One of the best trends we’ve seen in nail art over the past decade is the increase in brands offering non-toxic nail polish options. With traditional nail polish linked to birth defects, allergies, thyroid issues, cancer, and diabetes, non-toxic options began hitting the market over the past ten years.
Advertising itself as “3-free,” non-toxic polish eliminates the big three chemicals that make nail polish unsafe, including dibutyl phthalate (DnBP), toluene, and formaldehyde. Helping to make the product safer for both nail technicians and people who wear nail polish, some brands have gone even further and made nail polish that is “5-free,” which excludes the previous chemicals as well as potential allergens camphor and formaldehyde resin.
Some brands have gone beyond making a product that is 5-free, but with little regulation on nail polishes, there is a concern that the removal of certain toxins will simply add other harsh ingredients. When looking at non-toxic nail polish, it’s important to know what’s being removed as well as what’s not.
Non-toxic nail polish is still relatively new to the market, but as more brands get on board with creating a product that is safe for the end user, the quality of non-toxic nail polish continues to improve. Because we want to be healthy, but we also want our nails to look good.
1. R.A.V. Water Based Nail Polish
R.A.V. Water Based Nail Polish is a non-toxic, organic and odor-free nail polish that is free from formaldehyde, benzophenone and heavy metals. The cruelty-free polish changes colors depending on the angle you look at it, with R.A.V. boasting a finish that lasts up to seven days.
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2. 786 Halal-Friendly Nail Polish
Muslim women and men who abide by halal guidelines have been forced to go without nail polish since the religion stipulates that there can be no barriers for prayer water. Thanks to brands like 786, which boasts a breathable finish that is free from formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, camphor, DBP, xylene and parabens, water can pass through the non-toxic polish, making them compliant with halal.
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3. Sundays Nontoxic Nail Polish
Vegan and cruelty-free, Sundays Nontoxic Nail Polish is free from TPHP, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, parabens, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide. The socially-responsible brand is professional grade, creating a polish that customers say goes on smoothly and lasts for days.
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4. côte Toxin Free Nail Polish
The côte Toxin Free Nail Polish is 10-free, made without the use of formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, camphor, formaldehyde resin and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP). Customers of the cruelty-free vegan brand love how long it lasts and the vibrancy of the colors offered.
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5. Karma Organic Natural Nail Polish
Karma Organic Natural Nail Polish is one of the only brands that offers an ingredient list so free from toxins that it can be advertised as safe for pregnant women, children and allergy sufferers. With an almost-odorless polish and no oils, customers love that Karma is kind to their nails.
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