveal in detail exactly what they use in their products but instead use generalizing terms. For example, cosmetic brands often use “blanket” terminologies like “fragrance” which in an actual sense could be referring to up to 3000 chemicals whose toxicity is unknown.
The nail polish industry is largely unregulated meaning beauty brands can use whichever chemicals they want and are not obligated to demonstrate safety to consumers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate finished nail polish products before they are released to market but must approve the use of color additives in nail polish.
The FDA advises consumers to check the ingredients list and use products safely according to the directions given on the labels. If products used on nail lacquer pose a health hazard, the FDA requires manufacturers to add warning labels on the products and to ensure their products are safe for use as labeled. Product safety is the responsibility of the manufacturer, the FDA does not mandate safety testing.
Additionally, manufacturers are expected to have appropriate ingredient labels for the nail polish bottles they sell directly to consumers. Nail polish is sold only to nail salons however is not required to have labels. You need to take your time to carefully examine what the nail polish bottles contain to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. Luckily this guide gives you the information you need to make the best choice.
10 Healthier Non-Toxic nail polish brands
Here is our selection of brands that produce healthy non-toxic lacquer that are made while considering safety alongside beauty and glam.
1. BKIND
The Montreal based brand's philosophy centers around kindness towards yourself and the planet. The have an impressive offering of natural and non-toxic nail polishes, skincare products, and shampoo bars. Their products are gentle, natural and made from plant- based materials. Customers have noted that these polishes are wonderfully smooth and easy to apply, giving you good coverage and high shine.
Pricing: $12-$16
Number of Shades: They have 100s of shades to choose from including, 24K, Atwater, Blue Lagoon, and Chocolatine.
Nail Polish Types: 21-free.
Good For: Long wear, layering, Large color selection.
Noteworthy ingredients: They use Squalane, Vitamin E, vitamin C, Bakuchiol, and AHA & BHA in their products which reflects their dedication to creating formulations that are gentle on both the skin and the environment.
Customer Reviews: Customers love that the polish is easy to apply, has a range of colorful choices, dries quickly, and lasts long.
Sustainability:
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Use sustainable packaging
- Contain 77% plant-based ingredients
2. NAILS INC. (The 21-free line)
Nails Inc. is dedicated to making products that are both vegan, and cruelty-free. Their lacquers come in a tasteful and uplifting variety of bright shades like fuschia, glow-packed, and shimmering lilac that are easy to use and nourish the nails with calcium and magnesium. For best results, do not apply a thick coat because it might not dry quickly.
Pricing: $9-$30
Number of Shades: Available in various shades including pink, magenta, mauve, and peach.
Nail Polish Types: 21-free.
Good For: Long wear, Large color selection, Nail nourishing/hydrating
Noteworthy ingredients: They use Titanium Dioxidewhich is a safe ingredient that adds durability and preserves the color.
Customer Reviews: Customers love that the polish is easy to use, of good quality, and aesthetically pleasing.
Sustainability:
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Contain 73% plant-based ingredients
3. RORO
RORO's polishes redefine the luxury nail color landscape with their stunning vibrant range of shades formulated to nourish the nails leaving them moisturized and brightened. One of the advantages of this brand is that it offers affordable products that have great color choices and are chip-resistant.
Pricing: $8
Number of Shades: Has Extra Olives, Ballet Recital, Stained Glass, Sheer Tights, and Can’t Sit With Us shades among others.
Formulation: 21-free.
Good For: Long wear, Nail Nourishing
Noteworthy ingredients: Alpha hydroxy acid is good for reducing dryness.
Sustainability:
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
4. HABIT
This is a clean beauty brand that sustainably makes non-toxic, vegan nail polish and other organic skincare products. They have uniquely bold color options with nail nourishing qualities. For best results it is recommended to apply a few coats to achieve refined even finish.
Pricing: $12.50
Number of Shades: Over 60 shades including, 67 Bootleg, 72 Versayce, and 57 Blue Jean Baby.
Formulation: 21-free
Good For: Nail Nourishing
Noteworthy ingredients: Enriched with AHAs, pomegranate, and hibiscus extracts for nourishing nails.
Customer Reviews: Customers love the colors but are dissatisfied with having to apply multiple coats for a good finish.
Sustainability:
- Vegan
- 1% for the Planet
- Cruelty-free
- Toxin-free
- Biodegradable bamboo over-caps
- Recycled Packaging
- PETA and Leaping Bunny-certified
5. DAZZLE DRY
Dazzle Dry is a brand that has mastered high-quality lacquers that are quick-drying, durable, and non-chipping. Their polish is easy to apply and offers great coverage and can last up to two to three weeks without chipping.
Pricing: $22
Shades: Available in Less Is Mauve, PeacefullyMe, Boss, Anticipation, and Touch of Love shades among others.
Good for: Non-yellowing
Formulation: 21-Free.
Customer Reviews: Customers love that it dries fast and has beautiful shades.
Sustainability:
- Non-Toxic
- Vegan
6. NAILTOPIA
Nailtopia offers plant-based, toxic-free, superfood-infused lacquer that contains nourishing vitamins and minerals that make your nails healthier. Their formulations packed with nutrient rich ingredients that are recommended for nourishing brittle nails, or if you are simply trying to improve and maintain the overall strength and health of your nails.
