Clean, green beauty is all the rage, but don’t forget your nails! If you love having a manicure or pedicure weekly or bi-monthly, you may expose yourself to potentially toxic chemicals.
Look at the list of ingredients in most commercial nail polishes, and you may be reading a foreign language!
Fortunately, we are becoming increasingly aware of the toxic ingredients in some of these nail products and looking to find safer options for manicures. The beauty industry is responding with an array of nontoxic nail polishes that are safer for you and your families!
So many elements in traditional formulations contain harmful components and are detrimental to the environment, not to mention the staff constantly exposed to these products. Switching it up and staying safe by using non-toxic versions that come in many beautiful and exciting colors is wise!

It is not hard to notice the potent chemical smell in most salons, so it’s no wonder that a greater variety of nontoxic products are hitting the market. You can use them at home or take them to the salon.
Even if you do your nails at home, except for a special occasion, this is an area where you might want to consider making some simple changes regarding the safety of your products.
The Ingredients To Avoid in Nail Polishes!
The main thing to look for in nontoxic nail care is nail polishes without harmful chemicals, often called 6-free, 10-free, or 14-free. This means how many toxic substances the product is free from.
Look for nontoxic products that are free of chemicals like;
- Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde resin
- Dibutyl
- Toluene
- Camphor
- TPHP– Triphenyl Phosphate
- Parabens
- Xylene and Ethyl
- Tosylamide
- Lead.
The Benefits of Using Non-Toxic Nail Polish!
Switching to non-toxic nail polish is a great way to protect your health while enjoying beautiful nails. Many conventional nail polishes contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful over time. Here’s why you should consider making the switch:
1. Free from Harmful Chemicals
Non-toxic nail polishes are formulated without toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which are linked to allergies, respiratory issues, and hormonal disruptions. Choosing a cleaner formula reduces your exposure to these harmful substances.
2. Better for Nail Health
Traditional polishes can weaken nails, making them brittle and prone to breakage. Non-toxic alternatives are often enriched with nourishing ingredients like vitamins, plant oils, and minerals that help strengthen and hydrate your nails instead.
3. Safer for Pregnant Women and Children
Because non-toxic polishes eliminate many harsh chemicals, they are safer for expectant mothers and young children who may be more sensitive to toxic fumes and ingredients.
4. Less Harsh Odor
Regular nail polishes often have a strong chemical smell due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Non-toxic versions tend to have a much milder scent, making the application process more pleasant and reducing the risk of headaches or irritation.
5. Eco-Friendly and Cruelty-Free Options
Many non-toxic nail polish brands are also committed to sustainability, offering vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable formulas. This means you can enjoy your manicure without contributing to animal testing or environmental pollution.
6. Reduces Risk of Allergies and Sensitivities
If you experience skin irritation or allergic reactions from traditional polishes, switching to a non-toxic formula can help. Many are free from common allergens like formaldehyde resin and camphor, making them a gentler choice for sensitive individuals.
7. Long-lasting and Chip-Resistant
Advancements in clean beauty formulations mean that non-toxic polishes now offer impressive durability. Many brands provide long-wearing, chip-resistant finishes without compromising on safety.
8. Supports a Healthier Lifestyle
Choosing non-toxic nail polish aligns with a more holistic approach to wellness. Just as you might opt for clean skincare or organic foods, being mindful of what goes on your nails is another step toward a healthier lifestyle.
By switching to non-toxic nail polish, you can enjoy beautiful nails without compromising your health or the environment!
The Best Nontoxic Nail Polishes!
Nontoxic nail polishes are increasingly easier to find, whether you prefer dramatic reds, sweet pinks, or the clean look of nudes and whites; try these, as they deserve a shout-out!
Zoya Nontoxic Nail Polish.
Zoya’s nontoxic nail polishes are long-lasting, have beautiful neutral colors, are excellent quality, and are pioneered in nontoxic nail care. The brand was created in 1986. Zoya focuses on clean, vegan, nontoxic, high-quality, healthy products.
Piggy Paint Nontoxic Nail Polish For Kids.
Buying nontoxic nail polishes for little girls who love dressing up is vital. Brands like Piggy Paint make safe, low-odor, chemical-free polishes better for tiny hands and growing bodies.
- NON-TOXIC WATER-BASED FORMULA – Better than 10 Free or 17 Free because it’s Free of ALL Harsh…
Piggy Paint is a non-toxic, water-based formula free of harsh chemicals and eco-friendly. It is 5 Free, 7 Free, Vegan, and animal cruelty-free. It is a safe formulation for your little ones and you!
Ella And Mila Nontoxic Nail Polish.
