When you’re looking for clean and non-toxic nail products, be sure to avoid certain ingredients that may cause skin irritation or other potential health concerns. Here are some of the ingredients you should avoid in your nail polishes:
Parabens: These are commonly used as preservatives but have been linked to hormonal disruptions and potential reproductive issues.
Formaldehyde Resin: A preservative suspected of causing genetic mutations and endocrine disruption. Its adhesive nature makes it a common ingredient in nail varnishes.
Methylisothiazolinone: used to prevent bacteria build-ups in cosmetic products. This preservative is highly allergenic and severely irritating to respiration (when inhaled), skin, and eyes.
Propylparaben: Used as an antibacterial preservative but has detrimental impacts on the endocrine system, fertility, and respiration.
Alcohol: High concentrations of alcohol, such as denatured alcohol, can dry and irritate the skin. Seek polishes without excessive alcohol content.
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): A plasticizer chemical used to enhance nail polish’s durability and glossy appearance. However, plasticizers, including DBP, are recognized as endocrine disruptors and linked to liver and kidney damage, as well as potential adverse effects on the reproductive system.”
Benzophenone-1: This can be used in cosmetics as a stabilizer and in the preservation of products and is commonly found in nail polishes. The endocrine-disrupting nature of this chemical is currently being investigated, however, the ecologically alarming aquatic toxicity has already been researched.
The best way to find clean and organic nail polish is by educating yourself and identifying harmful ingredients, you will be well on your way to knowing exactly what ingredients to look out for in your makeup. It gets a lot easier over time, I promise.
LOVE by essie, 80% plant-based nail polish created without compromise- richly-pigmented wear + shine essie shades you'll love- designed with pops of color rooted in self-love affirmations to convey hope and optimism. Powered by sustainably-sourced cotton, sugar cane, and corn. holistically designed with recycled materials and filled in a carbon neutral factory.
Pretty much all ella+mila products are non-toxic and risk-free. The polish contains Butyl Acetate and Nitrocellulose, as well as other plant-based ingredients. It has limited colors, but the available colors are super cute!
Pop Arazzi
The Pop Arazzi nail polish brand is great for bright nail color lovers! They have tons of cute, super colorful options. This polish contains Lavandula Angustifolia oil which is risk-free!
OPI is another polish full of risk-free plant-based ingredients. There are a ton of cute colors of OPI Nature Strong, something for everyone! This is a great addition to these clean nail polish brands!
This Olive & June quick-drying polish is super affordable! This is vegan, cruelty-free, and “15-free, ” meaning it leaves out 15 of the worst cosmetic ingredients!
Ella + Mila Quick Dry Top Coat
This ella+mila top coat is cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free, among other benefits. According to reviews of this product, this product dries super fast and has a beautiful, glossy finish!
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
This top coat is made with water as well as plant-based, risk-free ingredients! This top coat is long-lasting and has a glossy finish!
Seche Nail Base Coat
This base coat is amazing quality-wise as well as for drying time, smoothness, and value. It also contains primarily plant-based ingredients and is cruelty-free!
Kur Nail Hardener and Base Coat
This is perfect for anyone with thin or easily breakable nails! It’s a base coat with nail hardener and a clean polish option. This polish is made with water and plant-based ingredients. This is one of the best clean nail polish brands!
Ella + Mila Soy Polish Remover
This polish remover from ella+mila contains vitamins and essential oils. This product contains oils, such as Peg-30 Castor Oil, that aid in smooth polish removal. Ella+mila is one of the best clean nail polish brands!
Olive & June Polish Remover Pot
This polish remover pot is a super easy, convenient way to get pesky polishes off! It’s vegan and cruelty-free as well as gentle and effective!
Zoya 3-In-1 Formula
This product is made with acetone, water, glycerin, and CI 60725 (an FDA-approved synthetic dye), all of which are risk-free and safe to use! This product can be used as a polish remover, nail cleaner, or nail prep solution!
Flowery Cuticle Oil
This cuticle oil is made with risk-free ingredients including retinol and Keratin Amino Acids. They have so many scents to choose from, all of which are made with natural ingredients!
Cuccio Revitalizing Cuticle Oil
This cuticle oil is made with all-natural ingredients such as camel milk extract, mel extract (honey extract), and various seed oils.
Kur Cuticle Remover
This isn’t a cuticle oil, but a cuticle remover! This is a great product to help you get a clean nail base for a smooth polish application. It is made with water, potassium hydroxide, and carbomer (used for nail hardening) among other ingredients.
I'm really hoping this guide will be super helpful for you in finding just the right polish for your next manicure! And hey, don't forget, going for those clean formulas doesn't mean you have to miss out on vibrant colors or long-lasting wear. These brands have got you covered, so you can enjoy stunning nails without any of those harsh chemicals. Whether you're all about sustainability or just looking out for your health, there's definitely a clean nail polish waiting out there with your name on it!