Learn about the potential health risks of conventional nail polish and how to choose safer eco friendly nail polish alternatives.
Pause, and put down that nail polish! Before you swipe on that next coat, ask yourself: Do you know what’s really in that bottle? Conventional nail polishes are brimming with toxic chemicals that could be wreaking havoc on your health. But don't fret—there's a cleaner, safer path to fabulous nails. Read on to learn more about the top 10 Eco-Friendly Nail Polish Brands that let you flaunt beautiful nails without the toxic trade-offs.
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Is Nail Polish Toxic?
You might be surprised to learn that the small, colorful bottles in your nail polish collection carry a cocktail of chemicals that are harmful to your health. Chemicals found in many nail polish brands have been linked to health problems, ranging from skin irritation to more serious concerns like hormone disruption and respiratory issues. If you're regularly painting your nails with conventional polish, you could be adding layers of chemical exposure to your beauty routine.
Toxic chemicals found in cosmetics products is nothing new. Unfortunately, the history of cosmetics is laced with toxic ingredients. Lead-based cosmetics were popular in ancient societies, and women used to apply makeup laced with arsenic and mercury in the 18th and 19th centuries. In many ways, we've inherited this toxic tradition in our modern makeup and nail polish formulations.
Each time you open that bottle, you're also unlocking potential health risks. The term you'll often hear is the "Toxic Trio" which includes:
DBP: Linked to reproductive issues
Formaldehyde: Known carcinogen
Toluene: Affects the nervous system
If you've ever wondered why traditional nail polishes have such a strong, lingering smell, these are the usual culprits.
What Toxic Ingredients Are In Nail Polish?
Beyond the "Toxic Trio" other potentially harmful ingredients include formaldehyde resin, camphor, and ethyl tosylamide. Even some fragrances and colorants used in nail polish have raised eyebrows among health experts.
Imagine these chemicals leaching into your system over years of manicures. While one-time exposure may not result in immediate harm, chronic, low-level exposure is what concerns health experts.
This isn't intended to scare you away from ever enjoying a manicure again. It's about empowering you with knowledge. When you know what you're up against, you can make better choices, like opting for non-toxic or eco-friendly nail polish alternatives.
Non-Toxic Nail Polish
When referring to "non-toxic" nail polish, we mean these polishes are free from harmful chemicals that could pose health risks.
At first glance, it might look like a game of chemical bingo. However, each number represents a commitment to eliminating specific harmful substances.
"3-Free" is the entry-level label. A 3-Free nail polish is formulated without the infamous three most harmful chemicals—dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, and toluene.
"5-Free," which excludes the "Toxic Trio" plus two more culprits: formaldehyde resin and camphor.
We do want to mention the health and safety of cosmetic products, including many nail polishes, is generally not well regulated, so it is difficult to say that any nail polish brand can be definitively be considered completely non-toxic or chemical free, as the definition varies and is not regulated by any governing body in the US. Non-toxic nail polishes are often labeled as "three-free," "five-free," or "seven-free," indicating the number of toxic chemicals they do not contain.
8 Free Vegan Nail Polish
In addition to not containing the chemicals already discussed, 8-free formulas are also devoid of ethyl tosylamide, xylene, and parabens. These chemicals have been associated with bacterial resistance and potential hormone disruption.
Is 8-Free Vegan By Default?
It doesn't automatically mean the product is a vegan nail polish. However, many brands that prioritize low-tox formulations also consider ethical factors, making their products vegan by design. But it’s crucial to read the label or check the brand's website to ensure it aligns with your vegan lifestyle.
What is 10 Free Nail Polish?
At the top of the ladder is "10-Free," which excludes all the chemicals we've mentioned, plus two more, often fragrances and animal-derived ingredients. A 10-Free label is the gold standard in safe and conscious beauty. It’s common to find 10-Free brands that are also vegan, cruelty-free, and focused on sustainable packaging.
