10 Eco-friendly Non-Toxic Nail Polish Brands
Many conventional nail polishes contain harmful chemicals and allergens. While our skin is more porous than our nails, nails are still porous and can absorb the toxins and allergens we’re exposed to during manicures and pedicures.
This guide will explore some potentially harmful ingredients found in conventional nail polish, features a list of eco-friendly nail polish brands, and tips for choosing a cleaner product!
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What toxic ingredients are in nail polish?
Get ready for a cocktail of complicated names as we explore toxic nail polish.
They may seem overwhelming, but as you get acquainted with non-toxic nail polish brands and start paying attention to labels, you’ll start recognizing the harmful materials even as your tongue continues to twist just trying to say them.
Commonly found in many nail polishes is what’s known as the toxic trio, the top three most toxic nail polish ingredients: formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Formaldehyde is considered a carcinogen yet is used in nail hardeners.
A by-product of formaldehyde is formaldehyde resin, which may cause skin allergies and dermatitis.
Toluene may also lead to dizziness, numbness, and dry skin; while DBP, commonly used as a plasticizer, is linked to endocrine disruption.
Besides the toxic trio, there are several other names you may come across once you start familiarizing yourself with labels and ingredients lists.
There’s triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) which, like DBP, is a plasticizer linked to endocrine disruption.
Camphor is also used as a plasticizer in nail polish. Although camphor is a natural substance, it can be synthesized (as with its use in nail polish).
Associated health concerns include the possibility of nausea, headaches, and shortness of breath.
Another ingredient, xylene, may also lead to headaches, while long-term exposure may affect the respiratory system.
The toxicity of some of these substances may be subject to the duration and frequency of exposure, which means that those constantly surrounded by these chemicals, such as people working in salons, are at greater risk.
The debate about the level of toxicity is still ongoing, but the mere fact that there is debate and ongoing research (probably the most well-known being that by researchers at Duke University and the Environmental Working Group) means it’s time to be more mindful about what’s going onto our bodies.
Meanwhile, more and more brands are becoming conscious of what’s going into their polishes and many new brands have sprung up to provide alternatives that are 10-free, cruelty free, and gluten free.
What is 10 Free Nail Polish?
If a nail polish brand is 10-free, it means it’s free of ten of the most harmful leading polish ingredients.
These ten ingredients are the toxic trio, as well as camphor, formaldehyde resin, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, parabens, fragrance, and animal by-products. But it’s not all about the number ten.
There are different options from 3-free all the way to 10-free, and even beyond.
However, these labels don’t necessarily mean that a brand is 100% safe. It may just indicate that it’s a safer alternative to conventional polishes.
You still need to remain mindful while shopping for your next mani-pedi set. We’ve added some tips for shopping of eco-friendly nail polish below the recommended brand list!
10 Non-toxic & Eco-friendly Nail Polish Brands to try out
If you're ready to leave behind the toxic chemicals and discover a cleaner solution to color your nails we've got a great list of brands for you!
These are some of the best non-toxic nail polish brands that are leading the way in the clean beauty movement.
Check out some of their beautiful bright colors and you won't even miss the traditional polishes with these stunning safer, more eco-friendly nail polish options.
BKIND Nail Polish: Vegan Nail Polish That Gives Back
Price Range: $10-$22
BKIND is on a mission to promote the power of plants through high quality body products, made from natural ingredients and with respect for everything around us.
This non-toxic nail polish is ethically made in Canada. This polish is vegan, cruelty free, and free of 10 common toxic nail polish ingredients.
BKIND is certified as a 100% vegan and cruelty free company by the Leaping Bunny Program! BKIND also gives back by donating 2% of sales to a various animal shelters.
Why I Love This: I appreciate that this brand is ten free and gives back.
Habit: Non-Toxic Nail Polish with Trendy Colors
Price Range: $12-$17
Habit non-toxic strengthening nail polish is PETA-certified as vegan and cruelty-free, gluten-free, and made in the USA.
Habit nail polishes are free from Free of Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, TPP, DBP, Isobutylphenoxy Epoxy Resin, Xylene and Parabens.
Their nail polishes are also sustainably packaged with a removable bamboo cap, recycled plastic inner cap, recycled plastic brush and FSC-certified paperboard boxes.
Why I Love This: I think it’s great that sustainability is found in so many aspects of their product including the caps!
Piggy Paint: Kid Safe Nail Polish
Price Range: $17-$19 for a set
If you’ve got kids who love wearing nail polish, try out Piggy Paint.
Made in the U.S.A. this nail polish brand was founded by Melanie Hurley, a mom on a mission to make safer polish for her kids after realizing how toxic conventional polishes can be.
Piggy Paint is cruelty-free and vegan and offers nail polish removers that can be used on their own brand, as well as others.
Piggy Paint is non-toxic, virtually odorless, and free of ALL harsh chemicals due to their water based nail polish.
The nail polish dries to a hard finish that doesn’t wash or peel off making it perfect for kids.
Why I Love This: I particularly love that their nail polish is crafted with kids in mind.
BLK+GRN: Black Owned Nail Polish Brands
Price Range: $11-$20
BLK+GRN is an eco-friendly marketplace featuring all Black artisans and connecting people with natural lifestyles by featuring high quality, toxic-free brands.
This marketplace has multiple Black owned eco-conscious 10+ free nail polish brands including Rooted Woman, Taupe Coat, & Mischo Beauty. Use the discount code HONEST10 for 10% off your purchase.
Why I Love This: Sustainable shoppers can choose from multiple nail polish brands in one shop!
