Today, I’m diving into the world of clean nail polish brands. If you’re like me and love rocking nail polish but prefer to keep it clean and non-toxic, you’re in the right place. The ones that give you gorgeous colors without all those harmful chemicals. So, if you’re ready to discover some of the best clean nail polish brands out there, stick around! Let’s get those nails looking fabulous in the healthiest way possible.
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What Ingredients Should You Avoid When Looking For a Nail Polish?
When you’re looking for clean and non-toxic nail products, be sure to avoid certain ingredients that may cause skin irritation or other potential health concerns. Here are some of the ingredients you should avoid in your nail polishes:
- Parabens: These are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics but have been linked to hormonal disruptions and potential reproductive issues.
- Mineral Oil: This petroleum-derived ingredient can clog pores and may not be suitable for acne-prone or sensitive skin types.
- Sulfates: These are cleansing agents that can be harsh and dry for the skin.
- Phthalates: These chemicals are used to enhance fragrance and texture but may be endocrine disruptors.
- Silicones: While not necessarily harmful, some individuals may be sensitive to silicones, which can give a smooth texture but may cause breakouts or irritation.
- Alcohol: High concentrations of alcohol, such as denatured alcohol, can dry and irritate the skin. Seek polishes without excessive alcohol content.
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): A plasticizer chemical utilized to enhance the durability and glossy appearance of cosmetics. However, plasticizers, including DBP, are recognized as endocrine disruptors and linked to liver and kidney damage, as well as potential adverse effects on the reproductive system.”
- Benzophenone-1: This can be used in cosmetics as a stabilizer and in the preservation of products. The endocrine-disrupting nature of this chemical is currently being investigated, however, the ecologically alarming aquatic toxicity has already been researched.
How Do You Know If Your Favorite Nail Polish Is Clean?
The best way to find clean and organic nail polish is by educating yourself and identifying harmful ingredients, you will be well on your way to knowing exactly what ingredients to look out for in your makeup. It gets a lot easier over time, I promise.
Thankfully, some resources can help out! Here are some great websites/apps:
EWG.org is an amazing resource for all things in our home. From cleaning products and laundry soap to beauty products, you’ll find useful information here. They give products a number rating out of 10 and I like to look for products with a rating of 3 or less (a rating of 0 means it is EWG verified and there are no harmful ingredients). You can even search for specific ingredients to see how toxic they are,
Yuka App. This mobile app allows you to scan your products at the store while you shop. This app gives products a rating out of 100 (100 being the best). You can also scan food items with this app as well. I find that this app has a bigger database than EWG.
The Best Clean Nail Polish Brands
Pacifica
Pacifica PlantMagic nail polish is vegan, cruelty-free, and made with “bio-based” ingredients. It contains ingredients such as Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, and Phosphoric Acid, which are all risk-free!
Piggy Paint
Piggy Paint is a kid-friendly, non-toxic nail polish brand. It’s made with Acrylates copolymer, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, and water! The only downside is there are limited color options for Piggy Paint.
Ella + Mila
Pretty much all ella+mila products are non-toxic and risk-free. The polish contains Butyl Acetate and Nitrocellulose, as well as other plant-based ingredients, just like Pacifica. This is another on with limited colors, but the available colors are super cute!
Pop Arazzi
The Pop Arazzi nail polish brand is great for bright nail color lovers! They have tons of cute, super colorful options. This polish contains Lavandula Angustifolia oil which is risk-free!
Love By Essie
Love by Essie is 80% plant-based and is relatively affordable. This one also contains Butyl Acetate and Nitrocellulose, as well as other plant-based ingredients. There are quite a few adorable colors of Love by Essie as well!
OPI Nature Strong
OPI is another polish full of risk-free plant-based ingredients. There are a ton of cute colors of OPI Nature Strong, something for everyone! This is a great addition to these clean nail polish brands!
Olive & June Nail Polish
This Olive & June quick-drying polish is super affordable! This is vegan, cruelty-free, and “15-free, ” meaning it leaves out 15 of the worst cosmetic ingredients!
Clean Base And Top Coat Polishes
Ella + Mila Quick Dry Top Coat
This ella+mila top coat is cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free, among other benefits. According to reviews of this product, this product dries super fast and has a beautiful, glossy finish!
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
This top coat is made with water as well as plant-based, risk-free ingredients! This top coat is long-lasting and has a glossy finish!
Seche Nail Base Coat
This base coat is amazing quality-wise as well as for drying time, smoothness, and value. It also contains primarily plant-based ingredients and is cruelty-free!
Kur Nail Hardener and Base Coat
This is perfect for anyone with thin or easily breakable nails! It’s a base coat with nail hardener and a clean polish option. This polish is made with water and plant-based ingredients. This is one of the best clean nail polish brands!
Clean Nail Polish Removers
Onyx Nail Polish Remover
Pure acetone nail polish removers are safe and clean, including this one! This contains acetone and Denatonium benzoate, which are both risk-free.
Up & Up Nail Polish Remover
This contains the same ingredients as the Onyx Nail Polish Remover and is another perfectly safe (and slightly more affordable) option!
Ella + Mila Soy Polish Remover
This polish remover from ella+mila contains vitamins and essential oils. This product contains oils, such as Peg-30 Castor Oil, that aid in smooth polish removal. Ella+mila is one of the best clean nail polish brands!
Olive & June Polish Remover Pot
This polish remover pot is a super easy, convenient way to get pesky polishes off! It’s vegan and cruelty-free as well as gentle and effective!
Zoya 3-In-1 Formula
This product is made with acetone, water, glycerin, and CI 60725 (an FDA-approved synthetic dye), all of which are risk-free and safe to use! This product can be used as a polish remover, nail cleaner, or nail prep solution!
Clean Cuticle Oil
Cuticle Serum Duo
This cuticle serum from Olive & June has a super easy-to-use applicator and is very hydrating! This product is made with water and other plant-based ingredients. It’s fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and vegan!
Flowery Cuticle Oil
This cuticle oil is made with risk-free ingredients including retinol and Keratin Amino Acids. They have so many scents to choose from, all of which are made with natural ingredients!
Cuccio Revitalizing Cuticle Oil
This cuticle oil is made with all-natural ingredients such as camel milk extract, mel extract (honey extract), and various seed oils.
Kur Cuticle Remover
This isn’t a cuticle oil, but a cuticle remover! This is a great product to help you get a clean nail base for a smooth polish application. It is made with water, potassium hydroxide, and carbomer (used for nail hardening) among other ingredients.
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect polish for your next manicure. Remember, opting for clean formulas doesn’t mean sacrificing color or durability. With these brands, you can enjoy beautiful nails without any harsh chemicals. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability or simply looking for healthier options, there’s a clean nail polish out there for everyone!
This Post Has The Best Clean Nail Polish Brands
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xx,
Lauren
