Jump to: the 11 best cruelty-free and non-toxic nail polishes
Freshly manicured nails give you that well cared for appearance and an instant good mood.
As we are coming more and more aware of what we are putting in and on to our body, traditional nail polish packed with toxic ingredients doesn’t cut it anymore. Which is why we went on the hunt for the best cruelty-free and non-toxic nail polishes.
But first let’s break down what non-toxic nail polish actually means. To not beat around the bush, the scary ingredients in traditional nail polish can actually affect our health as well as the environment. Studies have shown that the chemicals in nail polish are absorbed through our nails and into our bodies.
Luckily lots of nail polish brands have anticipated on this and changed their formulations. It started with so called 3-free nail polishes, which mean they are made without the nasty toxins Formaldehyde, Toluene and Dibutyl phthalate (DBP). This was a big step in the right direction, but 3-free nail polishes still contain other harmful chemicals that are no joke, such as Camphor, Formaldehyde resin, Xylene, Triphenyl phospate (TPHP) and Ethyl tosylamide. So beauty brands start taking it further, leaving more and more harmful chemicals out of their polishes, these are the 7, 10 and even 12-free nail lacquers. Although we want our nail polish to be as safe and healthy as possible, we rather don’t compromise on the quality. And happily, we don’t have too.
Scroll on for the 11 best cruelty-free, vegan and non-toxic nail polishes.
Index
- JINsoon – Nail Polish (VEGAN)
- Pacifica – 7 Free Nail Color (VEGAN)
- Butter London – Nail Lacquer (VEGAN OPTIONS)
- Deborah Lippmann – Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish (VEGAN)
- Orly – Nail Lacquer (VEGAN)
- Zoya – Nail Polish (VEGAN)
- Smith & Cult – Nailed Lacquer (VEGAN)
- ella+mila – Elite Collection Nail Polish (VEGAN)
- Kure Bazaar – Nail Polish (VEGAN)
- Dear Sundays – Polish (VEGAN)
- Londontown – Lakur Enhanced Colour Nail Polish (VEGAN)
The 11 Best Cruelty-Free and Non-Toxic Nail Polishes
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1/11
JINsoon – Nail Polish (vegan)
Shop at Amazon | $$$
Not only is this 9-10 free polish formulated without harsh chemicals, it is also chip-proof, it dries down pretty quickly and the shade range is on fleek. For a your-nails-but-better mani or pedi, check out this sheer pink color Pixie. It actually smells like roses. LOVE
Free of: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Formaldehyde resin, Camphor, Xylene, Ethyl Tosylamide, Triphenyl phosphate, Parabens, Lead, Animal derived products
Ingredients (Pixie): Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol,Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Water, Benzophenone-1, Colophonium, Diacetone Alcohol, N-Butyl Alcohol, Phosphoric Acid, Silica, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Triphenyl Phosphate
2/11
Pacifica – 7 Free Nail Color (vegan)
Shop at Pacifica | $$
7 free and vegan formula that comes in a variety of bold colors. The contoured shape of the vegan brush makes for effortless application. Two coats give 100% opaque tips. The best thing about this polish is that it dries so fast. Wear with top coat for perfect nails all week long.
Free of: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Resin, Xylene, Paraben, Animal derived products
Ingredients (Snow bunny): Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Stearalkonium Bentonite, n-Butyl Alcohol, Benzophenone-1, Silica, Alumina, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Polyvinyl Butyral MAY CONTAIN (+/-): Aluminum Powder (CI 77000), Oxides (CI77499 / CI 77491), Red 34 Lake (CI 15880), Red 6 Lake (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Mica (CI 77019), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Yellow 11 (CI 47000), Titanium, Dioxide (CI 77891), Violet 2 (CI 60725)
3/11
Butter London – Nail Lacquer (vegan options)
Shop at Amazon | $$$
The 8-free formula of Butter London offers highly pigmented shades that deliver full coverage in just 1 stroke. Contains bamboo extract to strengthen. No base or top coat needed with this all-in-one formula. Note that the high shine lacquers with the silver caps are vegan, the ones with black and golden caps are not. The color Toff is the perfect dusty mauve.
