It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know, nail polish has a high potential to be really toxic. The ingredient list on nail polishes is a mile long! The good news is, there are 3-5 ingredients that should be avoided and there are many amazing brands that are free of these ingredients! I’ve rounded up a few of the best non toxic nail polishes you’ll want to try asap!
I believe that while navigating through the skin care and beauty world, choosing natural products is an absolute must. Luckily, it’s getting easier and easier to find more natural beauty products!
Let me help you find the nail polish that is right for you-without the harmful side-effects!
First lets identify 6 ingredients you should be avoiding when choosing a polish:
- Formaldehyde-used to preserve or embalm-remember those frogs in science class?? Yeah, that smell was formaldehyde-GAG!
- Toluene-acts as a polish thinner. It is derived from petroleum and very toxic. It is the ingredient that helps your nail polish look smooth. Oh and it’s banned in Europe-Seriously?!
- Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)-This is the ingredient that stains your finger nails yellow-also plasticizers and prevents your nails from “breathing” and receiving nutrients. It is used to prevent cracking and chipping. Also banned in Europe.
- Camphor-plasticizes and used as a rust repellent. It is totally poisonous and should not be used on the nails! (this is different from the essential oil, btw!)
- Parabens-A popular preservative. Many studies are link parabens to hormone issues and breast cancer.
- Benzophenone-1 (BP-1) is used as a UV absorber in cosmetic products. It’s been shown to have estrogenic activity (causing breast and reproductive cancer cells) and it’s found in a lot of nail polishes claiming to be free of harmful ingredients. It is very difficult to find nail polish without benzophenone-1.
There are many nail polish brands that are under the category of “3-Free”. These brands keep out the first 3 ingredients mentioned in my above list. One fabulously cheap brand that is 3-free is Sinful Colors. These babies are $1.99 each and come in some fun colors! You can find them at Target and Walgreens! However, while this is certainly better than other polishes.
While you’re learning about safer nail polish options, you might be interested in my DIY Cuticle Oil to help strengthen and beautify your nails!
The Best Non Toxic Nail Polish Brands:
Olive & June:
- 7 free: formulated without Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde resin, Camphor, Ethyl tosylamide, Xylene.
Sienna Byron Bay:
- Vegan, cruelty free, non-toxic, Benzo-free, micro-plastic free, aluminium free and nano-particle free
Pacifica:
- 7 FREE is formulated without parabens, phthalates (dibutyl phthalate), toluene, xylene, camphor, formaldehyde, resin, and animals.
- 16 FREE Formulated without: animals, 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
Deborah Lippmann:
- 10 FREE formulation that’s free of toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, dbp, diethyhexyl adipate, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, parabens, and methyl ethyl ketone. It is not tested on animals.
Ella+Mia:
- “17-Free” products do not contain: Acetone, Animal-Derived Ingredients, Bisphenol-A, Camphor, Ethyl Tosylamide, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Gluten, Glycol Ether of Series E (Gycol ethers derived from ethylene oxide), Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, Parabens, Phthalates (including DBP), Styrene, Sulfate, Toluene, Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP/TPP), Xylene
Sally Hanson Good. Kind. Pure.
- 16-Free. Formulated without: Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Toluenel, Xylene, Acetone, Phthalates (including DBP), Camphor, Parabens, Ethyl Tosylamide, Triphenyl Phosphate (TPP), Animal-derived ingredients, Styrene, Bisphenol A, Glycol Ether of Series E, Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, Sulfates.
It’s good to know there are so many brands that do not contain as many harmful chemicals but you must remember-it’s paint. It’s never going to be 100% natural. The safest option is going all natural.
Now that you know which brands are safer, it’s easier to make a better choice.
Update: More information has come to my attention since writing this post and new, harmful ingredients have been found to replace the ingredients I’ve listed above. Go HERE for that updated post.
xx, Jenni
Making better choices when it comes to makeup doesn’t have to be hard! Below I’ve listed a few posts of makeup company reviews that will help you on your natural beauty journey!
- 100 Percent Pure Review
- Au Naturale Makeup Review
- Hynt Beauty Review
- Lily Lolo Makeup Review
- My Natural Lifestyle Guide
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