Does Non-Toxic Mean Eco-Friendly?
Here's where we need to pause and make a crucial distinction. Non-toxic doesn't automatically equate to eco-friendly nail polishes. A nail polish brand can not be toxic to humans but still harmful to the environment. It may be formulated in a way that contributes to environmental degradation, or it might not be biodegradable.
If you're concerned about both your health and environmental impact, look for brands that specify both non-toxic and eco-friendly on their labels. "Eco-friendly" implies a broader responsibility that goes beyond formulation, extending to packaging, sourcing, and even the welfare of animals (cruelty-free nail polish). An eco-friendly nail polish will often use sustainable materials for packaging and adopt ethical sourcing practices for ingredients.
Are There Environmentally Friendly Nail Polishes?
The good news is that eco-friendly nail polish brands do exist, and they're more accessible than ever before. Once a niche market, eco-friendly nail polishes are now hitting mainstream shelves. From organic formulations to biodegradable packaging, these trailblazers are setting new industry standards. Brands like Sienna Byron Bay and Kester Black are leading the charge, offering polishes that are both stunning and sustainable.
This isn’t just a fleeting trend; it reflects a broader shift in consumer awareness and expectations. People are beginning to see that the personal and the planetary aren't mutually exclusive—you can have your eco-friendly cake and eat it too, or in this case, flaunt a stunning, sustainable manicure.
What Makes Nail Polish Brands Environmentally Friendly?
To be deemed "environmentally friendly, or "eco friendly nail polish," it needs to tick several boxes. It's not just about what goes into the bottle but also how the bottle itself is made and how the company operates. It’s a threefold approach: ingredients, eco conscious packaging, and business practices.
Ingredients are usually plant-based, non-toxic, and ethically sourced.
Packaging should be recyclable, reusable, or even compostable.
As for business practices, think ethical sourcing, cruelty-free testing, and carbon-neutral manufacturing.
Eco-Friendly Nail Polish Standards
There's no one-size-fits-all standard for eco-friendly nail polish brands. Brands often seek to comply with multiple standards, offering formulations that are also cruelty-free vegan, and sustainably packaged.
Organic, Vegan And Cruelty Free, and More
"Cruelty-Free" assures you that no animal testing was conducted during the product’s development.
"Vegan" means that the product uses plant-based ingredients and doesn't contain any animal-derived ingredients.
"Organic" signals that the ingredients are grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms.
These labels serve as a basic compass, helping you align your beauty regimen with your ethical stance.
Ethical Certifications to Look Out For
To add credibility to their eco-friendly claims, some brands go the extra mile to earn certifications. Look out for markers like
USDA Organic
Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free)
Vegan Action
Fair Trade.
These third-party certifications provide an extra layer of assurance that you're supporting ethical practices. They function as a quick visual guide to help you make informed choices without diving deep into the fine print.
Best Non-Toxic Nail Polish Brands
Côte is a brand that produces non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free nail polish. Their 10-free polishes are free of harsh chemicals. Côte offers over 100 colors of nail polish, including neutrals, pinks, blues, and more, and their polishes offer long-lasting, chip-resistant finishes. Côte's nail products are chic, wearable, and ethical, as they are vegan and cruelty-free.
Ella + Mila's nail products are PeTA-certified and do not contain harmful chemicals, making them a safe and ethical choice for those looking for non-toxic and cruelty-free nail products. Their nail polishes are chip resistant, long-lasting, and smells like lavender!
HABIT nail polish is a vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free nail polish brand that offers over 60 shades of nail polish. Their formula is infused with Myrrh extract to improve the strength and health of nails. HABIT nail polish is safe and healthy for your nails, and is a great choice for those looking for non-toxic and cruelty-free nail products.
Karma Organics is a halal certified nail polish brand and is also vegan, cruelty-free, and oxygen permeable. This nail polish is truly breathable and safe to use. The formula is designed to be healthy for nails and is also infused with Myrrh extract to improve the strength and health of nails.