Pricing: $10
Shades: Disney Collection, Glow Up, and Nails On Fleek among others.
Formulation:All-Free.
Good For: Long wear, large color selection, nail nourishing
Noteworthy ingredients: Nail strengthening calcium, Vitamin B5, Biotin, and Vitamin A.
Customer Reviews: The polish in this brand is smooth and easy to apply
Sustainability:
- 100% Vegan
- Plant based
- Leaping Bunny Approved
- Cruelty-Free
- Sustainable Packaging
7. cote BEAUTY
Cote offers clean, and safer nail polishes that are carefully formulated to eliminate harmful chemicals without sacrificing performance. As a part of their commitment to the wellbeing of the planet, this company is partnered with the Eden Reforestation project commendably planting one tree for every order they get.Their lacquers are chip resistant long lasting and high quality and to get the best look they've recommended applying two coats to clean nails.
Pricing: $21
Number of Shades: Tobacco, Stone, Cappuccino, Disco, and Adobe are some of the available shades.
Formulation: 10-free
Good for: Long wear, large color selection.
Sustainability:
- Toxin Free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-Free
- Member of PACT Collective recycling initiative
8. Pleasing
Pleasing offers a creative and varied array of playful and whimsical colors that promote self-expression. They are centered around the vision to celebrates kindness and optimism by prioritizing people and the planet by supporting community based causes. They have a range of pearlized and bright colors that look beautiful on your nails apply two coats for a good finish.
Pricing: $18
Shades: Beach Ball, Vine Ripe, and Pond Goo shades among others.
Formulation: 12-Free
Good For: Layering, long wear
Noteworthy ingredients: Biosourced (non-petroleum) solvents that are a more sustainable alternative.
Customer Reviews: The polish is long-lasting, with good coverage but is expensive.
Sustainability:
- Vegan
- Cruelty-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Biodegradable
- Minimal packaging
- Supports Project Roots, Convenant House, Queercircle, Cool Earth, and Nest.
9. ZOYA
Starting out as a local nail salon passionate about the vision of natural and alternative European herbal treatments, Zoya grew by setting a standard for the rest of the nail industry. The brand prioritized developing healthier formulations by removing toxic chemicals from their polishes and maintaining quality. They now offer a large collection of more natural nail polishes that are long-lasting, breathable, and pregnancy-safe.
Pricing:$8- $12
Shades: Shayne, Backett, and Isley shades among others.
Formulation: 10-Free
Good For: Long wear, large Color Selection, nail nourishing.
Customer Reviews: The lacquer is long-lasting, smooth, and easy to apply.
Sustainability:
- Vegan
- Cruelty-Free
10. OLIVE& JUNE
Olive & June offers a range of formulations and colors that can be used at the salon and at home for easy application.Their lacquers are a great choice for beginners as they offer guides on how many coatings to use for the effect you are looking for. This is also a great choice those of us needing something with a little less fuss to use while delivering a lasting effect.
Pricing: $7- $9
Shades: Star Baker, Cardigan, and Secret Recipe shades among others.
Formulation: 15-Free
Good For: Large Color Selection, long wear.
Customer Reviews: The polish is long-lasting, dries quickly, and the colors are great.
Sustainability:
- Vegan
- Cruelty-Free
Our criteria for selecting the healthier non-toxic nail polish brands
At this point, it might seem like finding a non-toxic nail polish is the same as trying to find a needle in a haystack. However, this process is not that complicated. You simply need to attentively review products before making a purchase and it becomes as easy as pie. Here are a few criteria we used to come up with our list. Feel free to use them when evaluating brands beyond our recommendations:
Non-Toxic Ingredients
We went through the ingredients and made sure the polish did not have any toxic chemicals like DBP and Toluene and all the chemicals listed under our recommended ingredients to avoid section we covered earlier.
Proven Sustainable Practices
We investigated whether the brand adheres to sustainable production practices including recycling to reduce environmental impact, using biodegradable packaging, and other eco-friendly practices like planting trees for every product sold.
Brand certifications
Check for certifications like Leaping Bunny that indicate they are cruelty-free and PETA certification that indicates the brand is vegan and does not use animal-derived ingredients.
'Freely' Polish Away
Finding a safe non-toxic nail polish might not be as easy as we thought. It involves taking the time to study the toxic ingredients that are used in nail polish and diligently comb through the ingredients list to know what we are purchasing.
It remains important to look out for blanket terms like 'fragrance' that could be masking a plethora of toxic ingredients. Keep an eye out for nail polish that has safe, nourishing ingredients that are healthy for you and the environment too. Vitamins, minerals, moisturizing agents, and strengthening agents are good for your nails are also great to keep in mind when looking for your next go to safer nail polish choice.
FAQs
Is Olive and June non-toxic?
Olive & June is non-toxic and free of 15 toxic substances normally found in nail polish including Toluene, Formaldehyde, Camphor, Phthalates, and DBP. These chemicals are harmful to your health and should be avoided.
Is there a nail polish that is good for your nails?
Yes, there is a nail polish that is good for your nails. Breathable, nourishing, moisturizing, and strengthening nail polish is good for your nails. Additionally, if nail lacquer is free from toxic chemicals like phthalates and DBP, and contains vitamins and minerals, it is safe for your nails.
