15 Best Non-Toxic Nail Polishes For The Perfect At-Home Manicure
Give your nails that salon-like finish and shine with long-lasting pigments.
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle
Experience: 5 years
Chaitra has a triple main bachelor’s degree in journalism, communicative English, and economics from St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication fro... more
Image: Shutterstock
While you embrace organic foundations, lipsticks, and other makeup products, it is a good idea to give some thought to your nails. Ditch the conventional nail lacquer formulas often packed with harmful chemicals and choose the best non-toxic nail polish. These chemical-free products are made with premium-quality ingredients that provide a long-lasting finish and shine.
While traditional nail colors might cause headaches, dry skin, and dizziness, the non-toxic nail polishes are healthy, stylish, and do not damage your nails. In this article, we have compiled a list of some of our top picks for the best non-toxic nail polish available online. Keep scrolling to check them all out!
In This Article
What Is A Non-Toxic Nail Polish?
Since chemicals in nail polishes can absorb through our nails and into our bodies, manufacturers have started to eliminate chemical additives that may damage your health. 3-free nail polishes have gained considerable popularity in recent years for being free from toxic and destructive ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. This has increasingly led to formulas opting out of the chemical race and eliminating more harmful ingredients like formaldehyde resin, camphor, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, and many others. You’ll notice 5-, 10-, 12-, or 16-free written on the nail polish label if the ingredients are free from these chemicals.
More and more nail lacquer brands agree on a list of potentially harmful chemical ingredients to avoid and are becoming much more transparent with what their formulas contain. Of course, while it’s necessary to be conscious while using safer products on your enamel, you shouldn’t have to give up a happy nail polish experience. There are some colorful, stylish, and safe formulations out there, and we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best non-toxic nail polishes for you!
15 Best Non-Toxic Nail Polishes For Colorful And Safe Nails In 2023
1. Best Vegan Nailpolish: Sally Hansen Good.Kind.Pure. Nail Polish – Elderflower Power
The Sally Hansen Vegan Nail Polish – Elderflower Power is a 100% vegan formula free from 16 chemicals! With this non-toxic nail color, you can steer clear of harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, and toluene, and more, as they can cause long-term damage to your tips. Formulated with plant-based ingredients like potato, corn, wheat, and sugar cane, which are combined to give you a smooth and colorful finish, this nail polish settles as a rich earthy tone. For the perfect application, the brush also contains 100% plant-based bristles made from castor bean oil. With no animal-derived ingredients in the formula or packaging, this vegan nail polish will add a bright and non-toxic splash of color to your nails.
Pros
- 100% natural
- Free from 16 chemicals
- Plant-based ingredients
- Plant-based applicator brush
Cons
- This non-toxic nail polish may take some time to dry completely.
2. Best Long-Lasting Formula: Orly Nail Lacquer – Glowstick
The Orly Nail Lacquer is a fluorescent yellow creme non-toxic nail polish that leaves a sparkling glow on your nails. The long-lasting formula has a vibrant color intensity and the perfect finish that lends your nails a natural shine. This nail lacquer formulation is free from 12 chemical ingredients including toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, camphor, parabens, gluten, and animal-derived ingredients. The nail polish instantly glides on, is durable, and delivers a streak-free coverage that is worth your while.
Pros
- 12-free formula
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Durable color
- Streak-free coverage
- Fast-drying formula
- UV-inhibitors to prevent fading
Cons
- Some may find this nail polish to have a thin and porous texture.
3. Best Cruelty-Free Formula: BONTIME Beauty Water-Based Healthy Nail Polish
If you’re looking for a non-toxic nail polish, the BONTIME Beauty Water-Based Healthy Nail Polish is the ideal 2-in-1 base and topcoat. The 66% aqua-based formula contains mineral pigments for a natural shade and polyurethane resin to prevent nail damage. With natural ingredients and a 90-second drying formula, this nail polish is both easy to apply and remove. Free from inflammable solvents, formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, plasticizer, and Pb, this eco-friendly product is safe for both adults and children. The low-odor formula is free from chemical solvents and comes in 5 nail shades for you to choose from. If you are still unsure about purchasing, you can check out a review of this product on YouTube.
