In the evolving world of beauty, the quest for eco-friendly and non-toxic nail polish options is on the rise. We’re looking for both a pop of color and nail polish that aligns with our values and maintains our well-being. This quest is especially crucial for those searching for the safest nail polish for pregnancy, non-toxic nail polish for kids, and hard to find non-toxic gel nail polish.
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- Are all brands of nail polish safe?
- Why avoid the toxic trio?
- The Top 19 Non-Toxic Eco-Friendly Nail Polish Brands
- 1. Habit
- 2. LVX
- 3. Aila
- 4. Côte
- 5. Emilie Heath
- 6. Nails.inc
- 7. Sienna
- 8. Pacifica Plant Magic
- 9. Piggy Paint
- 10. Gabriel
- 11. 786 Breathable
- 12. Ten Over Ten
- 13. Sundays
- 14. Zoya
- 15. Sally Hansen Pure
- 16. Butter London
- 17. Ella + Mila
- 18. Lakur
- 19. Sparitual
- BONUS: 20. Manucurist Non-Toxic Gel Nail Polish
- What's with the 10-free labeling on some non-toxic nail polish?
- How does non-toxic make for a more eco-friendly nail polish?
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Are all brands of nail polish safe?
Unfortunately, no. Many nail polish brands contain hazardous chemicals. The EPA has recognized this concern and has a page dedicated to hazards found in nail polish and nail salons. The Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) lists 12 hazardous chemicals found in nail polish.
However, OSHA specifically calls out the toxic trio: Toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate. These three are known to cause health issues ranging from skin irritations to serious health concerns. So, it’s vital to avoid these toxins. When seeking the healthiest nail polish for pregnancy or non-toxic nail polish for kids, toddlers, or babies, avoidance of these chemicals is especially important.
Why avoid the toxic trio?
These three chemicals are known to cause a variety of health issues. Let’s break them down:
Toluene (nail polish, fingernail glue): This chemical can lead to dry or cracked skin, headaches, dizziness, numbness, irritated eyes, throat, and lungs, damage to the liver and kidneys, and can harm an unborn child.
Formaldehyde (nail polish, nail hardener): Known for causing difficulty breathing, asthma-like attacks, wheezing, allergic reactions, irritated eyes, and even cancer, formaldehyde is best kept away from your nail routine.
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (nail polish): This chemical can cause nausea, irritated eyes, and nose, among other issues. Long-term exposure to high concentrations can result in serious effects, a significant concern for pregnant individuals and kids.
The Top 19 Non-Toxic Eco-Friendly Nail Polish Brands
1. Habit
- What it offers: Habit presents a toxin-free strengthening formula enriched with Myrrh extract for healthier nails, making it an excellent choice for those seeking the safest nail polish for pregnancy.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: This brand goes the extra mile with guilt-free packaging. They use recycled plastic components and biodegradable bamboo overcaps, making it an eco-friendly nail polish choice.
- Colors on Point: Habit offers a spectrum of trendy yet wearable colors curated by an industry expert.
- Certifications: Leaping Bunny Certified, PETA, FSC, and 1% for the Planet contributor, indicating its commitment to being eco-friendly and a perfect non-toxic nail polish for kids, toddlers or babies.
- Community Support: Habit gives back by supporting ocean cleanup and providing fresh produce to food desert communities in Los Angeles.
2. LVX
- Leading the Way: LVX is an industry leader in toxin-free nail lacquer, with a 10-free, vegan, and cruelty-free formula, making it a suitable choice for the safest nail polish for pregnancy and those looking for non-toxic nail polish for kids.
- Quality Assurance: Their lacquers are known for their smooth, creamy texture, chip resistance, and high gloss finish.
- Clean and Safe: LVX products are free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, TPHP, and other harsh chemicals.
- Made in the USA: All LVX products are proudly formulated and produced in the United States.
3. Aila
- Board Certified Expertise: Aila was founded by Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon Dr. Cary Ganon, assuring consumers of its commitment to safe and non-toxic nail products.
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free: Aila products are vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, aligning with ethical and non-toxic beauty standards, ideal for pregnant and eco-conscious individuals and kids
- Ingredient Conscious: Aila is free of harmful chemicals commonly found in other nail products, such as parabens and sulfates, ensuring a safe nail experience for all.
- Nourishing Ingredients: Aila polishes are enriched with ingredients like Argan Oil, Vitamins A, C, & E, and Tea Tree Oil, which can be particularly beneficial for maintaining healthy nails.
