10 Best Non-Toxic Nail Polish Brands

There are hundreds of nail polish brands on the market. Knowing which ones are free from harmful chemicals can be a challenge. So I created this list of the best non-toxic nail polish brands to make your search easy. With so many colors and styles to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect polish for you.

Choosing a Non-Toxic Nail Polish Brand

When looking for a non-toxic nail polish, you want to make sure it doesn’t have any harsh chemicals. Some of the most common harmful chemicals in nail polishes include toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)

Luckily, there are many great non-toxic nail polishes on the market that don’t contain these harmful chemicals. The following are our top ten favorite brands.

1. Ella+Mila

Tired of your nails chipping after a day or two? Ella+Mila polishes are long-lasting and chip resistant. You can go about your day without having to worry about your nails looking bad. Not only do they last a long time, but they also come in many different colors that will suit anyone’s style. With so many options to choose from, you can find the perfect color for any outfit or occasion.

Additional Info:

• 0.45 fl oz/13.3 ml
• Peta certified cruelty-free
• 100% Vegan (contains no animal-derived ingredients)
• Does not contain: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Xylene, or TPHP. 

2. 100% Pure

Are you looking for a new nail polish that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals? 100% Pure has 20 shades of nail polish that are vegan and cruelty-free. They deliver stunning chip-resistant colors for a professional-looking manicure or pedicure at home. You won’t find another nail polish like it on the market today. 

Additional Info:

• 0.5 fl oz/14.7ml
• Leaping Bunny and Peta certified cruelty-free
• 100% Vegan (contains no animal-derived ingredients)
• Does not contain: Formaldehyde, Toluene, Parabens, or Phthalates

3. Pacifica

Looking for a new nail polish that is good for you and the planet? Pacifica Nail Polish is made with up to 80% bio-sourced ingredients from renewable vegetable biomass. You won’t have to worry about your nails chipping for days when you use this polish. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, making it safe for you, animals, and the planet. 

Additional Info:

• 0.4 fl oz/12ml
• Peta certified cruelty-free
• 100% Vegan (contains no animal-derived ingredients)
• Does not contain: Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Formaldehyde, Acetone, Xylene, Phthalates (Including Dbp), Triphenyl Phosphate (TPP), Parabens, Ethyl Tosylamide, Bisphenol A (Bpa), Sulfates, E-Series Glycol Ethers, Benzophenone 1, 2, Nonylphenol Ethoxylate

4. Gabriel Cosmetics

Are you looking for a new nail color to try? Gabriel Cosmetics Nail Polish comes in 50 different colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect shade for you. Plus, it’s free of harmful chemicals and cruelty-free. You’ll love the glossy finish of this nail polish. It gives your nails a beautiful shine that will make them look their absolute best. 

Additional Info:

• 0.5 fl oz/14ml
• Leaping Bunny and Peta certified cruelty-free
• 100% Vegan (contains no animal-derived ingredients)
• Does not contain: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Xylene, Parabens, Fragrances, or Phthalates

5. Orly

Looking for a new salon nail polish? Orly is a 12-free, vegan nail polish brand that can be found in nail salons around the world. They offer over 150 shades with names like Scenic Route, Spirit Junkie, and Glass Half Full. With so many colors to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect shade. Whether you want something bright and bold or subtle and understated, Orly has got you covered. 

Additional Info:

• 0.6 fl oz/18ml
• Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free
• 100% Vegan (contains no animal-derived ingredients)
• Does not contain: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Xylene, Ethyl Tosylamide., MEHQ/HQ, MIT, Parabens, or Gluten

6. NCLA Beauty

Looking for a new nail polish that is vegan and non-toxic? NCLA Beauty is the perfect solution for you! All of their nail lacquers are proudly made in California. Plus, their chip-resistant and long-lasting formula means your nails will look great all day long. You can get perfect coverage with 1 or 2 coats. 

Additional Info:

• 0.5 fl oz/13.3ml
• Leaping Bunny and Peta certified cruelty-free
• 100% Vegan (contains no animal-derived ingredients)
• Does not contain: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Xylene, or TPHP. 

7. 10 Free Chemistry

Looking for a non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free nail polish? 10 Free Chemistry has you covered with its high-quality and long-wearing nail polishes. The pigments are suspended in an organic and vegan base for a smooth application. Not only are 10 Free Chemistry’s polishes toxin-free, but they also last up to 10 days! And that’s not all their peptide-enhanced formula helps nourish your nails for optimal health. 

Additional Info:

• 0.4 fl oz/13ml
• Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free
• 100% Vegan (contains no animal-derived ingredients)
• Does not contain: Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate, Formaldehyde Resin, Formaldehyde Donors, Camphor, Lead, MEHQ, Triphenyl Phosphate, Ethyl Tosylamide, Xylene, Guanine, Carmine, Gluten, Methylisothiazolinone, Mineral Oil

8. SpaRitual

Tired of your nails looking dry and brittle? We’ve got the perfect solution, Sparitual Nourishing Nail Polish. It not only looks great but also helps to nourish and strengthen your nails, making them look bright and healthy. Plus, it comes in a range of 72 beautiful colors with spiritually inspired names like Self Love, Abracadabra, and Vibrant Energy that will suit any outfit or mood. 

