What woman doesn’t love a good nail polish? Nail polish is a great pick-me-up when you’re having a bad face day or when your outfit just isn’t working. If your nails are good, you’re good. It’s just makes you feel more put together. The problem is that many women (including me, until recently) unknowingly use their favorite colors and brands without understanding the harmful effects the chemicals in their polish could be doing to their bodies. Below I outline the top chemical offenders in most brands and my top picks for the best nontoxic nail polish.
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend these products because they are products that I personally use or companies that I have found trustworthy.
Nail Polish Chemicals
You don’t need me to tell you there is some nasty smelling stuff in nail polish. Most of the time it smells like you opened a can of paint thinner and are trying to find a well ventilated area so you don’t pass out. Stay clear of the five toxic nail polish chemicals below and you are off to a good start.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. It is the stuff they use to embalm dead people and animals. When it is used in controlled environments, there are warnings to avoid skin contact and inhalation. Yeah, not something you want to put on your nails or breathe in while you are doing it.
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
DBP has been linked to reproductive issues and malformations of embryos, as well as cancer. It is commonly used as a plasticizer. It has been banned in Europe.
Toluene
Toluene gives you that wonderful paint thinner smell. It is commonly used as a liquid solvent. If you breathe in the vapors, it can cause central nervous system problems, light-headedness and/or nausea. It can also cause developmental problems in children and birth defects in babies of women who had exposure while pregnant.
Camphor
Camphor can cause staining (usually yellow) of your nails and has been linked to seizures and/or disorientation if used in large quantities.
Formaldehyde Resin
Formaldehyde resin is an off-shoot or derivative of formaldehyde. It is not as toxic, per se, as regular formaldehyde, but it can be an allergen. It is mainly used to make coatings and adhesives – still not a good idea to use on your body.
Some experts will also tell you to stay away from Triphenyl Phosphate (a flame retardant that is a possible endocrine disruptor) and Xylene (an irritant that can cause systemic toxicity), but I think that if we can all agree to at least stay away from the top five chemicals we are making a great start.
You can also check the toxicity of any nail polish (or beauty product) on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. Also check out my posts The Best All Natural Makeup and Skin Care Brands for more clean beauty recommendations.
My Picks for the Best Nontoxic Nail Polish
Zoya
Zoya is probably the brand that I use the most. You can find any shade you can think of easily online. Zoya is also free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene, camphor, TPHP, parabens, xylene, ethyl tosylamide and lead.
Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure Nail Polish
Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure Vegan Nail Polish on Amazon
The name Sally Hansen is synonymous with nail polish, and now they have a 16-free, plant-based vegan line. It is also the most economical option, so you can buy several!
Ella + Mila
Ella + Mila is a vegan and cruelty free nontoxic nail polish that is even certified by PETA. They are 7-free, which means they are free of formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde resin, camphor.
Pacifica Plant Magic Nail Polish
Pacifica has a great skin care line as well as clean nail polish. Pacifica’s Plant Magic Nail Polish is 16-free, cruelty free, plant-based, and vegan.
Nontoxic Nail Polish Remover
Ella + Mila’s soy-based nontoxic nail polish remover is my go-to. This remover works well and is made without alcohol or acetone.
It used to be hard to find nontoxic nail polish that was clean and worked. That’s no longer the case with so many brands coming out with so many color and formula options to choose from. The above four brands are what I use, but I know there are a lot more clean nail polishes out there that others have relied on. Nail polish is a little way to treat yourself and have fun with color. Now, it can be a healthy treat as well.