4. Côte
- Founders with a Vision: Côte founders Mary Lennon and Leah Yari aimed to create a safe, transparent, and quality product.
- Major Toxin-Free: Côte polishes are free of major toxins and allergens, including formaldehyde, DBP, toluene, and more, ensuring a safe nail experience. A good choice for a non-toxic nail polish for toddlers or kids.
- Professional-Grade: Their signature formulas are vegan, breathable, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, meeting the highest standards of non-toxic eco-friendly beauty.
- Luxurious Bottles: Crafted from Italian glass and featuring top-of-the-line brushes for flawless application, offering a touch of luxury to your non-toxic and eco-friendly nail polish routine.
5. Emilie Heath
- Nail Artist Polish: Emilie Heathe Nail Artist Polish is a 10-free, non-toxic option infused with nourishing oils and antioxidants.
- Key Ingredients: Enhanced with Bamboo Extract, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Rice Bran Oil, and more, Emilie Heathe Nail Artist Polish ensures your nails stay strong and healthy.
6. Nails.inc
- Plant Power: Nails.inc polish is enriched with bamboo extract and marine algae.
- 21 Free Formula: Free from formaldehyde, acetone, parabens, and 18 other ingredients.
- Eco-Friendly Cap: The recyclable and sustainable eco-friendly 100% FSC beech wooden cap enhances the product’s sustainability.
7. Sienna
- Earth-Friendly: Sienna offers a range of eco-friendly and non-toxic nail polishes that are made with sustainable materials, making them a great choice for those looking for eco-friendly nail polish options.
- Safe and Ethical: Sienna’s polishes are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from common harmful ingredients, aligning with both ethical and non-toxic beauty standards.
- Stylish and Sustainable: Sienna’s products come in stylish, reusable bamboo and glass packaging, reducing plastic waste and appealing to those seeking eco-friendly nail polish choices.
- Innovative and 16-Free: Pacifica’s Plant Magic Polish is an innovative, 16-free, bio-sourced ingredient formula that offers vibrant, long-lasting shades.
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free: Pacifica is committed to being 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
- Infused with Bio-Ceramics: Rich in calcium, magnesium, and trace elements, enhancing nail health.
9. Piggy Paint
- Kid-Friendly: Piggy Paint is a water-based, non-toxic nail polish designed with kids in mind, making it a top choice for those looking for non-toxic nail polish for kids and the safest nail polish during pregnancy. Truly the ideal non-toxic nail polish for toddlers, babies and all ages.
- Cruelty-Free and Vegan: Piggy Paint is both cruelty-free and vegan, aligning with ethical and non-toxic beauty standards.
10. Gabriel
- 30+ Shades: Gabriel Nail Collection offers over 30 shades, all vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and non-toxic, suitable for those seeking eco-friendly nail polish.
- Formulated Without: Gabriel polishes are free from 10 harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde and toluene, ensuring a safe nail experience.
11. 786 Breathable
- Breathable Formula: 786 Cosmetics introduces a breathable nail polish formula that promotes healthier nails, an excellent option for those looking for the safest nail polish for pregnancy.
- Free of Harmful Chemicals: 786 products are free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, offering a non-toxic nail polish choice.
- Good for You: Their formula allows water and air to reach the nails underneath, preventing dryness and brittleness.
12. Ten Over Ten
- 8-Free: Ten Over 10 proudly offers an 8-free formula, free from harmful ingredients like toluene and formaldehyde.
- Cruelty-Free and Vegan: Ten Over Ten is cruelty-free and vegan, aligning with ethical and non-toxic beauty standards.
13. Sundays
- 10 Free Formula: Sundays’ non-toxic nail polishes are formulated without ten potentially harmful chemicals commonly found in regular polish.
- Cruelty-Free and Vegan: Sundays is dedicated to cruelty-free, vegan, and non-toxic beauty, catering to those looking for the safest nail polish for pregnancy.
- Noted Attributes: On Oprah’s Favorite Things list of 2023 and US made.
14. Zoya
- The Healthier Color of Fashion: Zoya is known as the health-conscious choice, favored by pregnant women and health-conscious individuals.
- Big-10 Free: Zoya’s nail polish formula is Big-10 Free, free of major toxins and allergens.
- Award-Winning: Zoya is a vegan-friendly, award-winning brand, offering long-wearing natural nail polish.
