9 BEST NATURAL & NON-TOXIC NAIL POLISH BRANDS FOR A HEALTHIER MANICURE

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This blog post is all about the best natural & non-toxic nail polish brands! 

Whether you prefer painting your nails in a chic nude, glossy red, or glittery midnight blue, you’ve probably noticed how strong the scent of nail polish is. 

And there’s a reason for that: most nail lacquers are filled with toxic synthetic ingredients that are incredibly bad for our health!

If you intend to swap your conventional beauty products for cleaner alternatives, I have both good and bad news for you.

A truly 100% non-toxic and all-natural nail polish doesn’t exist, or at least, not from what I could find. 

However, a growing number of brands are creating safer alternatives that are far better for our health and the planet.

They skip the worst offenders, making it easier for us to choose products with fewer chemicals. 

In this article, I’ve rounded up 9 of the best natural and non-toxic nail polish brands so you can continue painting your nails without exposing yourself to harmful substances.  

All these options are vegan, cruelty-free, and at least “8-Free”.

Some go as far as “30-Free”! 

This blog post contains affiliate links which means that if you buy something through such links, I will get a small commission without any extra cost for you. Please read my Disclosure for more details.

Why switch to natural & non-toxic nail polish?

Most nail polishes are loaded with harmful chemicals, and repeated exposure to them can lead to a variety of health issues both in the short and long run. 

Here are three of the most concerning ingredients commonly found in nail lacquers: 

• Formaldehyde: It is a known human carcinogen and can cause nausea, skin irritation, coughing, and burning sensations in the eyes and respiratory tract. 
• Toluene: besides being linked to eye, nose, and throat irritation, exposure to toluene can lead to headaches, dizziness, tiredness, numbness in the feet or hands, as well as damage to women’s reproductive system and potential miscarriages.
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): This chemical is an endocrine disruptor and can harm the female and male reproductive systems, cause birth defects, and impact the development of children. 

These are just three of the worst substances we often find in nail polishes.

However, countless others are hidden in those small colorful bottles, including xylene, parabens, TPHP, camphor, and more. 

From skin irritation to more severe health problems, these can truly negatively impact our health. 

So now, you might be thinking, “What is the safest nail polish to use?”.

Well, the healthiest options are those formulated with as few harmful chemicals as possible.

The cleanest brands label their products as “X-Free”. 

This means that their lacquers are free of X of the most toxic ingredients commonly found in nail varnishes. 

The higher the number, the better! 

While these products aren’t perfect, they’re far better for our health.

Most of them are also made with the environment in mind and aren’t tested on animals. 

Plus, they’re often formulated with natural ingredients that nourish our nails and make them stronger! 

What to look for when shopping for non-toxic & natural nail polish?  

If you’re looking for natural non-toxic nail polish, always read the ingredient list and avoid brands that don’t disclose all their ingredients.

You want to buy from brands that use as few of the following ingredients as possible: 

• Toluene
• Phthalates, especially dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
• Formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin
• Parabens
• Camphor
• Xylene
• Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP)
• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
• Colophonium 
• Ethyl tosylamide 

You should always buy nail lacquer that is at least “3-Free”, meaning that it doesn’t contain toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP. 

But ideally, try to find brands that are “10-Free” or more; some I included in this article are even 20- or 30-Free! 

However, since no option on the market is perfect, make sure to paint your nails in a well-ventilated room, or even better, outside.

Also, refrain from biting your nails, because you don’t want to accidentally ingest the lacquer. 

Read more: 10 best natural, non-toxic, organic & clean makeup brands for a healthy beauty routine

9 best natural & non-toxic nail polish brands for a healthier manicure 

1. Ella+Mila

Non-Toxic? 17-Free 

Vegan & Cruelty-Free? Yes 

Ella+Mila is a clean beauty brand offering beautiful nail polishes, nail care products, and nail art liners.

It also has a collection featuring matching nail polishes for moms and their daughters. 

