9 Best Halal Breathable Nail Polishes Of 2024 For Fabulous Nails

Breathable, vibrant nail polishes can help you balance your culture and style.

Reviewed by Simone de Vlaming, Beauty Expert
Written by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Edited by Srijita De, MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Fact-checked by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

Vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, alcohol-free, and when it comes to nail polish, wholly breathable and water permeable with no brittleness and yellowing of nails! And trust us when we say this—You could never possibly want from nail polish anything else when you can get all this from halal nail polish. Traditionally, Muslim women do not wear nail colors as they perform wudu, a ritual washing of the body parts before offering prayers. Given that it is a purification ritual, water needs to touch all body parts, and nail polish emerges to be a barricade between the nails and the water. This is where the halal nail polish comes into the frame. It is a porous nail polish that allows the water to permeate the nails. But it can be used by others as well, given the health benefits. It is breathable and is composed of special polymers that offer exceptional results. The polish allows oxygen and water molecules through the nails. Therefore, this type of nail polish enhances the general health of the nails and prevents them from getting yellow and brittle. So, knowing their importance, we have curated a list of the nine most amazing halal nail polishes and reviewed them. Now go ahead, give this piece a read, and get yourself a healthier option.

Top Picks
Check Price
Best Eco-Friendly:786 Breathable Nail Polish – Jaipur
Price on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Non-Toxic:First Kiss Nail Polish by Tuesday in Love
Price on Amazon
Best Highly Pigmented:Mersi Breathable Nail Polsh - Great Blue Hole
Price on Amazon
Best Chemical-Free:Orly Breathable Treatment + Color - Freudian Flip
Price on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Chip-Resistant:Karma Hues Halal Breathable Polish - Halal Nail Polish
Price on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Quick-Drying:Maya Nail Lacquer - Top Coat
Price on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Long-Lasting:Vivre Breathable Nail Polish
Price on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best  Nail Strengthening Formula:Barry M Nail Polish
Price on Amazon
Best Value For Money:Iba Halal Breathable Nail Color - Gold Sparkle
Price on AmazonPrice on Walmart

What Is Halal Nail Polish And How Does It Work?

Halal nail polish is also referred to as breathable nail polish and has special polymers in it, which makes it porous, allowing water molecules and oxygen to permeate the nail. This is believed to work in favor of the health of your nails as it prevents them from getting brittle and yellow and also stops them from peeling and chipping. But the health of your nails is not the only factor to consider, as in Islam, there is a practice of wudu, or purification that is performed before prayers.

9 Best Halal Breathable Nail Polishes For Lustrous Nails

1. Best Eco-Friendly:786 Breathable Nail Polish – Jaipur

You can have all the fun with this statement-making 786 nail polish, as this halal nail polish brand is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. It also does not contain 11 harsh and harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, camphor, xylene, and alcohol, among others. It’s certified as a halal nail polish and is wudu-friendly as it allows water to permeate through the nail polish, keeping the nail surface healthy and hydrated. These breathable nail polishes are healthier for your nails than standard nail polishes and do not cause yellowing of nails. The signature Jaipur color is a red-pink that is not too bright. It can be paired with other bright pink tones to make a fun floral design, or with more toned-down colors to make subtle and sophisticated nail art.

Color: Pink | Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 3 inches | Weight: 1.59 Ounces

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-Free
  • Free of 11 harsh chemicals
  • Eco-friendly
  • Non-toxic
  • Non-staining
  • Fast-drying
  • Quick and easy removal

Cons

  • Some may find the nail polish thick and drying in streaks

My Personal Experience

"It is a breathable nail polish that is easy to apply. The formula is gentle and the product comes in so many shades. It is long-lasting, applies smoothly, and is quite pigmented."


protip_icon Pro Tip
You can pair this color with other bright pink tones for beautiful floral nail art designs.