- Plant-Based and Vegan: Sally Hansen’s Pure range is plant-based, 16-free, and 100% vegan.
- Sustainable Formula: Infused with sustainable bamboo and nourishing marine algae for healthy-looking nails, making it a unique non-toxic nail polish option.
- Kids: An excellent drugstore choice for a non-toxic nail polish for kids, toddlers or babies.
- 44 Nature-Inspired Shades: Choose from a wide range of nature-inspired shades, catering to those who desire both variety and sustainability.
16. Butter London
- Regal-Themed: Butter London’s Patent Shine 10X nail lacquer offers a chic formula ideal for those looking for a touch of luxury.
- Skin-Loving Ingredients: Infused with skin-loving nail care ingredients, including diamond powder and bamboo extract, offering style and care for those seeking non-toxic nail polish for kids.
- 10-Free Formula: Free from formaldehyde, parabens, and other harmful chemicals.
17. Ella + Mila
- 17-Free: Ella + Mila offers nail polish that is 17-free, meaning it’s free of harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde and toluene. A perfect non-toxic nail polish for toddlers or kids.
- Cruelty-Free: Committed to being cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free.
18. Lakur
- Luxurious Gel-Like Wear: Lakur’s nail polishes offer gel-like wear and shine with a professional-grade formula.
- 21+ Free Formula: Free from formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, camphor, and more.
- Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Cruelty-Free: Lakur takes a holistic approach to clean beauty.
19. Sparitual
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free: Sparitual Nail Polish is committed to ethical beauty, offering vegan and cruelty-free nail colors.
- Clean Formula: These nail colors are formulated without 13 harmful chemicals, making them a clean and non-toxic choice for your nails.
- One-Step Application: Say goodbye to the hassle of base coats and top coats. Sparitual’s nail colors are designed for easy one-step application.
- Extensive Color Range: With a collection of 72 core colors, you’ll have plenty of options to express your style and creativity.
BONUS: 20. Manucurist Non-Toxic Gel Nail Polish
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free: Manucurists Green Flash non-toxic gel nail polish is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
- Hema Free: HEMA is a methacrylate monomer that can penetrate the skin and cause irritation. Hema gives gels their shiny, hard finish. Green Flash is free from hema and uses only safe alternatives.
- Rapid Drying This non-toxic gel nail polish dries instantly with an LED light.
- Plant Based: Made with ingredients like sugar cane, wheat, potato, and corn.
What’s with the 10-free labeling on some non-toxic nail polish?
While many companies now market their products as “10-free” or more, meaning they’re free from at least ten harmful chemicals, it’s important to note that there’s no universally agreed-upon standard. Nevertheless, it’s wise to opt for products with fewer toxic chemicals. Fewer chemicals mean a safer product, especially during pregnancy and when putting nail polish on children or babies.
How does non-toxic make for a more eco-friendly nail polish?
- Safer Formulation: Non-toxic nail polish offers a safer alternative by excluding harmful chemicals found in traditional polish. This reduces environmental risks throughout its lifecycle.
- Air Quality Improvement: These polishes have lower or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Lower VOC’s minimizes emissions contributing to indoor and outdoor air pollution.
- Biodegradable Ingredients: Some non-toxic brands incorporate biodegradable components, minimizing harm to soil and water ecosystems when the polish wears off.
- Sustainable Packaging: Prioritizing sustainability, non-toxic brands often opt for recyclable glass bottles and refillable options. This reduces plastic waste and lowers their overall environmental impact.
- Cruelty-Free and Vegan Practices: Many non-toxic nail polish brands align with cruelty-free and vegan principles, appealing to ethically-conscious consumers.
- Consumer-Driven Sustainability: Growing consumer awareness of eco-friendly beauty products encourages the industry to prioritize sustainability and reduce its environmental footprint.
Thankfully, the world of nail polish has evolved to offer a wide array of eco-friendly and non-toxic options suitable for pregnant individuals and children. These brands prioritize safety, ethics, and sustainability, making them excellent choices for those seeking the safest nail polish for pregnancy, eco-friendly nail polish, and non-toxic nail polish for kids. Though we are confident in our research and the information provided, we are not medical professionals. It’s always best to consult with a qualified healthcare provider. Whether you’re concerned about the impact on your health, the environment, or both, you can now enjoy beautiful nails without compromising your well-being or values.
So did we miss your favorite non-toxic eco-friendly nail polish or non-toxic gel nail polish brand? Let us know in the comments!
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