Kure Bazaar Natural Nail Polish
Kure Bazaar nail polishes contain 85% natural ingredients and dont contain any harmful chemicals such as benzophenone-1 and benzophenone-3. These polishes glide on smooth, are slick and shiny and come in a variety of trendy colors.
The nail polishes are made using sunflower seed oil, which is rich in omega-9, vitamin E, and Omega-6. The oil acts as an emollient and offers moisturizing, nourishing, and soothing effects. They also contain bamboo leaf/stem extract for more moisturizing and nourishing effects as well as tocopherol which is an antioxidant.
Youll love how Kure Bazaars nail polishes have a high shine and a beautiful mix of trendy and classic colors. Try out the brands top coat too. Its a quick-dry formula that adds an instant shine to your nails.
Based in: France. Ships worldwide.
What Is Vegan Nail Polish
Its easy to get confused by the onslaught of terms used in product marketing today, so figuring out what exactly is vegan can be challenging. For starters, dont be fooled by labels like clean, green, or non-toxicproducts with this wording can still include the use of animals, animal by-products, or animal testing. In order to be considered truly vegan, a product must not contain any animal-derived ingredients or animal by-products.
How We Chose The Best Nail Polish Brands
Before choosing any brand, we scour the web and all the biggest e-tailers to ensure we know all the available options on the market. We look at customer reviews, star ratings, brand ethos, processes, materials, accessibility, and so much more. We weigh the pros and cons, so you dont have to, helping you make informed shopping decisions.
Check out other curated lists of top brands:
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Best Nontoxic Nail Polishes Of 2021
If youve been paying attention to the clean beauty movement, youll know that brands have steadily been incorporating more ethical practices and streamlined ingredients to their products. However, different brands have different standards and ingredients they use to define clean.
Some of these brands choose to leave out ingredients banned by the European Union, which has stricter cosmetics regulations than the United States. Others leave out ingredients that can be harmful when inhaled. The jury is out on whether each of these chemicals can have long-term health effects. But since your body can absorb chemicals through your nail bed, you may want to take a second look at the ingredients in your polish collection.
The Toxic Trio Also Known As The Big 3
Mainstream nail polish and nail lacquer products contain potentially toxic chemicals.
Researchers at Duke University and Environmental Working Group conducted a study and found that chemicals in nail polish can soak through the nail and absorb into your body. You can read more about the study here.
After the results of this study became known, nail polish brands began removing ingredients from their products that could potentially be harmful to you, the consumer.
The following three ingredients in particular were identified and considered to have a high potential to disrupt your body:
These ingredients are known as the “Toxic Trio” also known as the “Big 3”.
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Olive And June Organic Nail Polish
Olive + June offers a salon-quality natural nail polish formulated without benzophenone-1, benzophenone-3, and other harmful chemicals.
The brand has by far the most robust amount of shade options available compared to other nail polish brands. The polish has a hard finish and is not susceptible to creasing or denting. It stays shiny for days and doesnt dull over time.
Two coats of this polish are enough to deliver a totally opaque coverage without streaking. You also get a harder, more structured finish.
Based in: California, USA. Ships within the United States and Canada.
Mischo Beauty Nail Laquer $20
Mischo Beauty creates nail lacquers that are 10-free , toluene, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, triphenyl phosphate, tert-Butyl hydroperoxide, and parabens).
The company also claims to prioritize sustainable packaging, where possible, and is working on reducing its waste, carbon footprint, and use of plastic materials.
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What Does It Mean To Be A Clean Nail Polish
Some phrases might initially jump out at you when youre shopping for nontoxic nail polish for the first time. To help you get better acquainted, here’s a glossary on the most common terms you should know:
- 3-free indicates that a product is made without the three most toxic chemicals most often found in traditional nail polishes: formaldehyde toluene and dibutyl phthalate .
- 7-free polishes don’t contain the “toxic trio,” along with controversial additives like formaldehyde resin camphor ethyl tosylamide and xylene .
- 10-free polish not only exclude the harmful chemicals mentioned above, bur they also leave out parabens along with tert-butyl hydroperoxide and animal by-products from their formulas.
- Plant-based nail polishes are made with 100% natural ingredients. Many brands even make sure the polish brush is all-natural, too.
- Leaping Bunny certified is a trusted label that goes to products and brands that have strict cruelty-free procedures and policies in place, including verifying that they never test on animals.
The Problem With Conventional Nail Polish
Theres no robust regulation in the US that restricts the use of dubious chemicals in cosmetic and personal care products, meaning nail polish typically contains a whole bevy of nasty chemicals. These can do damage to your nails, cause respiratory irritation, and even harm hormonal health. Find out more about what to watch out for in nail polish.
Its also a good idea to avoid nail polish that contains acrylate copolymers or other microplastics. These usually end up in wastewater and are persistent pollutants. They can seriously affect the health of fish, birds, frogs, and other wildlife and can also accumulate in human tissue where they continue to cause health issues. The Leaf Score recommended nail polish brands above have gone the extra step to minimize microplastics and other problematic ingredients.
