Every WIFE enjoys the shiny coat of nail polish that comes with a pampering manicure. Small problem being that some nail lacquers are made up of toxic chemicals that can be incredibly unhealthy to your body. For THE WIFE who wants to avoid toxic nail polish, start by choosing companies that are water based instead of chemical based or a polish that uses overall natural ingredients.
Next you’ll want to shop brands that pride themselves on being “3 Free” or “5 Free.” 3 Free or otherwise known as “The Toxic Trio,” are the three main toxic ingredients in many nail polishes you’ll want to stay away from: Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, and Formaldehyde. The healthier step up is “5 Free” which are polishes made without: Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor.
All of these awful chemicals can cause a plethora of problems from skin irritation and reproductive side effects to allergic reactions and nervous system side effects. Click “continue reading” to learn about the toxic ingredients that make up nail polishes and read THE WIFE’s Guide to non toxic nail polishes to find out which brands are wroth switching to. -Taryn Cox for THE WIFE
Top 5 Toxic Chemicals to Avoid:
- Dibutyl Phthalate: Also known as DBP, Dibutyl Phthalate keep nail polish from chipping. It is an endocrine disruptor, toxic to the reproductive system and is linked to obesity
- Toluene: Toluene helps nail polish go on smoothly and is toxic to the nervous system as it can impair breathing, cause nausea, cause developmental damage to the fetus, and is linked to malignant lymphoma.
- Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a huge carcinogen and normally used to embalm dead bodies.
- Formaldehyde Resina: similar to Formaldehyde, but not as toxic. This chemical is used as a nail strengthener, but also a skin allergen and can cause dermatitis.
- Camphor: Exposure to Camphor in large doses, especially through inhalation, can be toxic and cause irritation, nausea, dizziness, and headaches. When ingested can be linked to seizures and in rare cases cause liver damage when applied to skin.
3 Free Nail Polish: No Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, and Formaldehyde
- Butter London: Butter London nail polishes are non toxic and “3 free,” so they’re formulated without formaldehyde, toluene, DPB, or parabens. Butterlondon.com THE WIFE Favorite: Base and Quick Dry Top Coat
- Essie: Essie is the ultimate color authority offering a line of superior nail polishes. The fashion-forward shades with an exclusive award-winning formula provides flawless coverage along with outstanding durability and a chip-resistant formula. All Essie nail polishes are DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde free. Essie.com THE WIFE Favorite Color: Russian Red
- Ginger + Liz: A line of vegan-friendly, non-toxic polishes with no Formaldehyde, Resin, DBPs, or Toulene. Gingerandliz.com
- Julep: Julep Nail Color is “4-free” and does not contain formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, or DBP. Their professional chip-resistant formulation is fast drying and highly pigmented. Julep.com
- Le Metier de Beaute: Le Metier de Beaute specifically formulates their nail lacquers to be 3-Free without formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and Proposition 65-compliant. Fortified with strengthening proteins and hydrators, Le Metier de Beaute Nail Lacquers are highly pigmented for rich, glossy color that is long-wearing and chip-resistant. Lemetierdebeaute.com
- Nars: NARS Nail Polish imparts incredible luster and a fresh, fashion-forward accent to any beauty look. An advance polymer system provides extended wear and a durable, chip-resistant finish. Toluene, formaldehyde and DBP free. Narscosmetics.com
- OPI: Since 2006 OPI is proud to be a 3-Free brand, meaning their lacquers do not contain Formaldehyde, DBP or Toluene. Since reformulating its entire line of nail lacquers and nail treatments, OPI will continue to provide their customers with the best quality and safest products. Opi.com
5 Free Nail Polish: No Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, and Camphor
- Acquarella: Acquarella Nail Polish hydrates the nail, helping to prevent nails from chipping, peeling and yellowing commonly associated with harsh conventional nail products. It’s nail polish without the dreadful smell of chemicals since it’s the world’s only truly safe nail polish that is both water-based and non-toxic. No Formaldehyde, Phthalates or chemical solvents of any kind. Acquarella.com
- Chanel: Classic and trend-defining shades in an exclusive formula that strengthens and moisturizes nails as it delivers high-shine colour. Applies evenly without streaking. All Chanel nail products are formaldehyde-free, toluene-free and DBP-free. Chanel.com
- Deborah Lippmann: Deborah Lippmann products contain no Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor or DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate). No animal testing. Luxury treatment-enriched nail polish with Biotin, Green Tea Extract. Deborahlippmann.com
- Dior: Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer is the first nail lacquer from Dior featuring a gel-like finish and extended wear with shades inspired by Dior Couture. The exclusive Dior nail care formula is free of harmful ingredients typically found in nail lacquers (including Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin & Camphor) and instead features pure resins, PVB polymers and coated pigments technology. It is also formulated with Ionic Sicillium, which strengthens the Keratin network in the nails for a smooth surface, while PVB polymers enable the texture of the lacquer to fuse with the nail. Dior.com
