Healthy Nature

Wearing pretty colored nail polish is a staple for many women. Picking out all of the prettiest colors with shimmer, sparkle, or classic and timeless colors is like second nature. We rarely think about what chemicals could actually lurk in the pretty, tiny little bottles of fun colors.

However, typical nail polish is filled to the brim with an endless amount of chemicals. Toluene is a common nail polish ingredient and is also found in the gas you put in your car. This ingredient can harm your reproductive system and also cause dizziness. Nervous system issues are also a concern.

Formaldehyde is another nail polish ingredient. Yes, the same stuff that is used to preserve dead humans and animals. Formaldehyde is a known and proven human carcinogen and is particularly harmful when breathed in or when it comes in contact with your skin. Clearly, this is a huge issue for nail polish as we breathe in the fumes when painting the nail and it is also likely you will get the polish on your skin. It can also easily be absorbed by your actual nail as well.

Another ingredient to avoid is dibutyl phthalate, also known as DBP). DBP is banned in Europe, but still allowed in products in the United States. It causes reproductive issues, organ issues, and is an endocrine disruptor. It scores at the top level of toxicity according to the EWG.

These are just a few common ingredients and some of the worst offenders in conventional nail polish. To learn about more ingredients to avoid, take a speak at this helpful guide.

Now that we know some of the reasons conventional nail polish is so harmful and have learned about the top ingredients to avoid, it is time to look at some safer alternatives.

It is indeed possible to find great non-toxic polishes you can wear every day without posing much risk to your health and your body.

Aquarella

This nail polish is vegan and wheat-free and comes in all of the colors you could ever want. Their polishes are water-based and free of that horrible nail polish smell we have come to know. They are free of all of the harmful chemicals above and contains absolutely no harsh chemicals. It stays on well and dries fast.

Honeybee Gardens

Honeybee Gardens is another water-based nail color and does not have any harsh chemical fragrance. It goes on smoothly, comes in about 25+ colors, and dries quickly as well. It is also a reasonable priced polish for something completely non-toxic and chemical-free. It never has any it’s free from formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalates, and FD& C colors.

Piggy Paint

Although this is great for kids, and meant for kids, it works awesomely well for adults too. Although a lot of the colors are bright and whimsical, they still make for fun statement nails. The polish is water-based, non-toxic, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and odorless. They make their own nail polish remover, you can buy colors in sets, or you can buy each color separately.

100% Pure

100% Pure is a beloved company that colors their natural makeup with fruit pigments and makes some seriously powerful and high-quality personal care items that are safe and healthy. Although their nail polish is closer to traditional polish options, they still avoid the worst chemicals in most conventional polishes. This brand is a great option if you want a safer choice, but still want something a bit less prone to chips. Water-based nail polish tends to chip and wear easily.

Suncoat

Suncoat makes water-based nail polish in many different colors. All of their colors are natural and come from minerals and other natural sources. Like the rest, they are virtually odor-free and never contain harsh chemicals.

For the kids, they also make nail polish in fun color and packaging that little girls are sure to fall in love with.