If you want to incorporate cleaner beauty practices into your life, starting with how you treat your nails is a great first step. By choosing non-toxic nail polishes, you’re not only protecting yourself from potentially harmful chemicals but also embracing a more eco-conscious approach to beauty.
These polishes are formulated without the harsh ingredients found in traditional nail polishes, offering a healthier option for both your nails and the environment. This shift towards non-toxic options is part of a growing awareness of the impact that beauty products have on our overall well-being and the planet.
We’ve rounded up our favorite non-toxic nail polish brands so you can find the perfect nail polish to incorporate into your clean beauty routine.
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Five Exceptional Non-Toxic Nail Polish Brands To Try
- Best Overall: Dazzle Dry
- Best Color Variety: Olive & June
- Best Eco-Conscious Brand: Ella + Mila
- Best Luxury Polish: Cote
- Best Gel-Like Look: Butter London
Dazzle Dry: The Performance Powerhouse
Dazzle Dry, known for its outstanding performance, is a nail polish that keeps pace with your busy life. With a fast-drying formula that sets in minutes, you can wave goodbye to the dreaded smudges and dings that often accompany a fresh manicure. And let’s talk about longevity—this polish promises chip-free wear that can last up to two weeks on fingernails and even longer on toenails. It’s a game-changer for anyone who values both time and quality in their beauty routine.
The solid, streak-free coverage of Dazzle Dry is impressive, ensuring that even lighter shades look flawless with minimal effort. While the price tag is on the higher side and you will need their special base coat for optimal results, the performance you get is unmatched. It’s the kind of polish that encourages you to tackle your day with confidence, knowing your nails are up to the task.
Price: $22 per bottle of lacquer
Pros:
- Exceptional drying time
- Up to two weeks chip-free
- Streak-free coverage
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Specific base coat required
Olive & June: So Many Color Options
Olive & June is a shining example of eco-friendly beauty, with its non-toxic, vegan and cruelty-free nail polish. Their commitment to avoiding harsh chemicals is evident as they boast a 7-Free formula, steering clear of dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and the like. You’ll fall head over heels for their diverse palette of colors, updated with the latest trends that cater to any style preference. Plus, their comprehensive manicure system brings professional-grade tools right to your home, ensuring your nails are pampered and pristine.
Their polishes not only pamper your nails but also respect your time, drying rapidly to accommodate busy schedules. And let’s not forget their top coat – it’s like the cherry on top of a sundae, providing that extra shine and extending your manicure’s lifespan. While you may need an extra coat for those richer hues, the outcome is a long-lasting, eco-conscious manicure you’ll absolutely love.
Price: $9 per bottle of lacquer
Pros:
- Wide color range
- Comprehensive manicure system
- Quick drying
Cons:
- May require multiple coats for deeper color
Ella + Mila: A Friend of Mother Earth
Ella + Mila is a brand that genuinely acknowledges the importance of gentle beauty products. Their polishes are formulated without 17 common chemicals, making them the go-to option for those with sensitive skin. Beyond their conscientious formulations, their vegan, gluten free, and cruelty-free practices (no animal testing here!) reflect a deep respect for both the consumer’s health and animal welfare. They embody the essence of ethical beauty, prioritizing the well-being of your nails and the world around us.
Their commitment to non-toxicity is matched by a rich variety of colors. Ella + Mila offer a kaleidoscope of colors, ensuring that whether you’re after a subtle nude or a bold statement, you’ll find a polish to match your mood.
Price: $10.50 per bottle of lacquer
Pros:
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Environmentally friendly
- Wide color selection
Cons:
- May require more product for opacity
Cote: The Luxury Option
Cote’s non-toxic nail polishes offer a luxurious experience, akin to donning a silk robe. Marketed as a high-end piggy paint, this long lasting polish is crafted in the USA and free from the major toxins found in conventional polishes. The salon-quality finish they provide for natural nails is nothing short of exquisite, and users rave about the unexpectedly long-lasting wear, making it a standout in the realm of luxury beauty products.
Cote also impresses with its array of colors, from the softest pastels to the most vibrant hues, often requiring just a single coat for full coverage. However, patience is a virtue with these polishes as they do take a bit longer to dry. While some users have found the formula a tad runny, the ease of application and the lasting impression it leaves more than compensate for any minor inconveniences.