Pros
- Easy application
- Flawless coverage
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Eco-friendly
- Low-odor formula
- Water-based and non-toxic
- Effortless peel-off removal
Cons
- The color may fade when exposed to warm water.
4. Best Gentle Formula: Oul’isi Honey Healthy Nail Polish
The Oul’isi Honey Healthy Nail Polish is a non-toxic and eco-friendly solution to colorful nails. The non-irritating nail polish reinvents quality color with 10 color variants provides up to 7 days of wear. The water-based peelable formula also makes it easy to remove. This transparent nail polish dries up quickly in just a minute, which makes this nail polish easy to use. The healthy nail polish range does not contain toxic chemicals and works gently to give your nail the shine and color without causing you any harm. You can check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more convincing.
Pros
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly
- Non-irritating
- Water-based peelable formulation
- 60-second quick drying
- Transparent nail polish
Cons
- This nail polish may peel off sooner than you expect.
5. Best In Child-Friendly: Piggy Paint Natural As Mud Nail Polish
The Piggy Paint Natural As Mud Nail Polish is a non-toxic, low-odor, and child-friendly alternative to toxic nail colors. You can trust that this water-based formula is eco-friendly and free from harsh chemicals, while leaving your nails healthier. Compared to solvent-based paints that reek of a strong odor, this 7-free nail polish is gentle on your nails. You can get chip-resistant results with this nail polish that not only dries quickly, but also has a durable finish.
Pros
- Water-based formula
- Virtually odorless
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Child-friendly
- Durable color
- 7-free ingredients
Cons
- Some may find the nail polish slightly clumpy.
6. Best Creamy Formula: ILNP Boutique Nail Lacquer – Birthday Suit
For a creamy formula that is also aesthetically pleasing, the ILNP in the shade Birthday Suit is a cashmere pink holographic nail polish that is a must-have! The nail polish contains holographic micro-flakes that give your nails an added sparkle. With high-quality ingredients that are 100% vegan, this non-toxic nail polish is formulated without any harsh chemicals. The cruelty-free color is safe to use and also offers long-lasting coverage and chip-resistant durability. The 5-free ingredient list can also be removed easily, making this product a safe bet.
Pros
- Creamy formula
- Easy to remove
- Long-lasting coverage
- Chip-resistant
- 5-free ingredients
Cons
- You may find that the color is rather light.
7. Best Non-Irritating Formula: Cirque Colors Creme Urbanized Nail Polish
The Cirque Colors Creme Urbanized Nail Polish is a vegan and cruelty-free formula that delivers a smooth and long-lasting finish. The spicy mustard yellow creme has a non-toxic and 10-free formula that will leave your nails safe and colored. This product is handmade in small batches that are free from chemicals including parabens, and synthetic fragrances. The easy-to-apply consistency is agreeably one of the top reasons to have this non-toxic nail polish in your manicure kit!
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Non-toxic 10-free formula
- Easy to apply
- Lasting color
Cons
- Some may find the consistency of the nail polish to be too thick.
8. Best For Daily Use: ZOYA Nail Polish – Scarlet
The ZOYA Nail Polish in the shade Scarlet has a creme base of faint peach undertones, that will add a sheer, fleshy tone and glossy sparkle to your nails. The vegan and non-toxic nail polish is free from 10 chemicals that will keep your tips looking and feeling healthy. If you are looking for a lasting color and shine, choose this non-toxic nail color that comes with a small and easy-to-use application brush that will give you maximum coverage with a single stroke. Suitable for everyday wear, this nail polish will add a shimmery touch to your look.
Pros
- Vegan
- Non-toxic 10-free formula
- Easy-to-apply
- Creme finish
Cons
- May take quite some time to dry completely
9. Best Fade-Resistant Option: butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer – Regal Red
The butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer In Regal Red delivers a gel-like shine for brighter, stronger, and healthier nails. The long-wearing nail polish is free from 8 chemicals that ensures you of making the safest choice for your nails. With a patented shock-resisting polymer technology that gives you up to a 10-day wear time, this chip-resistant nail polish has a gel-like soft finish. For an extra shine, this nail polish also has UV absorbers to prevent fading. Infused with bamboo extracts, this formula also helps to strengthen your tips.