Manucurist Green Nail Polish is a clean alternative to regular nail polish that is vegan and 84% plant-based. The Green Flash™ formula is non-toxic and HEMA-free, improving nail health and can be removed in 1 minute without the need for acetone. Their polish is made from extracts of sugar cane, corn, wheat, manioc, and cotton.
BKIND offers cruelty-free, plant-based, and 21-FREE nail polish. Their vegan, 77% plant-based, and professional-grade nail polishes apply easily, dry quickly, and give a long-lasting, luminous finish. They also offer a non-toxic base coat with Squalane, an extremely hydrating compound for revitalized nails, containing bamboo extract, AHAs, and vitamin E.
Sienna Byron Bay nail polish is a vegan, cruelty-free, and B-Corp certified nail polish that is made from natural and organic ingredients. Their plant-based and breathable formula is free of harsh chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene, making it safe for use. Sienna offers a wide range of colors, and their nail polish is ethical and long-lasting.
Kester Black is a New Zealand-based clean, ethical, and sustainable beauty brand that produces vegan nail polish. Their colorful line of nail polish is carbon-neutral and cruelty-free, and offers a wide range of trendy colors and is a great choice for anyone looking for vegan, sustainable, and high-quality nail products.
Taupe Coat is a black-owned boutique nail polish brand that creates clean, non-toxic nail polish. All Taupe Coat nail polish is vegan and 10-free, meaning it does not contain the most common carcinogens traditionally found in nail polish.
This kid friendly non-toxic nail polish brand is virtually odorless, and water-based. Their formulation is hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and vegan, and offers a range of fun and vibrant colors. The nail polish dries to a hard, durable finish and does not peel.
Other Zero Waste Nail Care Products
Ella + Mila - Ella + Mila offers a range of cuticle oils, including "Oil Me Up" in lavender and almond scents that soften and moisturize cuticles. They are free from Toluene, DBP, Formaldehyde, camphor, xylene, TPHP, and formaldehyde resin.
Tenoverten Rose Oil Cuticle Oil - is a reparative and nourishing cuticle oil that is developed for damaged cuticles undergoing the healing process. The oil is packed with moisturizing jojoba, argan, pomegranate, sweet almond, and hemp seed oils, plus vitamin E to deliver deep hydration. It is ultra-hydrating and non-greasy with a delicate rose scent.
Living Libations Cuticle Oil - is made with organic ingredients such as tamanu, jojoba, and seabuckthorn berry, to deeply hydrate cuticles and nail beds to promote healthy, flexible nails.
Reusable Nail Polish Remover Pads
Removing nail polish with a disposable cotton pad or cotton ball can generate a significant amount of waste. Switching to reusable nail polish remover pads can help reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of single-use products.
Look for pads made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo or microfiber, which are gentle on the skin and nails and can be easily washed.
If you're concerned about staining, designate specific pads for nail polish removal and separate them from the ones you use for other self care purposes.
To clean your reusable pads, wash them with soap and water or in the washing machine, and let them dry.
Although reusable nail polish remover pads may have a higher initial cost, they can be used multiple times, making them more economical in the long run.
Many reusable pads are made from soft, gentle materials like bamboo or microfiber, which are suitable for sensitive, dry skin and nails.
Reusable pads can be washed with soap and water or in the washing machine, making them easy to maintain.
Tips for Learning About Non-Toxic Nail Polish
- Read the Labels: Read the labels and understand the ingredients used. Look for natural nail polishes that clearly state their commitment to being free from harmful chemicals, including Dibutyl Phthalate, triphenyl phosphate, and are paraben free.
- Rely On Reputable Resources: To learn more about non-toxic nail polish, it's important to rely on reputable resources that provide accurate and reliable information. Look for websites, blogs, and articles from trusted sources that specialize in clean beauty and sustainable living.