2. Best Non-Toxic: First Kiss Nail Polish by Tuesday in Love

4
First Kiss Nail Polish by Tuesday in Love Image: Tuesday In Love

Are you looking for a unique and fun way to show off your nails? Look no further than Tuesday in Love’s First Kiss nail polish. This cruelty-free and vegan nail polish is free of dibutyl phthalate, camphor, toluene, formaldehyde, and formaldehyde resin. Reviewers on online forums have mentioned that it imparts a shimmery finish to make your nails stand out from the crowd. This nail polish is water-permeable so it will not damage or discolor your natural nails. It is a certified ISNA Canada which means it meets strict standards for health & safety compliance as well as environmental sustainability requirements.

Color: First Kiss | Product Dimensions: 2.76 x 1.18 x 1.18 inches | Weight: 1.98 Ounces.

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Quick-drying formula
  • Non-irritating
  • Shimmery finish
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • None

My Personal Experience

"The polish from Tuesday In Love has a vibrant color. It applies so smoothly. It is vegan, halal, and free of child labor. It is also water permeable."


3. Best Highly Pigmented:Mersi Breathable Nail Polsh – Great Blue Hole

 

3.8

Inspired by the crystal clear waters of the Great Blue Hole of Belize, this certified halal and ablution-friendly nail polish allows water and oxygen to permeate through it, allowing your nails to breathe. This halal nail polish is free of animal byproducts and animal testing, non-toxic, and free of 11 harsh chemicals. This vegan nail polish is highly pigmented and provides a professional finish. The polish glides over the nails in a streak-free application and does not get clumpy. Many reviews indicate that the nail polish gives you the freedom to paint your nails whenever you desire.

Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 2.75 x 1.3 x 1 inches; 1.59 Ounces

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-toxic
  • Easy application
  • Devoid of 11 harsh chemicals

Cons

  • May chip off sooner

My Personal Experience

"This nail polish has such lovely colors. They look stunning on the nails. It applies nicely and gives a matte finish once it is settled. It is breathable and lasts for a while."


protip_icon Did You Know?
Breathable or halal nail polish was invented by Wojciech Inglot, a Polish chemist, and entrepreneur.

786 Breathable Nail Polish - Jaipur
Best Eco-Friendly
First Kiss Nail Polish by Tuesday in Love
Best Non-Toxic
Mersi Breathable Nail Polsh - Great Blue Hole
Best Highly Pigmented
Color Pink First Kiss-
Dimensions 1 x 1 x 3 inches 2.76 x 1.18 x 1.18 inches-
Weight 1.59 Ounces 1.98 Ounces.-
Package Dimensions ‏-- ‎ 2.75 x 1.3 x 1 inches; 1.59 Ounces
Rating
Reviews1,698-14
Price$12.95$13.58$12.95

4. Best Chemical-Free:Orly Breathable Treatment + Color – Freudian Flip

 

This Halal Nail Polish from the celebrity-favorite brand Orly is a deep emerald color with a purple shimmer that resembles the Aurora Borealis, oozing luxury and opulence. Freudian Flip catches the light of the beautiful blues, purples, and greens for a beautiful effect that’s just right for your next big event. This 1-step nail polish eliminates the need of both a basecoat and topcoat. Infused with argan oil, pro-vitamin B5, and vitamin C, it ensures stronger, healthier-looking nails and its breathable formula prevents chipping and peeling. Its 3-in-1 formula contains the strength-boosting benefits of a treatment and allows moisture and oxygen to permeate the nail while the excess moisture escapes, ensuring longer-lasting manicures. Make a statement with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and halve your manicure time with Orly Breathable Nail Polish. If you want to know more about the results, take a look at this video on YouTube that details a tester’s experience with this gorgeous shade of polish.

Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 5 inches | Weight: 0.01 Ounces

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Free of 13 harmful chemicals
  • Contains argan oil and vitamins
  • No chipping or peeling

Cons

  • Some may find its texture clumpy

My Personal Experience

"This polish has such unique color transitions. They look good in the day light as well as at night. It is very long-lasting. It does not need frequent touch-ups or even base and top coat. The formula is quick-drying."


