After trashing 90 percent of my beauty and personal care in an effort to reduce the toxic chemicals in my life, I also took a look at what was in my nail polish. GASP! I typically used well known salon brands, but not anymore. I recently overhauled my entire collection of beauty and personal care products, and my nail polish is no exception.
Below is list of the best chemical free nail polish options on the market, all American made so I trust the ingredient list. Non toxic nail polishes are typically free from dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. But first…
Is Your Nail Polish Toxic?
Why should you care anyway? Here's information on the common toxins found in nail polish, which comes from EWG. You be the judge.
DBP: The State of California and other authoritative bodies have classified dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a reproductive and developmental toxicant.
Toluene: A volatile petrochemical solvent and paint thinner, toluene is a potent neurotoxicant that acts as an irritant, impairs breathing, and causes nausea. Mother’s exposure to toluene vapors during pregnancy may cause developmental damage in the fetus. In human epidemiological studies and in animal studies toluene has been also associated with toxicity to the immune system and a possible link to blood cancer such as malignant lymphoma.
Formaldehyde is a carcinogenic. Occupational exposures to formaldehyde gas are linked to nasal and nasopharyngeal cancers.
There are moderate concerns related to organ toxicity as it relates to Formaldehyde Resin.
Applying Camphor to the skin has been linked to potential liver damage.
What to Look For in Chemical Free Nail Polish and Chemical Free Nail Polish Remover
Don't let all of the toxins that can be found in popular nail polish brands scare you away from wearing nail polish again! There are safer brands out there. They just might be a little bit harder to find at the big box store.
Currently there is no way to make nail polish with totally organic ingredients, so you will NOT find ‘organic' on a bottle of nail polish. If you do, be weary!
Instead, many chemical free nail polish brands have “(insert a # here) Free” on their labels. I have learned that there is no set definition of ‘Non-Toxic' when it comes to nail polish, and that there is no set list of a number of chemicals that ARE toxic. This means that brands can include chemicals that not always toxic to everyone- like gluten and sulfate, that are common allergies, but not by definition toxic.
All of polishes on our list are free of the most dangerous toxins. They are formaldehyde free, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) free, toluene free, formaldehyde resin free, and camphor free. Some options are free of other chemicals and allergens as well.
Best Chemical Free Nail Polish and Polish Remover Brands, Made in USA
Ella+Mila
ella+mila offers a huge variety of colors. If you like bright colors or soft colors, there is a polish for you! Even better- it wears great too. Shop ella+mila at Ulta.
All ella+mila products are vegan, cruelty free, and 17 FREE. 17 FREE products are free of 17 harmful chemicals that are commonly found in nail polishes and products; Acetone, Animal-Derived Ingredients, Bisphenol-A, Camphor, Ethyl Tosylamide, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Gluten, Glycol Ether of Series E (Gycol ethers derived from ethylene oxide), Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, Parabens, Phthalates (including DBP), Styrene, Sulfate, Toluene, Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP/TPP), Xylene.
Kapa Nui
Kapa Nui nail products are all body friendly and eco friendly. Kapa Nui nail polish is made in Hawaii and the colors are all inspired by the islands. This non-toxic nail care line includes polishes, translucent polishes, base coat and top coat polishes, nail strengthener formulas, organic cuticle oil, and polish remover.
Kapa Nui nail polishes are water based, free of all toxins, and virtually orderless. None of the formulas formulas microplastics. They are 'All Free'.
Mischo Beauty
Mischo Beauty was created by Kitiya Mischo King, a licensed Cosmetologist, Manicurist, Esthetician and Makeup Artist. It's no wonder her collection of luxury lacquers come in drool-worthy colors. The lacquer goes on really nicely, dries quickly, and lasts long.
Mischo Beauty nail polish is 10 FREE, which means it contains no Formaldehyde, no Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), no Toluene, no Formaldehyde Resin, no Camphor, no Ethyl Tosylamide, no Xylene, no Triphenyl Phosphate, no tert-butyl hydroperoxide, and no parabens - all ingredients that have been known to contribute to cancer, birth defects, reproductive issues, nausea, light-headedness, headaches and more. Mischo Beauty nail lacquers are vegan cruelty free, gluten free, and are void of artificial fragrances.
SOPHi
SOPHi is certainly the safest option with no greenwashing here. Like the product slogan says, "Natural As Mud". It's actually true for SOPHi. I checked every single ingredient at EWG, and each ingredient ranked a 1 or 0. There's absolutely no smell to it too. It's shiny and lustrous and it's very fast drying.
SOPHi nail polish is vegan, cruelty free, and free of ALL chemicals.
Shop the SOPHi Amazon store.
tenoverten
tenoverten offers a really rich and luxurious nail lacquer. The polish goes on smoothly, is color-rich, and stays on long. If you're ever in New York City, check out the brand's exclusive nail salons in SOHO, Tribeca, or Midtown.
tenoverten products are cruelty-free, vegan, and made in the USA in a factory that honors the Leaping Bunny Program manifesto. The nail polish is 8 FREE and does not contain: dibutyl phthalate (dbp), toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, triphenyl phosphate (tphp).
Trust Fund Beauty
Trust Fund Beauty polishes are really divine. As the slogan says, "We are a lifestyle in a bottle and, simply put, amazing." I'd have to agree. The polish color names are really fun too!
Trust Fund Beauty nail lacquers are 10 FREE non toxic, Leaping Bunny and PETA Certified cruelty free and vegan.
