I said goodbye to traditional nail polish, dip powder, and acrylic manicures when I learned they can damage your health. Since then I have been trying multiple non-toxic nail polishes. And thankfully now more and more brands are jumping on the clean beauty bandwagon, so it is easier than ever to achieve a flawless manicure without compromising on safety or style. Here Iβm sharing 14 non-toxic nail polish brands that deliver vibrant colors, long-lasting wear, and peace of mind.
Why Switch To Non-Toxic Nail Polish
Did you know that our body can absorb chemicals through nail polish? Conventional nail polishes often contain harmful chemicals, many of which have been linked to health concerns. Ingredients like formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, are used as hardeners, while tolueneβa solvent that helps create a smooth finishβcan cause headaches, dizziness, and even developmental issues with prolonged exposure. Another common ingredient, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), has been associated with hormone disruption and reproductive toxicity. Repeated use may weaken nails, making them brittle and prone to peeling.
Many argue that the amount of toxins in nail polish is small and that it isnβt enough to significantly affect our health. However, these types of chemicals are present in almost every beauty product available, including makeup, skincare, body care, hair care, etc. It is worth it to reduce our exposure to such toxins, and a small change like switching to a non-toxic nail polish brand can make a difference.
Related: Why I Donβt Get Dip Powder & Acrylic Manicures + What I Do Instead
What Are the Different Types of Non-Toxic Nail Polish?
Non-toxic nail polish comes in various formulations, each labeled to indicate how many harmful ingredients have been removed. The term βseven-freeβ is the most common and signifies that the polish is free from certain chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde, camphor, xylene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde resin, triphenyl phosphate (THPH), and xylene. Some brands go even further, offering β10-free,β β12-free,β or even β20-freeβ polishes, which exclude additional harmful substances. These formulations aim to provide a nail polish option while maintaining the performance, shine, and longevity of traditional nail polishes.
For me to include a non-toxic nail polish brand in this article, it has to be at minimum 7-free. Youβll also find some brands that are even 21+ free.
Non-Toxic Nail Polish Brands
Ella + Milla
Ella + MillaΒ is by far one of the best options in terms of harmful ingredients removed, affordability, and availability. They took it to the next level and created nail polishes that are 17-free. I didnβt even know there were that many chemicals to avoid! Their nail polishes are around $10 per bottle and you can find Ella + Milla at CVS which is super convenient.
In my experience, their nail polish lasts a decent time (around two weeks) and doesnβt chip as quickly as other brands. They are also very affordable β retailing for $10.
Pleasing
Pleasing was launched by Harry Styles in 2021. Aside from the super cute design, Pleasing uses biodegradable formulas and recyclable packaging. Their nail polishes are 12-free and they go as far as removing fragrance, which is a known hormone disruptor.
HABIT
HABIT carries over 60 different colors, which are 21-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and infused with Myrrh extract to improve nail strength.Β Depending on the color, it might contain ingredients like Raspberry Extract to hydrate nails or Hibiscus Extract for nourishment. Furthermore, HABIT nail polish is packaged with recycled plastic components and the cap is made out of biodegradable bamboo!
Kapa Nui
Kapa Nui offers odorless water-based polishes. Similar to Dazzle Dry, you have to use their nail care system to achieve a flawless manicure. The system includes a Base & Top Coat Sealer that enhances durability, providing long-lasting, chip-resistant wear. For removal, Kapa Nui provides a non-toxic remover specifically formulated to work with their polishes, as traditional acetone removers are ineffective on their unique formula.
Zoya
ZoyaΒ is one of the pioneers when it comes to non-toxic nail polishes. They have over 600 nail polishes available on their website and you can also find them at retailers like Ulta Beauty and Amazon. Their polishes are 10-free and they are pretty affordable, retailing at around $12.
Lakur by Londontown
Lakur by Londontown nail polishes are infused with a proprietary blend of botanicals and vitamins known as Florium Complex, these polishes nourish and strengthen nails with each application. The chip-resistant, gel-like formula provides long-lasting wear and high-gloss shine, all while being vegan, cruelty-free, and free from 21 toxins.
100% Pure
100% PURE offers a line of nail polishes that are 20-free, meaning they are formulated without 20 common toxins found in conventional nail polishes. These vegan and cruelty-free polishes provide chip-resistant color for a professional-looking manicure or pedicure at home.
Pear Nova
Pear Nova nail polishes are vegan, cruelty-free, and 10-free. You can also find non-toxic gel lacquer on their site for that shiny gel finish β you still need a UV lamp though.
Dazzle Dry
Dazzle DryΒ is the first clean nail polish brand I was introduced to back in 2019. I immediately loved them because of how quickly the nail polish dries, which makes it hard for my impatient self to mess up my at-home manicure. It also lasts a long time, just like a dip powder manicure would β around 3 weeks.
What is different about Dazzle Dry is that to achieve a stunning manicure, you have to use their system, which consists of four different products, including nail prep, base coat, nail polish, and top coat. Because of this, it requires a larger upfront investment than any other non-toxic nail polish brand, but Iβd say it is worth it, considering the manicure is long-lasting, doesnβt chip, and the polish dries extremely fast. I have been using their system for four years now and love it.
Each bottle retails for around $20 and their system which already includes a nail polish of your choice retails for $85.
Related:Β Dazzle Dry Review: This Non-Toxic Nail Polish is Worth it
Sienna by Byron Bay
Sienna is an Australian brand that emphasizes sustainability and ethical production, through the use of recyclable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping. Their formula also includes ingredients such as natural sugarcane, cassava, cotton, and corn.
Olive & June
Olive & Juneβs nail polishes are 15-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. They carry over 100 shades that have a gel-like finish and last up to 10 days. Olive & June is available at multiple retailers like Target, Walmart, and Walgreens.
CΓ΄te Beauty
CΓ΄te Beauty has an extensive range of over 100 non-toxic nail polish colors and treatments for you to choose from. They are designed to be long-lasting, and chip-resistant. The brand focuses on sustainability by utilizing recyclable packaging and planting a tree for every order placed! CΓ΄te Beauty also offers hair, and body care items, all formulated without harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde, toluene, and parabens.
Manucurist
Manucurist is a Paris-based brand. Their Green Flashβ’ line offers a gel-like finish without the need for UV lamps. Their polishes are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated with up to 84% plant-based ingredients, providing a chic and sustainable choice.
Suncoat
Suncoat offers water-based formulas that replace harsh chemical solvents with water. Its founder, Ying, is a chemist dedicated to eco-friendly innovation. Suncoatβs polishes are known for being low odor, free from strong chemical fumes, and gentle on nails. So, if you have brittle and weak nails this might be the best option for you. The brand also has a nail polish line for kids.
I believe itβs important to embrace a healthier lifestyle by making small changes, like switching to non-toxic nail polish or avoiding skincare products with added fragrances. These seemingly small steps can make a big difference. Itβs concerning how often weβre exposed to toxins in our daily livesβwhether through beauty products, cleaning supplies, or even the food we eat. So, I want to congratulate you for prioritizing your health and taking the time to explore better options.