5. Best Chip-Resistant:Karma Hues Halal Breathable Polish – Halal Nail Polish

 

4.1
Karma Organic Spa Image: Karma Organicspa

This halal nail polish helps some people find a balance between beauty and faith. It’s breathable and is over and above traditional nail polish. This permeable polish is designed to allow water molecules and oxygen to sink through the polish and down to the nail. This also prevents the nails from getting brittle and yellow. It’s safe for everyone including pregnant women and children of all ages. Karma Nail polish is a certified halal enamel and a must-have item for those who desire beautiful nails while performing wudu. It’s completely plastic-free, comes in a soy-based ink, and is packed in glass bottles. Ethically conscious consumers also love this product as it is not tested on our furry friends and does not use any animal byproducts in the formulation. Beauty with responsibility!

Color: RABIA | Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 0.48 Ounces

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Plastic-free
  • Good water permeability
  • Doesn’t chip or peel
  • Elegant packaging
  • Suitable for all occasions

Cons

  • Some may find the color sheer

My Personal Experience

"This breathable nail polish is the one to choose if you're looking to avoid using harsh formulations. It applies easily and has a good applicator. The colors look good and stay on for a long time."


6. Best Quick-Drying:Maya Nail Lacquer – Top Coat

 

If you want glossy, done-up nails without that obvious splash of color, this clear breathable nail polish has a glossy finish and allows water and oxygen to permeate through the nail polish and reach the nail. This top coat dries within minutes and is free of 9 harmful ingredients like toluene, formaldehyde, and camphor, that are typically found in nail polishes. This halal nail polish has a durable, high-quality formula that is safe to use and promotes nail health. The breathability of this nail polish also facilitates nail growth for weak or damaged nails and leaves you with stronger and better-conditioned nails. Maya nail polish is also free of animal derivatives, gelatin, gluten, and alcohol, and is physician-tested, wudu-friendly, and kosher. You can check this YouTube video for more information about this skin-friendly nail enamel.

Color: Nude | Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 1 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 0.35 Ounces.

Pros

  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Quick drying
  • Gluten-free
  • Devoid of 9 harmful chemicals
  • High-gloss shine
  • Alcohol-free
  • Physician-tested

Cons

  • May peel off easily

My Personal Experience

"This nail polish has a very creamy application. The finish is nice and durable. It does not chip so easily and stay on for several days."


7. Best Long-Lasting:Vivre Breathable Nail Polish

4

If long, healthy nails feel like a forgotten dream, we have just the thing for you! This white non-toxic breathable nail polish by Vivre is certified to be water-permeable and breathable by SGS Labs in France. This nail polish is free of the 10 most harmful chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resins, and camphor, typically found in nail polishes. It has the added advantage of being long-lasting, chip-free, and extremely quick-drying. The molecules are stacked on top of one another like a brick wall to allow water and air molecules to seep through the spaces and reach the nail bed, making your nails stronger and healthier. So, now you can say goodbye to discolored and brittle nails and never worry about toxic nail polishes again!

Color: Soft Serve For Two

Pros

  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Free of 10 harmful chemicals
  • Non-GMO
  • Quick drying
  • Long lasting

Cons

  • White color may turn creamy yellow after a while

My Personal Experience

"This nail polish has a very quick drying time. It stays on for a long time without the need of frequent touch-ups. The formula is water permeable and the product is smooth to apply."


8. Best  Nail Strengthening Formula: Barry M Nail Polish

4.4
Barry M Nail Polish Image: Barry M

Are you looking for the perfect nail polish to make your manicure last longer and keep your nails healthy? Try the Barry M Nail Polish. It comes in a glossy finish that looks stunning on any skin tone. This amazing nail polish with a unique advanced formula allows water vapor and oxygen to pass through the polish. Several online reviews have noted that the product will not suffocate or dry out your nails, unlike regular nail paints. This cruelty-free product helps you maintain healthy and beautiful nails without compromising on quality or ethics.