- Hopscotch Kids: Hopscotch Kids™ WaterColors is the premier non-toxic, kid-friendly alternative to solvent-based nail polish. Our water-based formula is free of the harsh, smelly chemicals that most nail polishes contain, helping condition your little one’s nails with long-lasting, vibrant color. Hopscotch Kids go beyond “3 free” and “5 free” nail polishes as we have replaced ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, nitrocellulose, acetone, alcohols and heavy metals with water and acrylic polymers. Hopscotchkids.com
- Jin Soon: JINsoon is a performance range of nail polishes and nail care essentials inspired by Jin’s high-fashion work with models, editors and photographers. Formulated with a revolutionary double-patented process, the polishes deliver intense color payoff and a long-lasting finish in a single coat. The entire range is 5-free, created without toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, DPB, camphor, and formaldehyde resin. Jinsoon.com
- Karma Organic: Karma Organic’s Award winning nail care products are toluene, formaldehyde and phyhalate free. The non toxic organic nail polishes are also cruelty free and vegan. Karmaorganicspa.com
- Kure Bazaar: A natural-based formula that is resistant, long-lasting, fast-drying, has super shine with great colors to choose from. Kure Bazaar found a formula with 85% of natural-based ingredients. Kurebazaar.com
- Mint: The motto over at Mint Polish is good clean colors – and it is something that they take very seriously, all of their polishes are 5-Free. Mintpolish.com
- NCLA: NCLA is proud to be a 5 Free luxury nail lacquer, meaning they are not only 100% free of DBP, toulene, and formaldehyde, but also of camphor and animal testing. Shopncla.com
- Nubar: Nubar is completely cruelty-free, and it is made without animal testing or without animal products. This brand meets all of PETA’s guidelines for cruelty-free products. There are no carcinogens in Nubar’s nail lacquers and a host of other nail supplies which are safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. Bynubar.com
- OG Organic Pharmacy: Non-toxic nail polis, free from DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde that is also Fast-drying and long-lasting. Salon quality finish without compromise. Theorganicpharmacy.com
- Piggy Paint: Say good-bye to harsh, smelly chemicals and hello to Piggy Paint…it’s as Natural as Mud! Non-toxic, odorless, kid-friendly, kid-colored, water-based formula. Piggy Paint is specially formulated from God’s natural ingredients and dries to a hard, durable finish. There are no toxic chemicals; it’s free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, Bisphenol A, ethyl acetate and acetone. Piggypaint.com THE WIFE Favorite: For Kids
- Priti NYC: Completely non-toxic nail polish and also “5 Free” (no toluene, dibutyl pthalate, or formaldehyde). and completely safe for kids. Pritinyc.com
- RGB: Aiming to bridge the gap between green beauty and luxury cosmetics within the nail space, RGB is a modern product line. RGB’s formula removes harmful carcinogens often found in nail color. The chip-resistant and high shine nail colors, contain no Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor, making it a Five Free Formula. Rgbcosmetics.com
- Scotch Naturals: The full name of these polishes is actually “Scotch Naturals WaterColors” and they are, in fact, water-based, containing only H2O, acrylic polymers, and natural colorants. They’re also hypoallergenic, 100% biodegradable, vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free, and, of course, free of toxins and chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, as well as butyl and ethyl acetates. Scotchnaturals.com
- SpaRitual: Try SpaRitual nail polish for a toxin-free and colorful nail polish experience. Experience a vegan manicure made with no animal products, toxins, or chemicals that are harmful or dangerous. SpaRitual is also eco-friendly as well as colored with natural dyes and packaged with recycled products. www.sparitual.com
- Sun Coat: Suncoat water-based Nail Polish is a revolutionary advance! Suncoat water-based nail polish contains ~70% water. When applied, water vapor is released in to the air, not chemical fumes. Thus Suncoat water-based nail polish is.Phthalate free, FD & C dyes free. Sunncoatproducts.com
- Ten Over Ten: The vision for Ten Over Ten… to help people take care of their nails in a healthier way. The importance of long term nail health permeates through the brand. They make 5 free, cruelty free, beautiful and honest nail care products. Tenoverten.com
- Uslu Airlines: Uslu airlines nail polishes dry quickly and have an amazing staying power.They are 5-free… That means no formaldehyde, no dibutyl phthalate, no toluene, no formaldehyde resin and no camphor. Usluairlines.com
- Zoya: Zoya offers over 300 colors to choose from and they strive to be free of the three chemicals and other toxins. The vegan-friendly brand was one the brands Eliminating toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP from its polishes. Zoya.com –Taryn Cox for THE WIFE
20 comments ↓
Wow! This is fantastic… Thanks for all the research.