Price: $18 per bottle of lacquer
Pros:
- Salon-quality finish
- Extended wear time
- Broad color spectrum
Cons:
- Longer drying time
Butter London: For a Gel-Like Finish
Butter London masterfully combines style and substance, their non-toxic nail polishes providing a gel-like shine that catches the eye. Beyond their visual appeal, the formula is both non-toxic and indulgent, offering a beauty experience that’s as safe as it is sophisticated.
Whether you’re drawn to their Patent Shine 10X series, Peel-Off Glitter, or the quaint allure of their Mini Sized Nail Lacquer, Butter London has set the bar high in terms of finish and sheen. They understand that the perfect manicure isn’t just about the color on your nails; it’s also about the joy of choosing a polish that promises a salon-quality, gel-like luster. Although the cost is a bit higher and you might need an extra coat to achieve that luxurious, high-gloss finish, the overall experience is well worth it.
Price: $18 per bottle of lacquer
Pros:
- Gel-like shine
- So many fun colors
- Innovative polish types
Cons:
- Premium pricing
Understanding ‘7-Free’ Nail Polish
‘7-Free’ in nail polishes means that they are free of seven common toxic chemicals often found in conventional nail polish. The absence of these harmful substances is a testament to the evolving standards of beauty and wellness. By eliminating these specific chemicals, ‘7-Free’ nail polishes offer a safer, more health-conscious alternative for those looking to maintain their beauty regimen without compromising their well-being or the environment.
Here are 7 harmful chemicals you WON’T find in natural nail polish, especially the ones on our list:
- Toluene: A clear, colorless solvent used in nail polish to create a smooth application and finish. Toluene can have harmful effects on the nervous system, causing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea. With prolonged exposure, it may lead to more serious issues such as reproductive harm and developmental damage.
- Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): A plasticizer that makes nail polish flexible and less prone to cracks and chips. DBP is linked to reproductive issues and has been associated with effects on the endocrine system. It’s particularly concerning for pregnant women due to potential effects on fetal development.
- Formaldehyde: A hardening agent that helps strengthen nail polish. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can cause respiratory issues, skin reactions, and has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer with long-term exposure.
- Formaldehyde Resin: A derivative of formaldehyde, this ingredient is used to make nail polish tough and resilient. While it’s not as toxic as formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin can still cause skin irritation and allergic reactions for some individuals.
- Camphor: Used to give nail polish its glossy appearance. Camphor can cause allergic reactions in some people, and in high doses, it can be toxic, leading to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or headaches.
- TPHP (Triphenyl Phosphate): An ingredient that makes nail polish more flexible and durable. TPHP is a suspected endocrine disruptor, which means it can mimic the body’s hormones and potentially lead to reproductive and developmental issues.
- Xylene: A solvent that helps nail polish achieve a smooth consistency. Xylene exposure can affect the central nervous system and lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Long-term exposure may also cause liver and kidney damage.
The term is part of a larger movement towards health-conscious beauty, where consumers are increasingly aware of the ingredients in their beauty products and their potential impact on both personal health and the environment.
By choosing ‘7-Free’ nail polishes, you are not only reducing your exposure to these harsh chemicals but also supporting brands that prioritize safety and sustainability. As the beauty industry evolves, ‘7-Free’ has become a benchmark for those seeking a cleaner, greener manicure without compromising on quality or performance.
Brand Ethics and Sustainability Practices
For non-toxic nail polishes, the brand’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices holds equal importance as the ingredients. Choosing nail polish products from brands that value eco-friendly production, such as Cote, and those that are cruelty-free and vegan, ensures that your beauty routine aligns with ethical standards.
More and more consumers are making purchase decisions based on these values, reflecting a growing trend towards conscientious beauty that prioritizes health and environmental responsibility.
Don’t Sacrifice Health for Beauty: Get Both With Non-Toxic Nail Polish
In today’s world, where wellness and aesthetics go hand in hand, it’s essential to find beauty products that don’t compromise your health. Non-toxic nail polish is a testament to the possibility of having it all—a vibrant splash of color and beautiful nails while maintaining a clean and conscious lifestyle.