Pros
- 8-free formula
- Up to 10-day wear
- Chip-resistant
- Full-color coverage
- Gel-like soft finish
- Fade-resistant
- Available in up to 27 shades
Cons
- Some may find it slightly streaky
10. Best In Organic Ingredients: Karma Organic 2-In-1 Base Coat And Top Coat
This 7-free formula does not contain chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, camphor, or animal ingredients. This natural and organic nail color is chip-resistant and does not split or peel easily. This non-toxic nail polish is safe for sensitive and allergy-prone skin types too. It contains keratin to harden your nails and prevent brittle tips and keeps them hydrated. Infused with ingredients like vitamins A, B5, C, E, along with plant extracts like aloe vera, lemon, and grape, this is a formula that you can depend on!
Pros
- Natural and organic ingredients
- Chemical-free nail polish
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free product
- Extra hard and long-lasting
- Hypoallergenic
- Chip-resistant finish
Cons
- It may not dry easily
11. LONDONTOWN Lakur Enhanced Color
The LONDONTOWN Lakur Enhanced Color is a 16-free highly pigmented formula that is infused with a florium complex. The florium complex contains an amalgamation of botanical ingredients like rapeseed flower oil, cucumber extract, garlic extract, evening primrose oil, chamomile extract, and vitamin E. For long-lasting shine, this formula is free from toxic chemicals that will give your enamel a healthy shine. It is also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. The gel-like nails are shatterproof and contain a durable molecular bond for stronger nails.
Pros
- 16-free formula
- Highly pigmented
- Contains botanical ingredients and mineral oils
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- No gluten
- Shatter-proof and durable
Cons
- It may smudge easily.
12. TOMICCA Kids Nail Polish Set
The TOMICCA Kids Nail Polish Set contains no chemicals and is free from formaldehyde, benzophenone, and heavy metals. This water-based less toxic nail polish is not just eco-friendly, but also virtually odorless, making this a suitable option for children. The easy-to-apply formula can also be removed by simply peeling it off. An ideal gifting option, this non-toxic polish does not contain parabens, and is both cruelty-free and vegan.
Pros
- Non-toxic and odorless
- Water-based nail polish
- Easy-to-apply
- Suitable for children
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May take about 5 minutes to completely dry
13. Tenoverten Nail Polish
For chip-resistant color, the Tenoverten Nail Polish is an ideal cruelty-free choice that will give you stronger, healthier and colorful nails. The 5-free non-toxic nail polish will help you combat long-term side effects of chemically-laden products. Without sacrificing the quality of your nails, this lasting lacquer gives you a smooth, saturated, and streak-free color. This natural nail polish is a healthy alternative to chemical polishes, and is not only easy to apply, but also promotes the overall health of your enamel. If you want to find out more about this product and its usage, make sure to check out this review on YouTube.
Pros
- 5-free formula
- Chip-resistant color
- Promotes strong and healthy nails
- Long-lasting polish
- Streak-free color
- Easy-to-apply
Cons
- You may not get the coverage that you expect
14. Cote Toxin Free Nail Polish
The Cote Toxin Free Nail Polish is a vegan and cruelty-free nail polish that works as an effective base and topcoat. For a chip-resistant manicure experience, this non-toxic nail polish does not contain harmful ingredients. Additionally, it is formulated with vitamin B5 and coffee extracts that strengthen your weak or peeling nails. You can trust that this shiny nail polish will not harm your nails and instead give you the bright shine and color that you want.
Pros
- Vegan
- Chip-resistant
- Contains vitamin B5 and coffee extracts
- Cruelty-free
- Helps to revitalize nails
Cons
- It may not dry quickly.