Free of: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde resin, Xylene, Triphenyl phosphate, Ethyl tosylamide, Gluten
Ingredients (Toff): Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Benzophenone-1, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Extract, Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate, Diamond Powder, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Colophonium (Rosin). May Contain: CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77266 (Black 2), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake)
4/11
Deborah Lippmann – Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish (vegan)
Shop at Amazon | $$$
Get the gel nails look without a visit to the salon and without the damage. This nail-friendly formula is 7-free and comes in a wide range of stylish colors. The rounded tip of the brush makes for the easiest application. Freeze for a few minutes and away you go. But the absolute best part of this nail polish is the staying power, it wears for-ever.
Free of: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde resin, Xylene, Diethylhexyl adipate
Ingredients (Above The Clouds): Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Phthalic Anhydride/Trimellitic Anhydride/Glycols Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Adipic Acid/Fumaric Acid/Phthalic Acid/Tricyclodecane Dimethanol Copolymer, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Dibutyl Adipate, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Citric Acid, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Hydrolyzed Corn/Soy/Wheat Protein Thioglycolamide/ Thiopropionamide, Biotin, Water (And) Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Glycidoxypropyl Trimethoxysilane/Methacryloyl Propyltrimethoxysilane /Methyltriethoxysilane /Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Nylon-12, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Extract, Aucoumea Klaineana Resin Extract. May Contain (+/-): Red 34 Lake (Ci 15880:1), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Red 6 Lake (Ci 15850), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77499), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Titanium Dioxide [Nano] (Ci 77891), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), D&C Black 2 (Ci 77266), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Mica (Ci 77019), Violet 2 (Ci 60725), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Yellow 10 Lake (Ci 47005)
5/11
Orly – Nail Lacquer (vegan)
Shop at Amazon | $$
Affordable quality nail polish that does the job. Wide color selection with classic hues and lots of neons and bright colors. Apply 2 coats for an opaque look. What’s so handy about this nail polish is that the cap has grip to it, ideal for the less steady handed amongst us. Being 12 free Orly sets the bar high for non-toxic nail polishes.
Free of: Formaldehyde, Toulene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Xylene, Triphenyl Phosphate, Ethyl Tosylamide, Paraben, MEHQ/HQ, MIT, Animal derived products, Gluten
Ingredients (Beautifully Bizarre): Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid / Neopentyl Glycol / Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Tosylamide / Epoxy Resin, Triphenyl Phosphate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Propyl Acetate, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Styrene / Acrylates Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, N-Butyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Mica, Tin Oxide, Alumina, Silica, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Benzophenone-1, Polyvinyl Butyral, Citric Acid, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate. May Contain: CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride), CI 15850 (Red 6), CI 73360 (Red 30), CI 15880 (Red 34), CI 77491 (Red Iron Oxide), CI 77499 (Black Iron Oxide), CI 77492 (Yellow Iron Oxide), CI 77489 (Brown Iron Oxide), CI 15850 (Red 7), CI 77510 (Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide), CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 60725 (Violet 2), CI 47005 (Yellow 10), CI 77000 (Aluminum Powder), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77266 (Black 2), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens)
6/11
Zoya – Nail Polish (vegan)
Shop at Amazon | $$
Another cult favorite in the world of nail polish is this five-free formula of Zoya. It comes in the most impressive collection of 400 shades (yes, 400). The wider brush makes it so easy to apply. 1 to 2 coats depending on the particular shade, finish with the topcoat and your manicure is set for at least a week.
Free of: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Formaldehyde resin, Camphor, Animal derived products
Ingredients (Rue): Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sterikonium Hectroite, Acrylates Copolymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
7/11
Smith & Cult – Nailed Lacquer (vegan)
Shop at Amazon | $$$
This 8-free polish goes on like a dream and dries fast. Also loved for its popping colors and the super glossy finish. This lacquer is not cheap but you get a ton of polish that holds up well. Plus, the bottle looks so luxe on your bathroom shelf.