Flora 1761: 8 Free Vegan Nail Polish
Price Range: $18-$72
As its name suggests, Flora 1761 is inspired by flowers and botanicals. Health and awareness are just as important to Flora 1761, and so it’s 8-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Founded by former fashion and home décor buyer Christine Cameron Koehler, this locally-made beauty brand pays it forward by empowering women through its support of Dress for Success and Girls Inc NYC.
Why I Love This: I think their unique gift and color sets are a great way for people to try out a few different colors from a new brand!
LVX: Runway Inspired Nail Lacquer
Price Range: $18-$20
LVX’s innovative longwear formula is clean and luxurious. L V X nail lacquer is 10-free, vegan & cruelty free.
These nail lacquers are smooth and creamy, ultra rich, chip resistant and super glossy. Their runway inspired colors are perfect for adding a pop of color to your hands.
Why I Love This: LVS focuses on making eco-friendly products without compromising quality or finish.
Aila: 15 Free, Gluten Free, & Cruelty Free Nail Polish
Price Range: $14-$18
Aila was developed by a podiatric surgeon who was seeking a healthier lifestyle by focusing on what she put into and onto her body.
The result was Aila, a range of nail polishes and removers that is cruelty-free, gluten-free, and free of 15+ of the most harmful ingredients commonly found in nail polishes.
Aila also gives back by donating a percentage of proceeds from select colors to the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation.
Why I Love This: Alia goes beyond ten free and is free of 15+ potentially harmful ingredients.
Base Coat: Halal Certified Nail Polish
Price Range: $16-$28
Base Coat was founded on the belief that beauty should always support the well-being and health of people and the environment.
Base Coat polishes are our 21-free, responsibly made in the USA, professional grade, tested and approved.
Base Coat carefully formulates each product to be as clean as possible—cutting out toxins and using plant-based ingredients whenever possible.
Base Coat’s Breathable collection of nail polishes is Halal-Certified, which means that our formula, manufacturing process and facilities have been inspected to confirm they meet and respect Muslim rules and requirements.
With the Breathable Collection, nail care is now a cleaner, safer and more inclusive experience for all.
Why I Love This: This brand is 21-Free from toxic ingredients that have the potential to cause health problems! I love that they go beyond the traditional 10-free!
Côte: Recycle Nail Polish Bottle Program
Price Range: $18
Made in the U.S.A, Côte nail polish is vegan and cruelty-free.
With 120 shades available, conscious consumers will be spoiled for choice with a wide range of nail polishes that are free of ten harmful toxins and allergens.
Côte also has a recycling program for their used nail polish bottles and offers customers a discount for returning bottles.
Why I Love This: I appreciate that this brand shows their dedication to sustainability with a recycled program!
Sienna Byron Bay: Plant Based Nail Polish
Price Range: $22-$66
Sienna is 100% vegan and cruelty free with the certifications to prove it.
When it comes to our formula, Sienna is not only vegan, cruelty free, non-toxic, Benzo-free, and breathable but this brand’s nail polishes are also micro-plastic free, aluminum free and nano-particle free.
Their new plant based formula includes ingredients with little to no waste by-products and includes ingredients such as sugar cane, manioc (cassava), cotton and corn.
Their office and warehouse are powered by 100% renewable energy showing their dedication to eco-friendly practices.
Conscious consumers will discover a wide range of beautiful color choices when shopping Sienna nail polish.
Why I Love This: I love that they value sustainability through out their supply chain by powering offices and warehouses with renewable energy!
Tips for Shopping Eco-friendly & Non Toxic Nail Polish
Having a better idea of what’s in many nail polishes will help you make better choices, but keep these tips in mind as well, so you can make even safer choices.
Read the ingredients label, even if the brand declares they’re “toxin-free”, “chemical-free”, or “natural”. Bear in mind that terms such as these are not regulated and may thus be loosely applied or interpreted.
Be mindful of labels that emphasize they’re free of a certain chemical (e.g. xylene-free). This might be obscuring the fact that there are other harmful chemicals in the polish.
Get a base polish or primer to apply to nails before adding lacquer to help prevent yellowing.
Remember the remover. Search for plant-based alternatives. Many non-toxic brands also offer removers.
Don’t use adult nail polish on children. Rather look for kid-friendly brands.
Use the EWG Skin Deep database to find safer options for nail polishes and removers.
Take stock of the traditional nail polishes you’re currently using. If you find they’re packed with all the nasty names you’ve just learned, it may be time to try out a different brand.
Other Ingredients and Toxins in Nail Polish
Along with the ingredients we listed at the beginning, these are a few others you might want to look out for or research.
ethyl tosylamide
acetone
gluten
colophonium
organic halides (AOX)
silicone
Research into the toxicity of nail polish is ongoing, so keep doing your own research and stay up to date on changes and developments.
You can even play a role by lodging complaints to the FDA, especially since the law does not require cosmetic companies to report complaints to the FDA.
Speak to your salon about the products they’re using, and if they’re not brands you’re comfortable with, bring your own.
If you’re handling your own manicures and pedicures at home, do so in a well-ventilated area.
With health and beauty often categorized together, it’s high time we put health back into beauty.
Hopefully this guide has given you some resources for choosing cleaner, safer, and less toxic nail polishes.
We hope our list helped you discover some nail polish companies with non-toxic alternatives and better options.
Be sure to take these tips beyond your beautiful nails and start to question other cosmetic products and personal care products. It's a good idea to know the products you're putting on your body.
For more tips & tricks on sustainable living be sure to follow The Honest Consumer on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, & check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory.