The Best Non-Toxic Nail Polishes (Chip Free and Hypoallergenic)
If you want a clean nail polish that’s better for your health, here are the best non toxic nail polish brands that are clean, long lasting, and strengthen your nails.
Gel Nails Causing Lifelong Allergies?
The increasing outbreaks of gel nail allergic reactions have been devastating for many, as they can never get their nails done again.
Gel nail polishes are causing allergic reactions due to their chemical composition consisting of substances like formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, acrylates and much more known irritants and allergens. The more you are exposed to these allergens, the risk of developing allergies and intolerance increases.
The worst part about this allergy is that once you get the reaction, you are permanently allergic to any kind of nail polish that contains those ingredients (pretty much most nail polishes). A true nightmare!
If this has already happened to you or someone you know, send this article to them. They need a good clean non toxic nail polish that is hypoallergenic and healthy for nails!
Is doing your gel nails at home safe?
Unfortunately, there is still a risk for those who do gel nails at home. One popular at-home gel brand I Beetles; Beetles SDS says they use 10%-15% HEMA (Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate), which is one of the culprits of causing these allergic reactions.
Why Switch to Healthier Nail Polishes?
It’ll Strengthen Your Natural Nails: without the harsh chemicals and carcinogens that most nails polishes are made with, these cleaner nail polishes will allow your nails to grow and thrive much better.
They’re more breathable: More breathable nail polish means less room for fungus infections or brittle nails. Yay!
Better for your body: It was discovered that our nail beds do indeed absorb whatever is contacted into our bodies. Its in your best interest that the products you use on your body are safe.
You won’t develop a lifelong allergy: Obviously the most important part, staying away form those ingredients will prevent you from developing allergies!
6 of the Best Non Toxic Nail Polishes
The brands I have listed below are great non toxic alternatives. I have very sensitive skin and like to paint on my natural nails; keep in mind that is what works best for me!
Feel free to mix and match base coats, top coats, and lacquers.
*Note: The non toxic nail polishes I list below are for natural nail application, however you may have to do your own research to see if you can wear these on acrylics or press ons.
1. Zoya
First on the list is the the brand Zoya. Zoya is a very popular nail polish brand famous for its cleaner ingredients and sensitivity to those who are allergic. They have the biggest color range and the application is very smooth. Overall I would rate this polish 9/10, this is definitely my second favorite (I’ll reveal my favorite in the end!)
I would recommend using the Zoya Anchor Base Coat with the Zoya Nail Polish colors. The Zoya Top Coat performs well too. If you do all the steps correctly, your manicure should last about 2 weeks!
When it’s time to remove your Zoya polish, they have this amazing 3 in 1 Prep and Remover. I love their multipurpose remover and primer; you can use it to prep and clean your nails before your base coat and use it to take off your manicure. The Zoya Nail Polish Remover doesn’t leave my nails dry and they feel stronger after. It even removes glitter nails better than the other ones I’ve tried. If I were to choose a remover from this list, I would go with this one!
Pros:
- Very Accessible ( You can get them at Ulta or Amazon)
- 10 Free
- Hypoallergenic
- Ecofriendly
- Beautiful colors
- Long lasting: 7- 14 days
Cons:
- Pricey
2. Manicurist Green
Nail Polishes by Manicurist Green are interesting; their polishes are formulated with bio-sourced materials such as cotton, wood pulp, cassava extract, corn, and other natural ingredients.
They are a French brand and vegan. Their polishes are designed to strengthen your nails so that’s a plus.
They have both a normal nail polish and a Gel Nail Polish that you will have to cure under a UV light.
The base coat has pistachio resin, which helps strengthen your natural nails. I have not noticed the Top coat yellowing, so that is a plus. The packaging is so pretty, I love the luxurious feel it has.
They also have a pretty nice Cuticle Oil if you’re interested. Overall I would rate this an 9/10. I wish there were more colors available!
Pros:
- 12 Free
- Ecofriendly
- Strengthen nails
- Luxurious finish
- Vegan
Cons:
- Limited colors
3. Olive & June
Free of 15 different “no-no” ingredients, all Olive & June products are cruelty-free and vegan.
My favorite thing about Olive & June nail polishes is how smooth and opaque the colors are. This nail polish is great for someone who likes to switch up their manicure very often.
My only complaint is that I wished it lasted longer, but it is good for those who like to switch up their colors every week or so; they have a great color line!
I bang my nails on hard surfaces often with my job, and I would say my manicure doesn’t last too long and it chips.
Pros;
- Dries fast
- Lasts 7 days
- 15+ Free
- Beautiful colors
- Vegan
Cons:
- Thin coats
4. Ella + Mila
I like Ella+Mila for how they use way less toxins than most nail polishes on the market. According to Ella +Mila, they claim, “Our polishes are made without 17 harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates, which are commonly found in traditional nail polishes”. Ella+Mila’s policy goes more into depth about the 17 harmful chemicals.
You can also try their Ella+Mia Soy Based Nail polish remover too which is much gentler than the usual acetone remover.
Although Ella Mila has beautiful colors, I found this nail polish to finish quicker than the other polishes as the bottles only have 7 milliLiters. I suppose it’s the price you pay for something formulated cleaner.
Pros:
- 17+ Free
- 200+ Colors
- Vegan
- Overall best for sensitive skin
- Beautiful colors
Cons:
- Small Bottle
Demonstration:
I wore the Ella Mila Nail polish for 15 days and no chips! It lasted longer for a few days too. I cut my nails a little halfway through the week, so I went from almond to coffin. Even with cutting them, the layer didn’t chip. I’m impressed!
5. Kapa Nui
Kapa Nui is a nail polish brand made in Hawai’i, all their products are cruelty free, vegan, and ecofriendly! My favorite thing about the Kapa Nui nail polishes is that it is odorless and very high quality.
Their colors are very smooth and last a long time.
You will have to purchase the Kapa Nui nail polish remover as acetone does not remove their products.
Kapa Nui would have been first on my list if it wasn’t for it’s drying time, but hey, you can’t rush perfection. Unfortunately I am quite busy and don’t have time for the long drying process, but if you have a self care day, definitely try Kapa Nui products! Overall the Kapa Nui nail products are a 9/10 for me.
Pros:
- Ecofriendly!
- Long Lasting: 7-14 days
- Very high Quality
- Smooth application
- Odorless
Cons:
- Long drying time (4-6 hours to fully harden)
- Can’t use normal Acetone to remove
- Pricey
All Time Best Non Toxic Nail Polish
6. Dazzle Dry
Its now time for my favorite non toxic nail polish of them all, the winner is Dazzle Dry! Dazzle dry is a really popular alternative for gel nails due to it’s gel-like formulation without the toxic ingredients. The dazzle dry nail polish is best if you want a gel like look and finish to your nails (and yes, it delivers!)
I would recommending using their Nail Prep first to clean and nourish your base, then use the Dazzle Dry Base Coat, about two layers of the Dazzle Dry Lacquer , and then the Dazzle Dry Top Coat for the best results. This manicure lasts me 2 weeks!
Out of all the non-toxic polishes I’ve listed on this list, Dazzle Dry is my favorite for many reasons. It has the longest staying power, I absolutely love how the finish looks just like gel nails, and I like how it dries very fast. This is perfect for the very busy individual! If you’re always on the go and in a hurry, Dazzle dry products have an impressively quick dry time.
Dazzle dry claims they are “Toluene Free, Formaldehyde Free, TPHP Free, Nitrocellulose Free, Camphor Free, Formaldehyde Resin Free, Ethyl Tosylamide Free, Phthalates Free, Xylene Free and MEK Free”.
I give Dazzle Dry a 10/10 for how easy it is to use, how long it lasts, and how sturdy they are throughout a busy work week.
Pros:
- Dries in 5 minutes
- Gel-like finish
- Beautiful colors
- Doesn’t chip easy
- Vegan
- Lasts for about 10- 14+ days
Cons
- Pricey
Best Routine for Long Lasting Chip Free Nails
My secret for long lasting nails is as follows:
- 2 Coats of Dazzle Dry Base Coat
- HEMA Free Builder Gel
- 2 coats of Zoya/Ella Mila color nail polish of choice
- 1 coat of the Zoya Top Coat
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed these cleaner nail polishes, if you have any recommendations please feel free to comment.
If you still can’t get over how great gel nails are, then there are some decent gel nails that will limit your risk for an allergic reaction.
Check out my article for “Gel Polishes that are HEMA free & Hypoallergenic”.
Note: I do receive a small portion from purchases made through the links in this article which helps fund our business. I will never recommend a product or service I don’t have 100% faith in.