Pamper Yourself with Nontoxic Nail Polishes

More than $700 million is spent on nail products each year, making it one of the most rapidly growing industries in the beauty world. Unfortunately, many nail polishes include chemicals and fumes that can potentially damage our liver and irritate our skin and eyes—even one manicure a week can add up to a lifetime of health problems.

The good news is many brands are formulating polishes free from toxic chemicals. These chemicals include dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde (a preservative), toluene (derived from tar), formaldehyde resin, and camphor (a neurotoxin). If all that sounds scary, don’t worry, we’ve rounded up the best nontoxic polish and lacquer brands that are healthy and safe. Not only that, but these rich-pigmented polishes are quick-drying, long-lasting, and cost less than $20.

Pamper away! (And while you’re at it, check out our guide to the best natural & organic skincare brands.)


1. AILA

Nontoxic | 10-free and beyond, cruelty-free, vegan Color We Love | California Love Price | $14

AILA goes above and beyond the “free” conversation—the brand’s nail polish is entirely free of more than 14 of the most common toxic and troublesome ingredients. This super shiny, chip-resistant coral is the perfect addition to your collection for a bright and cheerful manicure.

Shop AILA


2. Tenoverten

Nontoxic | 8-free, cruelty-free, vegan, made in the USA Color We Love | Cliff Price | $18

Tenoverten began as a nail salon out of New York’s Tribeca neighborhood, and today the brand has dozens of highly pigmented polishes that promote stronger, healthier nails. Not only are the polishes 8-free, but they are designed to be smooth and streak-free. We love sporting this earthy orange rust to honor Mother Nature.

Shop Tenoverten


3. Priti NYC

Nontoxic | 10-free, vegan, cruelty-free Color We Love | Dream Weaver Price | $15

Priti NYC was founded to support organic farmers and decrease the number of poisonous chemicals in nail polish. These polishes are luxuriously glossy, fast-drying, and chip-resistant, as well as 5-free and nontoxic. We’re wearing this deep green to celebrate the changing seasons.

Shop Priti NYC


4. LaPierre Cosmetics

Nontoxic | 10-free, vegan, cruelty-free, made in the USA Color We Love | I Need Vitamin Sea Price | $15

WOC-owned brand LaPierre Cosmetics came to be after the founder’s mother was diagnosed with lung cancer and became limited in the number of nail polishes she could safely use. LaPierre’s vegan lacquers are 10-free, so they don’t contain parabens, fragrances, or other harmful chemicals commonly found in nail polishes. And this sea-blue hue is perfect a beach day!

Shop LaPierre Cosmetics


5. LVX

Nontoxic | 10-free, cruelty-free, vegan, made in the USA Color We Love | Viola Price | $18

LVX blends unparalleled luxury with an eco-friendly ethos to bring you gel-like lacquers that are clean and sustainable. The pigmented colors stand out above the rest, especially this ultra vibrant violet. With a high-shine finish, the shade will add a pop to any outfit.

Shop LVX


6. Sundays

Nontoxic | 10-free, cruelty-free, vegan Color We Love | No. 10 Price | $18

Sundays is a brand that prides itself on creating premium, non-toxic nail polish that anyone can use. With a no-bounds dedication to quality, the brand spent an entire year perfecting its formula—and it shows. Made in the USA, this soft but joyful bubblegum pink is a perfect vacation polish.

Shop Sundays


7. Ella + Mila

Nontoxic | 7-free, cruelty-free, made in the USA, vegan Color We Love | Wheels on the Bus Price | $7

Ella + Mila marries healthy, high-quality ingredients with stunning colors in its collection of PETA-certified, 7-free lacquers. Made in the USA, these polishes are hailed for being chip-resistant and quick drying—perfect for those of us on the go. The brand even has nontoxic polishes specifically for kids. If you’re looking for a sunshine-y yellow for summer (or to warm up your winter)—here it is.

Shop Ella + Mila


8. ncLA

Nontoxic | 7-free, made in the USA, cruelty-free, vegan Color We Love | Volume I Price | $16

Born out of—you guessed it—sunny southern California, ncLA formulates premium polishes showcasing the brand’s love of fashion and beauty. Proud to be cruelty-free and 7-free, this collection offers a variety of nail wraps, lacquers, and gel colors. This peachy, creamy nude is a great statement for all the subtle minimalists out there.

Shop ncLA


9. Côte

Nontoxic | 5-free, cruelty-free, vegan Color We Love | No. 112 Price | $18

Côte promotes cleaner and safer beauty with its signature line of cruelty-free, vegan, and 5-free polishes. The packaging is also carefully designed for easy application, using Italian glass and high-quality brushes. No. 112 is a moody, mahogany red that will feel elegant all year round.

Shop Côte



RELATED READING