- EWG's Skin Deep Database: This website from the Environmental Working Group allows you to search for a wide range of personal care products to see their full ingredient list and potential associated health risks. They also offer a mobile app.
- Think Dirty: This mobile app allows you to scan the barcodes of personal care products to see their ingredients and potential hazards. The app also offers cleaner product suggestions.
- INCI Beauty: This is a website and an app where you can analyze the composition of cosmetic products based on their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) list. It provides a detailed analysis of each ingredient and assigns each product a safety rating.
How To Find An Ethical And Sustainable Nail Salon?
Look for a nail salon that is open about the products they use, their sourcing practices, and their waste management policies. Some salons are certified as eco-friendly or cruelty-free.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
What Brands Do You Use?: Knowing the brands that a nail salon uses are eco friendly nail products can quickly tell you about their commitment to non-toxic and ethical products.
Do You Offer Eco-Friendly Options?: Inquire if the salon offers services that are designed to be more eco-friendly, like waterless pedicures or reusable towels.
Do You Use Vegan And Cruelty Free Products?: Make sure that no animals were harmed in the making of your beauty treatment.
Can You Recycle Nail Polish Bottles?
Nail polish bottles are notoriously difficult to recycle. The bottle itself is glass, which is recyclable, but it's contaminated with residual polish, making it unsuitable for curbside recycling programs. And then there's the brush and the metal ball inside the bottle, further complicating things. Multiple materials are intermingled, making the recycling process complex and labor-intensive.
To recycle a nail polish bottle, you'd essentially need to break it down into its components: glass, plastic, and metal. However, the residual polish complicates this separation. Most curbside recycling programs are not equipped to handle such complexity.
The struggle to recycle nail polish bottles reflects broader challenges in our waste management systems. While the world catches up, we as consumers can take small steps, either by opting for brands that offer recycling programs or by repurposing our bottles.
Nail Polish Recycling Programs
Several nail polish brands in the US offer recycling programs to help reduce waste and promote sustainability. Participating in these recycling programs is easy and straightforward.
Check the brand's website for information on their recycling program and any specific instructions or requirements.
Collect your empty nail polish bottles from the brand you want to recycle.
Follow the instructions provided by the brand for mailing in your empty bottles.
Most programs offer a discount code or other reward for participating in the program- don’t forget to write it down for future use!
US Eco-Friendly Nail Polish Brands with Recycling Programs
1. Tenoverten Non-Toxic Nail Color: Offers an in house recycling program for their nail polish bottles. Customers can send their empty Tenoverten bottles back to the company for recycling, and in return, they receive a discount on their next purchase.
2. Zoya Clean Nail Polish: Zoya offers a nail polish exchange program where customers can send in their old, unwanted nail polish (from any brand) and receive a discount on Zoya's non-toxic nail polish.
3. Côte – Cleaner, Safer Nail: Côte offers a recycling program for their nail polish bottles. Customers can send their empty Côte bottles back to the company for recycling, and in return, they receive a discount on their next purchase.
More Helpful Sustainable Tips
At the end of the day, it's not just about using more zero waste products or reusable bags; it's about fostering a mindset of responsibility and conscientious living. The more we prioritize sustainability in every facet of our lives, the more we contribute to a healthier planet.
Are you compromising your health for beauty?
Your conventional nail polish bottle holds more than just vibrant color; it can contain potentially harsh chemicals that have been linked to health issues ranging from skin irritation to hormone disruption. The good news is that there are organic nail polish alternatives available, often labeled as "3-Free," "5-Free," or even "10-Free" to indicate the absence of such harmful ingredients. Additionally, some brands go the extra mile by being vegan and cruelty-free, and offering recycling programs.
Arm yourself with knowledge and make better choices for your health and the environment. Read labels carefully, opt for non-toxic nail polish brands, and consider the ethical practices of the brands you support.
Share this post to spread awareness about the importance of what goes into our beauty products, and let's work towards a healthier, more sustainable future, one manicure at a time.
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