If you have been researching nontoxic nail polish, you will have encountered Ella and Mila. They launched with an adorable Mommy and Me collection and offer safe, cruelty-free, vegan, Peta-certified formulations that are seven-free, long-lasting, and chip-resistant.
- French Manicure by ella+mila: Our fast-drying nail polish is perfect for vibrant & colorful nails; Keep your nails strong & healthy with this acetone-free nail polish; Enhanced with chip-resistant formula to keep the color long-lasting
Dr’s Remedy Non-Toxicail Polish.
Dr’s Remedy nail polish is designed to strengthen nails with organic additives and natural properties; it is cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and made in the USA.
- Nail Polish 3 Piece Set: Anniversary Kit – Brave Berry, Resilient Rose, Total Two-in-One Glaze. Designed to strengthen nails.
Dr. Remedy is an organic nail Polish that contains biotin, tea tree oil, garlic bulb extract, lavender, wheat protein, and vitamins. It is quick-drying and long-lasting. The formula hydrates the nails and is designed to prevent breakage.
Karma Organic Nontoxic Nail polish.
Karma Organic nontoxic nail polish is designed to be easy and gentle on your nails. It is available in more than 100 colors and is 100% Organic Nail Polish made in the USA.
- ❤ Karma Organic this Gift Pack is specially design for your love one. nail polish is designed to be easy and gentle on your nails available in more than 100 exiting colors of 100% Organic Nail Polish. Made in the USA.
This low-odor nail polish is essential for children and those sensitive to smell. It is also chip-resistant and durable.
Karma Organic Nail polish set is cruelty-free and not tested on animals. The packaging is also 100% recyclable.
Butter LONDON Nontoxic Nail Polish.
If you like your nails to be very shiny, Butter LONDON has an innovative Patent Shine 10X formula with ingredients that promote brighter, more potent, healthier nails.
High-quality ingredients, such as bamboo extract, help give you strong, healthy nails resistant to breakage and peeling.
- Patent Shine: Protect, smooth and strengthen nails with every coat of butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer. Chip-resistant & fade-resistant with a stunning high-shine, gel-like finish. Available in a variety of cheeky and vibrant colours.
Pacifica Beauty Clean Formula Nail Polish.
If you are already a fan of Pacifica Beauty’s clean formulations, you will love their nail polish. This bio-based formula is made with up to 80% bio-sourced ingredients from renewable vegetable biomass.
It is a 16-free formula that is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. It is environmentally safe for humans and the planet!
- CLEAN BIO-BASED FORMULA with up to 80% bio-sourced ingredients, from renewable vegetable biomass
Cirque Nontoxic Mood Changing Nail Polish.
If you are looking for a high-quality nail polish that is fun and a little different, you will love this mood-altering formulation by Cirque. The colors change depending on temperature and become opaque after two coats.
This fun, nontoxic nail polish gets a lot of attention. It is color-saturated, easy to apply, and long-lasting.
- Magic Turquoise is a turquoise thermal nail polish that changes to jade green when cold and light blue when warm, and has metallic flakes which will give it a unique, speckled finish
Cirque nail polish is vegan, animal cruelty-free, nontoxic formula, and 10-free.
Smith & Cult Nontoxic Nail Polish.
The drool-worthy packaging on this nontoxic nail polish is enough to catch anyone’s eye. This polish by Smith and Cult would make a great gift. It is long-lasting, has an incredible shine, and goes on smoothly.
- Item Package Length: 4.318cm
- Item Package Width: 4.318cm
- Item Package Height: 5.588cm
This is an 8-weight formula, vegan and Gluten-free.
Make sure to use a nontoxic base coat to help keep the nails from staining and staying strong.
- Nail Rescue Basecoat: The butter LONDON Horse Power Basecoat acts as a protective primer that leaves your nails restored, revitalized, healthier-looking and prepped for an impeccable manicure that’s long lasting.
Buy nontoxic nail polish remover. A good one is;
- Soy Nail Polish Remover by ella+mila: Non-toxic nail polish remover made without acetone & alcohol; Formulated to effectively remove natural nail polishes; Enriched with lavender essential oils & vitamins A, C & E to promote healthy & moisturized nails
Taking off the product can sometimes be more time-consuming than traditional formulations, but using a safer product is worth the effort.
Doing your nails at home, where you can control the environment by choosing nontoxic nail products, is much better for you. Go to the salon for special occasions, and take your nail products where possible.
Try to air dry your nails or put them under the blowers instead of the UV lamps, as these can have a detrimental effect, just as too much exposure to sunlight can.
Take care of your newly painted nails with this all-natural cuticle recipe with rich plant oils!
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, but it will not affect your sales.
Glowitgreen.com is a member of the Amazon affiliate link program.