Color: After Dark

Pros

  • Glossy finish
  • Alcohol-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Quick drying

Cons

  • None

My Personal Experience

"This nail polish gives you that durable manicure you're always after. It can even surpass a week's mark without chipping. It dries fast and offers a very smooth application."


9. Best Value For Money:Iba Halal Breathable Nail Color – Gold Sparkle

 

3.9

If yellow, brittle nails have been the bane of your life, this halal breathable nail polish has a unique French formula and special molecular structure that allows both moisture and oxygen to reach your nails, keeping them healthy, hydrated, and beautiful. This is a non-yellowing formula that prevents your nails from drying out and chipping. Enriched with argan oil, this long stay and quick-drying halal nail polish keeps your nails healthy, long, and strong. This stunning shade doesn’t require a base coat and can be applied directly to nails. This wudu-friendly nail polish is free of 12 harmful chemicals that are typically found in nail polishes.

Skin Type: AllColor: Gold

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Free of 12 harmful chemicals
  • Long lasting
  • Quick-drying
  • Smudge-free

Cons

  • Has a strong odor

My Personal Experience

"This nail polish has pretty, eye-catching shades. The odor can be bothersome at first, but it fades very quickly. The formula is quick-drying."


*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Now that you have been through our review of the 9 best halal nail polishes, let us give you a few tips on how to choose a nail polish that suits your requirements the best.

How To Choose Halal Nail Polish

  •  Sourcing of ingredients

In terms of halal ingredients, the most obvious thing would be to avoid pork-based products, which include fats, oils, emulsions, and by-products. The same would apply to alcohol as well. In case any animal-based products are used, you should check whether they are slaughtered by Islamic rules but it’s actually next to impossible to confirm if this is the case with the majority of animal-based products. There’s also the risk of contamination from pork and alcohol-based products. In general, it’s very difficult to ensure the ingredients of animal-based products, so it’s best to avoid them and, instead, look for breathable halal nail polishes that are completely free of animal products.

  • Ensuring halal processes

The right ingredients constitute just one part of halal. It’s also important to consider how and where those ingredients have been sourced, and how it was produced. When it comes to sourcing, many companies are known for getting their ingredients from developing countries where labor is very cheap. That low-cost labor may come at a moral price, such as child labor, inhumane working conditions, and other harmful practices that violate Islamic rulings on the treatment of people, especially vulnerable groups such as children.

In the same way, you also need to think about the treatment of animals. Many companies test their products on animals in cruel and inhumane ways. The best thing is to avoid questionable sources as much as possible, so find a nail polish that avoids animal products and animal testing completely. Sustainable alternatives are also better for your health.

  • Avoid chemicals

Ensure that your nail polishes contain no harmful chemicals and toxic materials like alcohol, parabens, acetone, phthalates, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, and triphenyl phosphate or gluten. Opt for skin-friendly nail polish brands for healthier nails.

 Now that you know what to look for while choosing a halal nail polish for yourself, let us walk you through the benefits that this type of nail polish has over traditional nail polishes.

 Benefits Of Breathable (Halal) Nail Polish

  • Breathable nail polishes are more permeable and combat water-logged nails preventing them from splitting, chipping, and peeling. Waterlogged nails expand and contract when they hold water, which causes cracking.
  • Halal polishes ensure that your nails stay healthier as they keep them more moisturized, even after applying nail polish. Nails have natural oils that keep them hydrated, flexible, and healthy. Traditional nail polishes trap these natural oils and weaken the nails. Breathable nail polish, on the other hand, allows the movement of oil through and then off the nail. This means your nails don’t become overly soft or weak. They also hydrate the cuticles, giving your fingers a sophisticated and healthy appearance.
  • Though all nail polishes contain chemicals, breathable polishes tend to contain fewer harsh chemicals when compared with more traditional nail polishes. Most halal nail polishes are between 5 to 12-free, which means they do not contain that number of chemicals. Those chemicals could include anything from alcohol, acetone, parabens, camphor, phthalates, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, gluten, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, or triphenyl phosphate.
  • Because oxygen can permeate through the polish as it dries, you would require a shorter wait time for your nails to dry completely. It also means the nail polishes resist smudging as there isn’t enough time for that to happen.
  • Breathable polish just might be more durable than regular polish because the oils that build up underneath traditional polishes can cause it to chip as the polish won’t bind properly if oil is present. But with breathable polish, your nail’s natural oils can move through and off your nails, which makes your nail polish more durable and lasts longer.
  • If you want to give your nails a break between wears, but still want to maintain their length and strength, a breathable base coat provides protection while letting your nail bed breathe.
  • An expertly crafted halal or breathable nail polish makes it possible to perform wudu, a traditional practice while maintaining beautifully polished nails.