Additional Info:

• 0.5 fl oz/15ml
• Leaping Bunny and Peta certified cruelty-free
• 100% Vegan (contains no animal-derived ingredients)
• Does not contain: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Xylene, Ethyl Tosylamide, MEHQ/HQ, MIT, Parabens, or Gluten. 

9. China Glaze

Are you looking for a new nail polish to try? China Glaze is a popular 8-free nail polish brand that offers over 250 shades in every color, including the colors of the rainbow. It dries quickly on nails and provides long-lasting manicures. You won’t have to worry about your nails chipping or fading for days with China Glaze. With so many colors to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect shade for any outfit.

Additional Info:

• 0.5 fl oz/14 ml
• Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free
• Does not contain: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Xylene, Triphenyl Phosphate, or Ethyl Tosylamide. 

10. Julep

Are you looking for a new way to make your nails look healthier and more beautiful? Julep has the perfect solution with its unique 5-free, vegan-friendly nail polish formula. Their polishes include strengthening hexanal and antioxidant green coffee extract, so your nails will never look the same again.

Additional Info:

• 0.27 fl oz/8ml
• Peta certified cruelty-free
• 100% Vegan (contains no animal-derived ingredients)
• Does not contain: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, or Formaldehyde Resin 

Toxic Ingredients in Nail Polish to Avoid

Did you know that nail polish ingredients can actually be bad for your health? The effects range from an allergic reaction to birth defects or cancer. The EU, European Union, has banned almost 1400 ingredients for use in cosmetics. Compare that to the US, where the FDA, Food and Drug Administration, has only banned a measly 11 ingredients. 

Many nail polish brands are proactive and choose to follow EU guidelines. So, they do not include some, if not all, of the banned EU ingredients in their nail polish formulas. They then label the polish to be 3-Free, 5-Free, 7-Free, etc., depending on the ingredients that are excluded in their formulas. Here is a list of the most common ingredients brands should avoid using in nail polish manufacturing.

1. Formaldehyde

Yes, this is the same formaldehyde they use to embalm dead bodies. It can cause skin reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Some formaldehyde-based nail polishes may also release small amounts of the chemical into the air, which can be harmful to your health. Because of this, it is banned for use in cosmetics in the EU but not in the US.

Formaldehyde may be listed on cosmetics labels by the following names:

• Formalin
• Methylene Glycol
• Formic Aldehyde
• Merthaldeyde
• Methanol
• Methyl Aldehyde
• Oxomethane
• Oxymethylene
• BFV

2. Toluene

Toluene is a solvent that is often used in nail polish to help it glide on smoothly. It can also make the polish dry faster. Toluene has been linked to birth defects and has a possible link to blood cancer. The EU has restricted its use in nail polish because it can risk or harm an unborn child.  However, toluene can be harmful to your health if you are exposed to it over a long period of time. It can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even damage to the central nervous system.

3. DBP or Dibutyl Phthalate

DBP, or dibutyl phthalate, is a chemical that is often used in nail polishes to help them stay on longer. It can also make the polish thicker and more opaque. Prenatal exposure has been linked to birth defects in baby boys. DBP is banned in the EU for use in cosmetics. However, DBP is a known reproductive toxin and can cause birth defects. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to DBP at all costs.

4. Tosylamide Formaldehyde Resin

Tosylamide Formaldehyde Resin is used to give nail polish its shiny, high gloss appearance and durability. However, it can cause an allergic reaction in some people. 

5. Camphor

Camphor gives nail polish its shiny and high gloss appearance. It is a natural ingredient from the wood of the camphor tree, Cinnamomum camphora, but has a synthetic alternative. However, camphor can be harmful to your health if you are exposed to it over a long period of time. It can cause skin irritation, dizziness, and nausea. The EU has banned the use of camphor in cosmetics, so any nail polish that contains camphor is not compliant with EU regulations.

6. Ethyl Tosylamide

Ethyl Tosylamide helps prevent nail polish from cracking and helps retain the color for longer. However, ethyl tosylamide has been linked to cancer in lab animals. So, it is best to avoid any nail polishes that contain it. In the EU, the use of ethyl tosylamide in cosmetics is restricted to 0.01%. So, any nail polish that contains more than 0.01% ethyl tosylamide is not compliant with EU regulations.

7. Xylene

Xylene is a solvent that helps prevent the grainy effect you get if nail polish dries too quickly. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, or lungs. The EU has classified xylene as a toxic or harmful irritant and is banned for use in cosmetics. 

Faq About Non-Toxic Nail Polish

Best Non-Toxic Nail Polish Brands

I’m always amazed when I do one of these guides and there are so many non-toxic options available. It makes me want to whip out my credit card and go on a mini-shopping spree!

As a busy woman, it’s sometimes hard to schedule some ‘me’ time and pamper yourself. I hope this non-toxic nail polish list gives you some inspiration to treat yourself to a manicure!

Want more best non-toxic lists? Check out these posts:

• 11 Best Clean Hairspray Brands That Actually Work
• 7 Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens
• 7 Clean Beauty Swaps From Head to Toe
• 12 Best Clean Beauty Subscription Boxes Worth Subscribing To

Now I’d like to hear from you. Have you tried any of the best non-toxic nail polish brands before? Please leave a comment below.

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