We all love a good manicure.
But sometimes, it’s worth thinking about the chemicals in everyday nail polishes.
If you look at the back of your favourite shade, it’s unlikely that you’ll recognise any of the ingredients.
So, if you want to be a bit more conscious of what you apply to your body and your nails, we recommend non-toxic nail polishes.
Discover more about manicures and nail care in our Ultimate Guide to Nail Polish and keeps scrolling for the best non-toxic nail polishes online...
Traditional nail polishes contain a host of ingredients—namely Formaldehyde, DBP, and Toluene.
Non-toxic nail polishes are free of these chemicals. All avoid the ‘big three’ ingredients, and some products eliminate other potentially harmful ingredients too.
Just because newer nail polishes don’t contain these chemicals doesn’t mean they can’t deliver stunning colours and a long-lasting finish. There really isn’t any need to choose old-school nail polishes.
Read more about long-lasting formulas and keeping your mani looking pristine in How Can I Make My Nail Polish Last Longer?.
You may have heard the terms ‘3-free’ and ‘5-free’ when shopping for non-toxic nail polish. But what exactly do they mean? Standard nail polish is now ‘3-free’, meaning it doesn’t contain Formaldehyde, DBP, or Toluene.
But it’s important to note that regulations of this are different throughout the world. A 5-free nail varnish takes things a step further and excludes Camphor and Formaldehyde Resin.
These two ingredients are known allergens that can cause dermatitis and inhalation problems when presented in high doses. Read on to discover our favourite 5-free nail polish brands.
We always recommend non-toxic nail polish for pregnancy, as chemicals can easily absorb into your body. Toluene especially is known to be harmful to fetuses.
So, the greater the number of natural products you use in your pregnancy, the better. We also suggest non-toxic kid-safe nail polish to avoid exposing your little ones to these chemicals.
Iconic nail brand Smith & Cult boasts impressive 8-free polishes, which are free of all chemical nasties. This is one of the most luxurious non-toxic nail brands available. Smith & Cult polishes are also vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free. These nail enamels come in a large variety of flattering shades for all different tastes and styles. Read more on choosing a nail polish shade in Which Nail Polish Colour is Best for My Skintone?.
Whether it’s a nude or a glitter, Smith & Cult polish applies easily to your nails and provides a long-lasting finish.
If you’ve been wondering whether your favourite Barry M nail polish is non-toxic, we’ve got good news! Barry M nail paints are vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic, which means you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy polishes free of harmful chemicals. This affordable brand is known and loved for its extensive selection of nail polishes. A load of different formulas and finishes are available to suit different tastes and trends. One of our favourites is the Coconut Infusion range, which combines Coconut Oil and Coconut Water in the polish to hydrate and protect the nails from environmental aggressors.
Now that you’ve found your perfect polish, it’s important to remove it carefully. Some nail polish removers can be incredibly harsh on the skin and nails, undoing the effort you put into choosing and using a non-toxic polish!
OPI Nail Polish Remover Acetone Free 110ml effortlessly remove polish in just one swipe without the need for harsh chemicals.
Discover Our Top Tips for Looking After Your Nails...
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
