We wanted to make a list of the best eco friendly nail polish brands that don’t compromise on the polish performance but ensure that you get the best non toxic nails.
Are All Nail Polishes Toxic?
Traditional nail polishes may contain chemicals that are considered toxic or potentially harmful to human health and the environment. Some of these chemicals, such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), have been linked to adverse health effects with long-term exposure or repeated use, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and reproductive problems.
However, many nail polish brands now offer non-toxic alternatives that are free from these harmful chemicals. These non-toxic nail polishes typically exclude ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and other potentially harmful substances, making them safer for use.
How to Choose a Nail Polish for Non Toxic Nails?
It’s essential to read labels carefully and choose nail polishes labeled as “non-toxic,” “5 free,” “7 free,” “10 free,” or even “21 free” to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.
“21 free” refers to the absence of 21 potentially harmful chemicals in non-toxic nail polishes. While the specific list of chemicals can vary between brands, commonly excluded ones are:
- Formaldehyde
- Formaldehyde resin
- Toluene
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
- Camphor
- Xylene
- Ethyl tosylamide
- Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP)
- Parabens
- Acetone
- Styrene
- Gluten
- Nonylphenol ethoxylate
- Glycol esters series E
- Sulphates
- Bisphenol A (BPA)
- Ethyl Tosylamide
- Benzophenone-1
- Benzophenone-3
- MEHQ/HQ (Hydroquinone Methacrylate)
- P-phenylenediamine and its salts
Our Recommendations
We have reviewed and selected the 10 best nail polish brands that guarantee to give you the most lasting and vibrant non toxic nails. Here are our recommendations.
This nail polish is part of Mischo Beauty's line of nail lacquers that are free from toxins, including formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and others. The product is vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and does not contain artificial fragrances. It offers durability, high shine, and chip resistance in a 0.37oz (11mL) bottle.
This nail polish, made in the USA, has a natural formula that is fast drying, non-yellowing, and gentle on nails. Enriched with vitamins and calcium, it strengthens nails and prevents peeling, offering long-lasting and chip-resistant wear. The clean beauty formula is "21-free", avoiding harmful ingredients such as toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP. It is also vegan and cruelty-free, certified by Peta, and packaged in eco-friendly glass bottles with soy-based ink.
This nail polish is chip-resistant with long-lasting shine, recognized by Forbes and Allure. Côte offers a range of 45 shades, from vibrant to neutral, making it a great gift option. Their nail polish is formulated without harsh chemicals, vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens and formaldehyde. The deep burgundy shade provides a classic look, perfect for fall or winter, with a cream finish. Each bottle is made from Italian glass and comes with 0.4 fluid oz. of polish and a high-quality brush applicator for easy and precise application. Côte is a female-founded business in the USA, created by Mary Lennon and Leah Yari, dedicated to providing safe and elegant nail care products.
This pastel creamy lavender nail polish is versatile for transitioning from spring to summer, suitable for both elegant occasions and casual days. It offers an opaque gloss finish and long-lasting wear, with a comfortable grip for easy application. Formulated without harmful chemicals, it's vegan and cruelty-free, made in New York. Does NOT include: TPHP, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, parabens, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide.
Kokie’s Our Green polish comes in an array of vibrant, fun colors, formulated with bio-ceramics to strengthen and condition nails and offers up to 6 days of wear. Kokie’s Green formula replaces a portion of ingredients with modern plant-derived alternatives. This 16-free, cruelty-free formula contains 83% bio-sourced ingredients, maintaining the quality and shine of traditional polish.
Nailtopia's nail polish features a clinically tested strengthening formula infused with real fruits and vegetables, along with vitamins and superfoods for healthier nails. Their eco-friendly products are formulated with plant-based, bio-sourced ingredients and clean manufacturing practices. This fast-drying polish offers chip-free, long-lasting wear and vivid color payoff, providing stunning and eye-catching nails with just a single coat.
RORO nail polish in Pinky Promise in a dusty light pink shade with 21+ Free formula ensures a high shine, chip-resistant, and breathable finish. Infused with AHAs, the polish moisturizes and enhances nails' appearance, increasing hydration and strength. The curved, bio-sourced brush allows for controlled application, minimizing smudges. RORO provides professional-level colors while maintaining nail health with its vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free formula.
NATURABLOOM offers luxurious nail colors that prioritize nail and planet care. Their collection features a patented 66% biosourced formula and is 21 free, eliminating harmful ingredients found in conventional polishes. The polish is breathable, vegan, cruelty-free, halal-friendly, and sustainably packaged.
Nails.INC introduces their Plant Power nail polish collection, featuring trending shades in a long-lasting, quick-drying formula. The polish is 21 free, vegan, cruelty-free, and halal-friendly, with no compromise on color quality or wear time. The collection includes an illuminating polish infused with iridescent pearls to brighten the nail bed. The iconic cap is now compostable, made of 100% FSC-certified ash wood, atop the Venetian glass bottle. For every Plant Power polish sold on nailsinc.com, 40p will be donated to Rainforest Trust.
This sand shade nail polish offers a modern neutral tone with putty undertones, appearing slightly pink or mauve in different lights. It provides full, pigmented coverage in two coats with a vegan 10-free formula. "Like Mystery" exudes timeless elegance, striking a balance between sophistication and charm. It promises chip-resistant wear, ensuring flawless nails for any occasion. The formula delivers rich color saturation, and the paddle-shaped brush allows for easy, streak-free application. Experience salon-worthy results at home with enduring beauty and swift drying.