From blue to red to light gray, the company has an incredibly large selection of nail colors and even sells glittery ones as well as varnishes with confetti and little butterflies!

These nail polishes are made without 17 of the most toxic ingredients commonly found in conventional versions, including toluene, formaldehyde, and phthalates.

They’re also chip-resistant and quick-drying and leave a high-shine, long-lasting finish. 

Plus, they’re made in the USA and carry both the PETA and Leaping Bunny certifications. 

2. Kure Bazaar

Non-Toxic? 12-Free 

Vegan & Cruelty-Free? Yes

Kure Bazaar offers more than 100 eco-friendly nail polish colors inspired by Paris fashion trends.

These varnishes are up to 90% bio-sourced and are enriched with vitamin E and bamboo extracts. 

They’re also 12-free and do not contain any dibutyl phthalate, toluene, parabens, synthetic camphor, or formaldehyde. 

Kure Bazaar crafts them in France and makes sure they provide an excellent grip, dry quickly, and shine. 

Besides its nail colors, the brand has several base nail polishes designed to strengthen your nails and prevent splits and damage.

You can also get a top coat varnish that will make your nail color last a lot longer. 

3. Zoya

Non-Toxic? 10-Free 

Vegan & Cruelty-Free? Yes 

Zoya nail polish is one of the most popular, safer options you can get on Amazon, with a rating of 4.4 stars for over 3,000 ratings. 

This vegan-friendly brand offers a wide variety of colors, many of which are sold in a set of four varnishes.

It has all the classic colors you may be looking for, including nude, pink, red, purple, blue, and green. 

You can also get beautiful professional lacquers with a metallic finish, as well as glittery models for when you feel more festive!

All of these are 10-free, making them a great non-toxic alternative to conventional nail polish. 

4. Dazzle Dry

Non-Toxic? 22-Free 

Vegan & Cruelty-Free? Yes 

Dazzle Dry has a unique natural nail care system that provides the performance of a gel polish but without the use of harmful chemicals. 

While the company doesn’t subscribe to the “X-Free” language, its nail colors are completely free of 20+ harmful chemicals commonly found in lacquers, including formaldehyde, DBP, toluene, TPHP, and parabens. 

Plus, its products do not contain nitrocellulose, a synthetic ingredient that can lead to the yellowing of the nails.

They are also hypoallergenic, as their formula is free of plasticizers and other ingredients known to cause allergic reactions and skin sensitization. 

Dazzle Dry nail polishes are made in Arizona with FDA-approved pigments and are long-lasting and quick-drying.

They’re also designed to protect and fortify your nails over time! 

You have lots of different colors to choose from, including full-coverage, semi-sheer, and sheer options, as well as many finishes available (creamy, metallic, frosty, glittery, shimmery, and more).

Did I mention that the brand uses sustainable shipping packaging and plants a tree for every order?

5. Tenoverten

Non-Toxic? 8-Free 

Vegan & Cruelty-Free? Yes 

Tenoverten nail polishes provide salon-quality results using safer ingredients and naturally nourishing formulas. 

The brand’s lacquer collection consists of highly pigmented, colorful polishes featuring gorgeous hues of red, blue, pink, mint green, brown, and more.

It also has several sheer options as well as glittery lacquers and varnishes sprinkled with confetti, hearts, stars, butterflies, and lips. 

These non-toxic nail polishes are 8-free and deliver a streak-free shine. 

I also love that Tenoverten has implemented sustainable initiatives throughout its business!

For instance, it has partnered with a company to be able to recycle old products and their packaging (including brushes and caps). 

6. Gitti

Non-Toxic? 30-Free 

Vegan & Cruelty-Free? Yes 

Gitti sells vibrant, plant-based nail polishes made with 82% ingredients of natural origin. 

Instead of using petroleum-derived solvents, the brand uses options made from plants, particularly from corn, sugarcane, and cassava. 