Super stoked I can still use my Essie and Dior nail polishes! Phew!
I had no idea nail polishes could be so toxic! Ugh! Thanks for shedding some light WIFE
Don’t forget SpaRitual – 100% Vegan and formulated without DBP, Toulene, Camphor, Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde resin and Orly – also 3 free.
Thank you so much for doing all the work for us! This info is very helpful! I have been using Essie and was worried that they were not toxin free, well now I know (yes, and feel relieved!).
Free of Toxic Trio isn’t enough for some brands. Snails (safe nails) is 6-free
FORMALDEHYDE
DIBUTYL PHTHALTE (DBP)
TOLUENE
FORMALDEHYDE RESIN
PARABENS
CAMPHOR
First WASHABLE nail polish made in France
Hi,
How recent is this article? Just wondering if OPI is still only 3-FREE?…
Also, I’m a bit confused about CHANEL — it’s under 5-FREE above, yet in the write-up, it only lists 3-FREE?
And would it be possible to add links to each brand you have above, that show online the company’s list of their ingredients? Thanks. I am recovering from a chronic illness to which chemicals have contributed so I’m trying to find the truly best, as in healthiest, polish out there that is also good quality re: shine and lasting…
Thanks,
Virginia
You can add Jamberry lacquers to your 5 Free list! Love them!
Just a heads up, ESSIE IS NOT A 3 FREE NAIL POLISH…..I just bought the 2015 Spring Collection and had a severe reaction and then looked on the box and sure enough it has formaldehyde resin in it . Also if you go to the Essie website and click on some of the polishes, it will give you the ingredients and I have found plenty with the 3 ingredients in it.
Correct, Ute! My OPI and Essie both have some of the listed toxins. Do your own research ladies! Also, Jamberry Lacquer is 5-free. Surprised that it didn’t make the list. Perhaps the author needs to try it!i
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I used one last year Kure Bazaar Nail Polish 10ml Scandal from Thames South Shopping Portal and since then I am still using it. Great product and eco-friendly nail polish brands created by Kartika-Lyut a Swiss-Indonesian super model.
Inglot Nail Polishes should be added to this list. Bright, beautiful, long-lasting colors without formaldehyde, DBP, camphor or toluene. Neither formaldehyde resina nor any parabens were the listed on ingredients when I checked. Inglot can be purchased at Macy’s.
This is awesome! Thanks for the thorough research!
Jamberry Polish is all non toxic 5 free too
I need to find a 5 free for tomorrow. Where can i find them in a retail store?
Add: Pro Strong nail polish to the lsit. Sold on QVC.CPM or Ebay. I use it all the time. The bottles have a beads in the bottom that keeps the polish from drying out. When you shake it the beads mixes the color. Pro Strong is very healthy for the nails and keep sthe, from splitting (no more double nails).
Do you think applying a toxic free base coat will be sufficient since toxic polish goes on top of that? I will invest in toxic free nail polish remover, too. I’m moving to the islands and I don’t think they have toxic free nail polish. I’m freaking out.
I had a make of nailpolish called COLOR put on my gelled nails.
Is this free of chemicals?
Kids Natural Nail Polish keeps getting better. We stock the Ella + Mila Me range which is 7-free! It is available in 15 colours and has a Soy Nail Polish Remover.
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