Did you know nail polishes are probably the most toxic beauty products you use? While I was doing some research about kid friendly nail polishes, I began to grow concerned about the ingredients in the nail polishes I’ve been using all my life. How harmful are the chemicals in nail polishes and which brands really are natural or non- toxic? What does it really mean to be 3 free, 7 free or 17 free? Basically, it means that the nail polish does not contain a certain # of harmful chemicals. When looking at nail polishes, there are certain chemicals you definitely want to stay away from. I’m going to break them down for you here. Formaldehyde (a carcinogen that makes polish shine and chip resistant), biphenyl (a dye carrier known to cause skin and eye irritation and toxic effects on the liver, kidney, and central and peripheral nervous systems), acetone (keeps your nail polish in the liquid form), toluene (a neurological toxicant used to evenly distribute color), and dibutyl phthalate sometimes known as DBP (plasticizers which make nail polish flexible- note these have already been banned in the European Union because they are a reproductive toxicant but not yet in the US. YIKES!)
After doing some research, here are some safer brands of nail polish for your next manicure. Don’t forget, you can always bring you own polish to get your mani and pedis if your salon does not carry these brands.
One brand I found to be super interesting is Nailtopia Nail Lacquer. The company makes a plant based nail polish that also uses renewable and clean manufacturing techniques making them an ecofriendly brand. The Nailtopia Nail Lacquer is all nontoxic, 100% vegan and free from the most harmful chemicals. Nailtopia is 85% bio sourced in comparison to most nail polishes being only 10% bio sourced, and at just $10 a bottle this company is definitely going to be one of my new go to nail polishes.
The Ella + Mila brand creates fashionable nail colors while being both ecofriendly and health conscious. I was very impressed with this nail polish and I felt like it was safe for my kids! They are a 17 free brand and have a large range of colors options for just $11 a bottle. As an added bonus, they offer a mommy and me package making them a great addition to you and your little ones nail routine.
SOPHi was created by a mom of two (Mom’s really can do it all!) and is also the sister brand to Piggy Paint for kids. This brand offers a water based nail polish, which is low odor and also vegan and cruelty free. It is also considered to be safe for pregnant women. At only $7.99 a bottle that’s a steal. They also have an Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover for when it is time to remove your manicure. **Update- Unfortunately the second time I used this polish and did my Valentine’s Day manicure- after just a few hours and one round of dishes this polish began to quickly chip off- trying to keep it real with all of you!
Londontown is a women owned, family run, US business. Londontown is a clean beauty brand that offers not only nail polishes but also face and body products. The Londontown Lakur Enhanced Colour is $16 a bottle, comes in gorgeous colors and is 16 free. They use a recipe known as Florium Complex to provide color and care for your nails and skin.
Popular nail care brand Sally Hansen offers Good. Kind. Pure. Nail Color which is 16 free and 100% vegan. This line is offered in a range of 30 colors so you will be able to find whatever shade you are looking for. At only $7 a bottle that’s not only safe but inexpensive.
Zoya is a big 10 free, long wear nail polish. Founded by a husband and wife who owned a nail salon, this is another company that’s marketed as safe for pregnant and health conscious women. Zoya offers hundreds of color options and is a great price point at just $10.
The 10 Free brand markets themselves as a plant based, nontoxic vegan and cruelty free company. They offer a high performing and nontoxic Chemistry Clean Nail Color. Their polishes do not include 10 of the most harmful chemicals. The Chemistry Clean Nail Color comes in at $18 a bottle.
Sundays Nail Polish is a brand which also evolved from a nail salon. Created with wellness in mind the owner wanted to offer a salon quality polish that was also nontoxic. They are a 10 free nontoxic, vegan, and cruelty free brand. With a stylish label this polish is offered at $18.
As most of you are familiar with, Essie is a very popular nail care brand who previously claimed to be 3 free, but by the end of 2020 Essie will be 100% vegan and free from 8 harmful ingredients. Step in the right direction!
The Olive & June brand is yet another nail polish that evolved from a salon. That salon is Olive & June in Los Angeles. The nail polish itself is high end salon quality, long lasting, and marketed as 7 free. At only $8 a bottle that’s a great deal for a safer polish.
Pacifica is a 100% vegan and cruelty free company that offers a polish titled 7 Free Nail Color. The name itself tells you they omit 7 harmful ingredients as well as phthalates. With nearly 50 colors and only $9 a bottle I can see why this brand has become so popular!
I hope this post helps you make safer choices when it comes to your manicure game!!