Now that you know how to choose the best halal nail polish for yourself, and the benefits of it, it’s also essential to know how to apply it correctly.

How To Apply Breathable Nail Polish

 Step 1- Always cleanse, file, and buff your nails with a nail color remover, so that all natural oils are removed from your nails before you apply nail polish. This will ensure that your nail polish will bind with your nail better and you will have a longer lasting nail polish.

Step 2- Some breathable nail polishes just require 2 coats to be applied and your job is done. Just make sure that the first coat has dried a bit before applying the second coat.

Step 3– Some halal nail polishes might require both a base coat and top coat. It’s always best to follow the recommendations and instructions from the brand.

Infographic: 6 Reasons To Use Halal Nail Polishes

Halal nail polishes are widely used by Muslim women as they are the most suitable for their religious practices. The two major features of these products are breathability and cruelty-free formulations. This makes them a healthier alternative to regular nail polishes. Check out the infographic below to learn why halal nail polishes are for everyone.

6 Reasons To Use Halal Nail Polishes (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

The Muslim purification ritual or wudu requires washing the female body. Water has to come in contact with all body parts during this Islamic practice and nail polish might prevent it from happening as it covers the nails. But this does not mean that Muslim women have to refrain from coloring their nails with vibrant shades or trying out some celebrity-inspired nail arts. The best halal nail polishes are specially designed and have a breathable, porous formula that is water-permeable. They do not fade but allow oxygen and water to pass through the lacquer and touch the nails during the purification ritual. The products mentioned in our article are cruelty-free and have nail-strengthening qualities. You can try the 786 Breathable Nail Polish – Jaipur for its quick-drying formula, or the First Kiss Nail Polish by Tuesday in Love for its non-peelable formula. Lastly, the Orly Breathable Treatment + Color – Freudian Flip offers a one-step formulation that makes up for a basecoat or topcoat. Some of these formulas are free of harsh chemicals and are enriched with nourishing ingredients like argan oil and vitamins. However, avoid formulas that have an overwhelming fragrance or dry out in the bottle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is halal nail polish different from regular nail polish?

Halal nail polish allows water and air to pass through, in other words, it’s permeable. This is healthier for your nails as these nail polishes use a more porous film former as compared to traditional nail polish. Some do not require a base coat or top coat and some come with a breathable base and top coat.

How long does halal nail polish last?

Breathable polish may be more durable than regular polish because the oils that build up underneath traditional polishes can cause it to chip as the polish doesn’t bind properly with oil. In the case of halal polish, the natural oils of your nails can move through, and eventually, off your nails, which makes your manicure more durable.

Is halal nail polish good for your nails?

Yes. Halal nail polish is good for the nails as its unique formula helps the nails breathe while keeping them healthy.

Are Halal nail polishes good for weak nails?

Yes, Halal nail polish is good for weak nails as it is breathable and allows water and air to pass through, keeping the nails hydrated and healthy.

Is halal nail polish good for toenail fungus?

Yes. Breathable, anti-fungal halal nail polish is good for toenail fungus as it enables the nails to breathe without trapping harmful fungus.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Our author, Srijani Roy Chowdhury, is a makeup enthusiast who is currently keen on keeping a tab on the best halal nail polishes. She has curated this list of nail polishes after carefully researching them, checking reviews online, and browsing through multiple online forums for user feedback. She picked only the top-rated products that enhance the general health of nails.

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