VIVRE
VIVRE breathable nail polish is designed to allow up to two coats of nail polish without affecting nail permeability. This means nails will not be dry or discolored after the polish is removed.
VIVRE polish is 10 Free, vegan, cruelty free, halal certified, and non GMO.
Zoya
Zoya professional nail polish was one of the first brands to remove the top five toxic chemicals from its ingredients. Zoya is only available at spas, salons, and resorts, not at discount stores.
If you're looking for non-toxic nail polish remover try the following ones:
Blossom All Natural Nail Polish Remover
Blossom All Natural Nail Polish Remover is an organic plant-based formula. It is acetone-free and contains essential oils that leave your hands soft and smelling fabulous. Vegan, no toxic chemicals, cruelty-free, and paraben-free. Choose lavender, spring bouquet, or mint scent.
Ella + Mila Nail Polish Wipes
Ella + Mila soy-based nail polish remover wipes are designed to effectively remove all traditional nail polishes. Ingredients include Vitamins A, C & E, which promote healthy and moisturized nails.
These nail polish remover wipes do not contain acetone, harsh acetates, or alcohol which will dry out your skin and damage the nail and cuticles. They are Vegan, Peta certified and Living Bunny certified,
Kapa Nui Non-Toxic Nail Polish Remover
Kapa Nui Non Toxic Nail Polish Remover is a gel formula that is easy to apply and remove. The pump dispenser dispenses only what is needed on the nail and stays in place for wiping of cleanly. Made in Hawaii.
Karma Naturals Soybean Oil and Lavender Nail Polish Remover
Karma Naturals Nail Polish Remover is an acetone-free soy based (derived from farm crops that support American farmers), non-toxic, petroleum-free nail polish remover. Visit the Karma Naturals Amazon store.
Micho Beauty Soy Based Coconut Oil Infused Nail Polish Remover
Micho Beauty Soy Based Coconut Oil Infused Nail Polish Remover is acetone free and non-toxic like all of Mischo Beauty's luxury nail care products. This nail polish remover is infused with coconut oil and vitamins A, C, & E to nourish and protect nails.
Micho Beauty Soy Based Coconut Oil Infused Nail Polish Remover is vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, gluten-free & void of artificial fragrances.
Piggy Paint Nail Polish Remover
If you’re allergic to soy, try Piggy Paint’s Nail Polish Remover that is made from corn alcohol. It is designed for kids, but it is a great option for all the ladies, and it works really well too.
Trust Fund Beauty Soy Based Nail Polish Remover
Designed to nourish nails while removing the nail polish, this vegan friendly Trust Fund Beauty Soy Based Nail Polish Remover is a healthy and eco-friendly alternative to acetone and non-acetone based formulas. It is infused it with Argan Oil to help strengthen and moisturize the nails and cuticles.
Have you visited our Made in USA Shopping District? It is the place to start your shopping when you want to find the best of American-made.
Disclosure: USA Love List received some products in this post unconditionally for review purposes. Our opinions are always our own, and we aim to write fair and balanced reviews to promote only the very best of American-made products.
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Hi ,
You need to check out VIVRE Cosmetic’s toxic 10free, vegan and plant based nail polish which are made in the USA
Thanks for the tip! I added VIVRE to our list. 🙂
Piggy Paint is so cute for the little ones!
Hi! Could you post the links to the companies instead of through amazon? That way we can actually fully support made in America and keep the money with the small businesses.
You need to check out Zoya nail polishes. They are Big10 free and have gorgeous colors. My daughter and I love them!
Kapa Nui Nails is an ALL Free non-toxic nail polish that is body safe and eco-friendly. Inspired by the natural beauty of Hawaii their nail polish products are vegan and cruelty free. Made in Hawaii, USA
Stella Chroma is Big 5 Free (does not contain Dibutyl Phthalate DBP, Toulene, Formaldehyde/Formalin, Formaldehyde resin, or Camphor), cruelty free (not tested on amimals), and paraben free. They offer matte finishes, chromes (with magnets available to purchase for designs), flecky polishes, and also hand and nail care like sugar scrubs, base and top coats, coffee body polish, hand creams, even a cuticle oil pen!!
Here is the website, not sure if USA Love List will allow me to post.
https://www.stellachroma.com/
www dot stellachroma dot com
You can also search for them on Google or other search engines, and they are on Facebook and Instagram!
I never thought about the toxic materials that might be in my nail polishses. Thank you for this info.
Thanks for sharing. The elephant graphic design is super cute.
Oh, boy, I have one particular nailpolish that I love the color of, but it has a smell that people in the next room can smell. When I would open it, my Mom would say, “That smells toxic!” I’m afraid to think what it might have in it!
I dont wear much polish but my niece does. I will tell her about these products. I know somany polishes arent good, and these are.
I love Ella and Mia. They have great colors and polish lasts! I also love Hop Scotch for Kids.
Karma Organic Spa nail polish, I believe, is made in New Jersey. Great non toxic nail products.
Great information about the safety of nail polish products! I am reassured that there are safe polishes available!
I certainly want to try to buy only safe products without chemicals. I worry about all the nail polish I used as a teen that were not chemical free. These are super products to try.
Isn’t it shocking that some contain formaldehyde? Ack!
So great to see this list of natural and non-toxic alternatives to the standard, toxic brands – and perfect for folks like me, who have chemical and environmental sensitivities!