Its formulas are also infused with nourishing natural oils such as sunflower and grape seed oils, and contain antioxidant-rich vitamin E to reduce brittleness and promote nail flexibility. 

Gitti’s nail polishes are free of 30 controversial ingredients commonly found in nail lacquers and are 100% gluten-free. 

What’s more, they are made in Europe and provide full coverage and a long-lasting, smooth, glossy finish. 

The company also prioritizes sustainable practices and sells a great nail primer, base, and top coats, as well as a non-toxic nail polish remover. 

7. Côte

Non-Toxic? 10-Free 

Vegan & Cruelty-Free? Yes 

Côte offers non-toxic long-lasting nail polish that is chip-resistant and dries quickly. 

This one is formulated without formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, parabens, camphor, TPHP, xylene, epoxy resin, and benzophenone-1. 

You can choose from lots of different options, including neutral colors, sheers, metallic finishes, deep hues, and many bright bold colors. 

Everything is made in the USA and Leaping Bunny certified, and comes packaged in recyclable packaging made from 50% post-consumer recycled materials. 

Dedicated to sustainability, Côte also plants a tree with every purchase and allows you to send back your empty nail polishes (from any brand) and other hard-to-recycle beauty items to get them properly recycled!

8. AILA

Non-Toxic? 13-Free 

Vegan & Cruelty-Free? Yes 

AILA was founded by a podiatric surgeon fueled by the mission to provide consumers with safe, non-toxic nail products. 

All its nail lacquers are made without 13 of the most harmful chemicals commonly found in conventional varnishes, including formaldehyde, parabens, DBP, and toluene.

They’re also gluten-free, chip-resistant, and long-lasting. 

The brand makes them in the USA using ethically sourced, nourishing ingredients such as argan oil, jojoba oil, camellia seed oil, tea tree oil, and vitamins A, C, and E. 

Looking for a natural nail polish remover?

AILA has you covered with 100% plant-based nail color remover formulated to promote nail and cuticle health! 

It also has other nail care products, like primers, top coats, and treatments.  

9. 10 Free Chemistry

Non-Toxic? 21-Free 

Vegan & Cruelty-Free? Yes 

This plant-based, non-toxic nail polish by 10 Free Chemistry is formulated with up to 85% naturally derived ingredients and provides up to 10+ days of wear. 

It offers a gel-like consistency for a smooth application and will leave your nails not only boasting a beautiful color but also strengthened and revitalized. 

10 Free Chemistry nail lacquer is free of 21+ harmful ingredients, and its formula will help rehydrate, repair, and fortify your nails.

It also reduces brittleness, moisture loss, and visible ridges and improves break resistance. 

This nail polish is made in the USA using plant extracts, ceramides, sodium hyaluronate, peptides, vitamins, and minerals.

It’s also Leaping Bunny certified and comes in sustainable packaging. 

Final thoughts on the best natural & non-toxic nail polish brands

I hope you’ve found this article about the best non-toxic & natural nail polish brands helpful and that you could find some you’ll love painting your nails with! 

Finding a 100% natural and non-toxic lacquer is almost impossible.

However, these companies are making it easy for us to find one that is much healthier and safer.

While these may not be perfect, they’re some of the cleanest options we can find on the market today.

If you’re looking for clean makeup and skincare products, you’ll love the following articles: 

• 10 best natural, non-toxic & organic lipstick & lip gloss brands for a gorgeous smile
• 8 best non-toxic, natural, phthalate-free & clean perfume brands for safe spritzing
• 10 best sustainable & clean skincare brands that promise a healthy glow
• 12 best organic, clean, non-toxic & natural face moisturizers for a glowing complexion
• 9 best sustainable & ethical jewelry brands that shine responsibly

Which safe, natural nail polish have you decided to try? 

Please leave a comment below! 

Don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends so they can easily find non-toxic nail polish too. 

Looking for more non-toxic & sustainable brands? Check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory!

It features conscious brands in various categories, from home goods and furniture to fashion and clean beauty!

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