15. Piggy Paint SOPHi Nail Polish
The Piggy Paint SOPHi Nail Polish is a low-odor formula that is water-based and free from harsh chemicals. This vegan and cruelty-free alternative has a hard and durable finish that lasts longer. The non-toxic nail polish gives your nails the shine and color that you want, without compromising on the health of your tips. Free from formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, this nail color is also safe enough for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Pros
- Low-odor formula
- Water-based nail polish
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Hard and durable
- Suitable for pregnant women
Cons
- You may find that the nail polish has a slightly thick consistency.
Non-toxic nail polishes are free of recognized toxins and allergens, which makes them a safe nail polish alternative for your nail enamel. Picking the best non-toxic polish can be difficult due to the sheer number of choices and formulations available, but our buying guide will assist you in making the best decision.
How To Choose A Non-Toxic Nail Polish
- Ingredients
When choosing a non-toxic nail polish, you may come across 3-free, 5-free, 7-free, and up to 16-free products. These counts indicate the number of chemicals or harmful ingredients that are absent in the formulation. The most common toxic trio is toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate which may cause skin irritations and other long-term effects on your body. You can also steer clear of ingredients like formaldehyde resin, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, and camphor. This ensures that your nail stays healthy no matter how many times you choose to paint them with color.
- Base
Choose a water-based nail polish. A water-based polish does not give off harmful fumes and is safe for your skin. Solvent-based nail polishes, on the other hand, can give off toxic fumes, which can be dangerous when inhaled. Since nail colors last long on your enamel, you want to choose a base that is safe for you.
- Finish
When looking for non-toxic nail polish, you may also want to consider the final look of the color. You can choose a finish that best suits your taste. Whether you want a matte or creamy finish, there is a non-toxic nail polish available for you. Opt for something that has a glossy finish if you’re looking for a finish that will compliment your outfit on special occasions. Creme nail polishes are more suitable if you want to add a bit of color to your everyday look.
- Lasting power
Non-toxic nail polishes are free from harmful chemicals, which may not allow them to last as long as chemical polishes do. Look for products that last up to 7 days without causing any harm. You can also choose from a large variety of colors and look for polishes that are easy to remove. Some nail polishes also come with a peelable option so you don’t have to worry about using a chemical nail polish remover to get rid of the color.
Just like the skin care and makeup products, your manicure products can also be non-toxic. It’s time to ditch those traditional nail polishes loaded with harsh chemicals that can cause harm to your nails and cuticles. The best non-toxic nail polishes do not contain chemical races like formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate. Instead, they are formulated with natural plant-based ingredients that provide a smooth finish and are biodegradable. These are vegan, chip-resistant, and offer long-lasting results. However, some nail polishes require double coats based on the intensity of the color. Our detailed buying guide will help you choose the best non-toxic nail polish that compliments your skin tone.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Chaitra Krishnan, is a makeup enthusiast and loves trying out new products before recommending them to users. She understands how various ingredients in nail polishes get absorbed into the body. So she has come up with a list of toxin-free products that provide a long-lasting finish. To back up her expertise, she has also gone through hundreds of reviews posted online to consider users’ experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is non-toxic nail polish safe?
Yes, it is comparatively a safe nail polish to use especially if you are prone to changing your nail colors often.
Does non-toxic nail polish smell bad?
No, they do not. Non-toxic nail polishes, especially ones that are free from camphor are less likely to smell harsh. Most non-toxic nail colors are low-odor formulas.
Is non-toxic nail polish safe for babies?
It is recommended not to use nail polishes for babies, but non-toxic formulas are safe to use for children above the ages of 5.
Is OPI polish non-toxic?
Yes, OPI nail polishes do not have toxins like toluene, formaldehyde, and DPB which are common toxins in generic nail polishes.
Are nails healthier without polish?
Yes, some ingredients in nail polishes can dry out your nails and the surrounding cuticles. Do not use nail polish for a long time at a stretch and keep your fingers well-moisturized.
Do nail polishes affect your health?
Only toxic nail polishes can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. They can also increase the risk of cancer, reproductive issues, and respiratory issues.
Are all nail polishes toxic?
No, there are gentle nail polishes available in the market that are made without toxic ingredients like camphor, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, and toluene.
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