Free of: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Xylene, Triphenyl Phosphate, Ethyl Tosylamide, Animal derived products, Gluten
Ingredients (5th Ave Fortress): Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Acrylates Copolymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Benzophenone-1, Silica, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate. May Contain/Peut Contenir (±): CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 77266 (Black 2), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 15850 (Red 6 Lake), CI 77510 (Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide)
8/11
ella+mila – Elite Collection Nail Polish (vegan)
Shop at Amazon | $$
Seven-free formula that goes on smooth and effortlessly and dries just as quickly. From the lightest pink to the blackest black ella+mila nails it every time. If you’re looking for the perfect shade of classic blood red, Naughty not nice is IT.
For when you are really in a rush: In A Rush Quick-Dry Top Coat.
Free of: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde resin, Xylene, Triphenyl phosphate, Animal derived products
Ingredients (Naughty not nice): Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Stearalkonium Bentonite, n-Butyl Alcohol, Benzophenone-1, Silica, Alumina, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Polyvinyl Butyral, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Ethylene/VA Copolymer. May contain (+/-) Aluminum Powder (CI 77000), Iron Oxides (CI 77499 / CI 77491), Red 34 Lake (CI 15880), Red 6 Lake (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ultramarines Blue (CI 77007), Red 28 (CI 45410), Red 22 (CI 45380), Yellow 10 (CI 47005), Zinc Sulfide
9/11
Kure Bazaar – Nail Polish (vegan)
Shop at Kure Bazaar | $$$
This 10-free nail polish is as healthy as nail polish can get. The formulation is made out of mostly (85%) natural ingredients, such as wood pulp, cotton and potatoes (yes potatoes) and without compromising quality. If you’re all about nude or red nails, you have options here.
Free of: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Synthetic Camphor, Triphenyl phosphate, Xylene, Paraben, Styrene, Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-3, Animal derived products
Ingredients (Sable): Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Isosorbide Dicaprylate/Caprate, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Alcohol, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Diacetone Alcohol, N-Butyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil), Polyurethane-67, Phosphoric Acid, Methoxyisopropyl Acetate, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Decyl Alcohol, Tocopherol.[+/-]: CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 19140, CI 19140 (, Ci 15850 ), CI 15850, CI 77510, CI 15880 (Red 34 Lake), CI 77007, CI 77000, CI 77742, CI 77266, CI 12085, CI 42090, CI 77820), CI 45410, CI 45410, CI 60725, CI 77163
10/11
Dear Sundays – Polish (vegan)
Shop at Amazon | $$$
This classy looking bottle comes from the chic salon Sundays in NYC. The formula is 10-free and vegan goes on smoothly and dries fast, and the staying power is so good. Just like the bottle the colors are sophisticated. Opaque nails in 2 to 3 coats, depending on the color. Also, no strong chemical nail polish smell here.
Free of: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde resin, xylene, Triphenyl phosphate, Ethyl tosylamide, Paraben, Tert-butyl hydroperoxide, Animal derived products
Ingredients: Butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, nitrocellulose, adipic acid/neopentyl, glycol/trimellitic, anhydride, copolymer, acetyl tributyl citrate, isopropyl alcohol, stearalkonium bentonite, acrylates copolymer, styrene/acrylates copolymer, silica, benzophenone-1, and trimethylpentanediyl dibenzoate
11/11
Londontown – Lakur Enhanced Colour Nail Polish (vegan)
Shop at Londontown | $$$
9-free vegan nail polish for a chip-free mani or pedi that LASTS. The wider rounded brush makes for easy application. Dries fairly quickly. They come in a variety of chic colors from subtle nude to metallic purple. Princess Awaits is a soft white with a subtle sparkle, that is just perfect for those summer days.
Free of: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde resin, Xylene, Triphenyl phospate, Ethyl tosylamide, Acetone, Animal derived products
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Acrylates Copolymer, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, N-Butyl Alcohol, Benzophenone-1, Silica, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Mica, Aqua/Water/Eau, Alcohol Denat. (Sd Alcohol 40-B), Ferrous Gluconate, Propylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil. May Contain: Ci 77891, Ci 77742, Ci 77491, Ci 77266, Ci 77510, Ci 19140, Ci 15880
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