Finally, when its time to remove your nail polish, dont just pick away at it or reach for the acetone and disposable wipes. Consider using the following products instead to make things a bit healthier and more eco-friendly all round:
- Organyc Organic Cotton Rounds in biodegradable and compostable packaging
- Sephora Organic Cotton Rounds with GOTS certification view on Sephora
- TL Cares Nursing Pads made with organic cotton made for nursing but great for removing make-up and nail polish!
- Priveganic organic cotton make-up removal pads come with a convenient washbag to stop them getting bunched up or stuck in a dryer vent .
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What Is 3 Free And 5 Free Nail Polish
You may have heard the terms 3-free and 5-free when shopping for non-toxic nail polish. But what exactly do they mean? Standard nail polish is now 3-free, meaning it doesnt contain Formaldehyde, DBP, or Toluene.
But its important to note that regulations of this are different throughout the world. A 5-free nail varnish takes things a step further and excludes Camphor and Formaldehyde Resin.
These two ingredients are known allergens that can cause dermatitis and inhalation problems when presented in high doses. Read on to discover our favourite 5-free nail polish brands.
Is All Nail Polish Toxic
Burns says certain brands have made significant strides to decrease the toxicity of their products, but its important to do your own research and read every products label as individual shades have different formulas.
Non-toxic claims dont really mean much since they arent regulated. Three or 7-free doesnt mean they are free of all chemicals, says Burns. Its really important for consumers to do their own homework, look at the packaging, and the Skin Deep Database.
EWGs Skin Deep Database rates individual products on the hazard levels of its ingredients. You can search by brand, product, and ingredient. EWG VERIFIED products that meet EWG’s strictest standards for human health.
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Faq About Vegan Nail Polish
Is nail polish vegan?
Nail polish can be vegan but it often is not. The typical ingredients that make a nail polish not vegan are shellac, guanine, carmine, and oleic acid.
Can vegans wear nail polish?
Yes. Vegans can wear nail polish if the nail polish is vegan, i.e. free of animal products and not animal tested.
What nail polish brands are vegan?
Zoya, Barry M, Ere Perez, Deco Miami, Piggy Paint, and Pacifica are all 100% vegan nail polish brands.
What is the best vegan nail polish?
The best vegan nail lacquer is the Zoya nail polish. The brand makes great quality vegan nail polish that is also free of harsh chemicals.
Is vegan nail polish better?
Yes. Vegan nail polish tends to be more natural, cleaner, and free from shady animal-derived ingredients. Better for you, better for the planet.
Where can I buy vegan nail polish?
You can find the best selection of vegan nail polishes online, especially on Amazon.
What is the best drugstore vegan nail polish?
The best drugstore vegan nail polishes are Zoya, Piggy Paint, and Pacifica.
Is gel polish vegan?
Gel polish can be vegan if it is free from animal by-products and not tested on animals.
Is OPI nail polish vegan?
Not necessarily. OPI nail polish can contain animal ingredients. However, OPI Nature Strong collection is 100% vegan and certified by The Vegan Society.
Is Maybelline nail polish vegan?
No, Maybelline products are not vegan since the company tests on animals.
Is Butter London nail polish vegan?
How Long Does Vegan Nail Polish Last
Just because many vegan formulas are plant-based doesnt mean that they dont have some serious staying power. Many vegan nail polishes can last up to two weeks, with pigment as fresh as the first swipe. Like all polishes, vegan or not, how long your nails remain chip-free depend largely on application and using base and top coats to really seal in the shade and shine.
Ready to give your nails the vegan treatment? Shop our best picks below.
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Nontoxic Nail Polish Remover Options
It took some digging and you should know that safer nail polish removers can be very different in experience than traditional polish remover! Some are gel-like, some are oil-based, some require way more product, and some dont feel any different at all. Here are a few of the brands we recommend:
This is a great option for remover because it easily removes polish without that overwhelming obnoxious remover smell. In fact, it actually smells like Lavender! It also has nutrients in it that help condition and protects the nail.
- Has nutrients in it that help condition and protect the nail
How To Have A Sustainable Manicure And Pedicure
You dont have to give up on painting your nails entirely. Creating a more sustainable at home manicure and pedicure system is the most sustainable option. You can also bring your own tools and polish with you to nail salons and ask them to use those.
nail file
Nail files are typically made from sandpaper, cardboard and glue. While they certainly can last a while, theyll eventually need to be tossed out because they cant be properly sanitized. Instead, choose an eco friendly nail file made from stone, glass or metal. These can be easily sanitized and reused for years to come, making them zero waste.
nail polish remover
Instead of acetone-based nail polishes, opt for an eco friendly nail polish remover. Try Rooted Womans organic soy nail polish remover instead: Its made with botanically derived ingredients and comes in a glass jar with a dropper. The dropper is also glass and allows for more precise application and less waste.
reusable nail polish remover pads
Instead of disposable cotton rounds, try switching to reusable nail polish remover pads. I really like these homemade ones from Etsy theyre made using 100% bamboo felt. If youre good at sewing, you can even craft your own cotton rounds from an upcycled flannel shirt like I did.
nail polish
cuticle oil
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What Is The Healthiest Brand Of Nail Polish
If youre on the hunt for brands that focus on creating non-toxic and clean polishes, youll be happy to hear that a few options stick out in our list of the best nail polish brands. Heres our top picks:
Each of these brands offer a range of colors and finishes, plus they are formulated without any potentially harmful or toxic chemicals and ingredients. Nails.INC and Olive & June are both cruelty-free and vegan, while Pleasing carries a collection of polishes made from plant-based and vegan ingredients.
Is Nail Polish Toxic Only When It Makes Contact With The Skin
You may think that your nail serves as a protective barrier against nail polish and that it can only be absorbed when it comes into contact with your skin. However, while your skin is more porous than your actual nail, chemicals CAN pass through either barrier. What does this mean? It means that while the toxins in nail polish will pass through your skin at a greater rate, they can also still pass through your nail. So, if youre still married to your conventional nail polish, be careful to only paint on the nail.
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Sally Hansen Good Kind Pure
vegan
The most shocking discovery of this entire study was realizing Sally Hansen made it to our top 5. I mean, GO SALLY!
Sally Hansens polish touts itself as the first plant-based 16-free vegan nail polish . It comes in 30 shades, is 77% naturally derived and also includes a new plant-based brush. And Ive gotta say, the brush is actually everything here. Its wider than normal but not clunky and it delivers a seamless, dare I say, PRO application.
Sally Hansen GOOD. KIND. PURE is formulated without the aforementioned concerning nail polish ingredients and its also void of benzophenone-1 and benzophenone-3 as well.
In fact, Sally Hansen goes above and beyond adding the following nourishing ingredients into their polish formulas:
- Methylthioppopylamido acetyl methionine: An antioxidant peptide that has DNA protection, cell protection and light protection benefits.
- Persea gratissima fruit extract: An effective skin conditioner.
- Camellia sinensis leaf extract: Contains antioxidants and is effective for protecting skin cells against damage from sun exposure.
- Spinacia oleracea leaf extract: An effective skin conditioner.
Now Our Top Picks For Sustainable And Non
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We are constantly updating blog posts to give you the best in sustainable fashion, beauty and lifestyle.
This post contains affiliate links, and is sponsored in part by Jolie Vegan & 786 Cosmetics.
As always, views are genuine and brands are truly loved.
Thanks for supporting the brands who are working to make this industry a fairer and cleaner place!
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Which Nail Polish Brand Lasts The Longest
Its tough to say which of the best nail polish brands last the longest, as this tends to be a personal experience and preference. But, a few do offer polishes specifically designed for a long-lasting finish, whether its a top coat or the color itself.
And, it may be safe to assume that cult favorites like Essie, OPI, and Sally Hansen carry polishes that are long lasting. The three brands have had years to perfect their formulas. Not to mention, they are backed by large followings and receive glowing customer reviews.
Plus, these brands are all easy to find in stores and shops. So if youre looking for a salon quality finish at an affordable price, youve met your match!
What Ingredients Should You Avoid In Nail Polish
Below, these nail polishes will say #-Free, and it refers to the number of toxic ingredients they did not use, which you would typically find in conventional nail polish. Ingredients you should most certainly avoid when purchasing a new bottle are Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde resin, and Camphor. And good news for your nails – many brands are making non-toxic nail polish that doesn’t use those ingredients, along with many other ingredients you find in conventional polish.
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What To Look For In A Vegan Nail Polish
When shopping for vegan nail polishes, always choose a polish that has the least amount of chemicals in them.
When painting your nails, you do not want to breathe in the fumes of dibutyl phthalate, toluene, or other chemicals linked to health hazards.
Today, you can find lists of harsh chemicals and toxins to avoid. Nail polish brands call themselves accordingly: 5-free, 6-free, 9-free, or even 16-free and 21-free.
5-free means the nail polish is free of the Toxic 3 dibutyl phthalate , toluene, and formaldehyde as well as formaldehyde resin and camphor.
So when buying vegan nail polish, do not settle for anything less than 5-free. That way, you can enjoy an ethical polish that is also safe for you and our planet.
Best Nail Polish Brands
Juilee discovered a love for editing while working for arts publications in Canada. Over the last four years, she has edited reviews, features, interviews, and more. At HBR, she enjoys the diverse range of topics that fall on her desk.
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What Toxins Are In Traditional Nail Polish
Its quite frightening to uncover all of the toxic chemicals that go into traditional nail polishes. In addition to formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and toluene, Miller tells us that most nail polishes, tend to have ingredients from a variety of animals, such as beetles and fish scales. For example, carmine is taken from shells of the female Cochineal insect, while guanine is taken from fish scales. Oleic acid, derived from animal fat, is another common ingredient used as a thickening agent for chip-resistant manicures. Miller adds that perfumes embedded into polishes also arent required to be disclosed in a majority of countries, including the United States. This means that non-vegan ingredients could be included without consumers knowing.
