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14 Nontoxic Nail Polish Brands That Are Better for Your Nails

Say hello to your next guilt-free mani.

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non toxic nail polish best 2020
Olive & June

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You might not know this, but not all nail polishes are created equally. Yes, they're an affordable beauty product that has the power to almost instantly give us that little pick-me-up we all need, the unfortunate reality is that many formulas on the market are packed with harmful and unnecessary chemicals, which can actually be absorbed into the body. Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice safety for a beautiful manicure thanks to nontoxic nail polish.

Best Nontoxic Nail Polish

  • 1
    Plant-Based Clean Nail Polish

    Best Overall

    10 FREE CHEMISTRY Plant-Based Clean Nail Polish

    $13 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Tila March Collection Nail Lacquer

    Longest Lasting

    JINsoon Tila March Collection Nail Lacquer

    Read more
  • 3
    Nail Polish

    Best Color Range

    ZOYA Nail Polish

    Read more
  • 4
    Nail Polish

    Best Earth Tones

    Tentoverten Nail Polish

    Read more
  • 5
    Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer

    Glossiest Finish

    butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer

    Read more

    How to Shop for Nontoxic Nail Polish

    When shopping for nontoxic nail polish, it's essential to read the ingredient label and online product description. Through our beauty editor's research, she found that most nontoxic nail polishes are typically either 3-free, 5-free, 7-free, or 10-free, indicating each item is without at least three controversial ingredients. You also have nail polishes that are 14-free and 16-free, but those are less common.

    To help simplify your search for nontoxic nail polish, we tapped Michelle Saunders, an A-list manicurist known for working with celebrities including Emily Blunt, Mandy Moore, and Taraji P. Henson. She breaks down the most common classifications of nontoxic nail polish and what ingredients are omitted, regardless of the brand.

    3-Free Nail Polish

    For those who prefer fewer chemicals in their manicures, Saunders says you should choose one that is 3-Free, meaning it omits formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate — the three primary offenders in regular nail polish.

    5-Free Nail Polish

    Some nontoxic nail polishes are 5-free, indicating they do not contain formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, plus formaldehyde resin and camphor.

    7-Free Nail Polish

    7-free polishes exclude seven questionable ingredients, including all five found in 5-Free, plus ethyl tosylamide and xylene. "You'll see 3-free, 5-free, 7-free, and so on, but 3-free is just as safe as 7-free," says Saunders.

    10-Free Nail Polish

    These nontoxic varnishes do not contain the seven ingredients omitted from 7-free polish, plus parabens, ert-butyl hydroperoxide, and animal ingredients.

    Pricing

    Thankfully, the nontoxic nail polishes on our list don't contain these harmful ingredients, yet still give you the high-quality color you'll love. But, you will spend a bit more for a cleaner formulation. The average cost of the 14 nontoxic nail polishes on our list is $15.50, while traditional nail polishes from OPI are $11 and Essie is $9.

    How We Chose

    Our beauty editor vetted these 14 nontoxic nail polishes, including their scent, formula, texture, and opacity. She also considered the size of the brush wand, price point, and overall brand quality, plus she evaluated hundreds of reviews across trusted retailers like Amazon and Nordstrom. Plus, Saunders reveals her expert-recommended nontoxic nail polishes.

    Ready for gorgeous, chip-free manicures and pedicures that don’t compromise your health? Here are the 14 best nontoxic nail polish brands worth your investment.

    1
    Best Overall

    10 FREE CHEMISTRY Plant-Based Clean Nail Polish

    Plant-Based Clean Nail Polish
    1
    Best Overall

    10 FREE CHEMISTRY Plant-Based Clean Nail Polish

    $13 at Amazon
    Pros
    • Lasts at least 10 days
    • Strengthens weak nails
    • Made in the USA
    • Available in nearly 30 shades
    Cons
    • Green nail polish is out of stock on Amazon

    Don't let the name fool you: This brand is the cleanest in the nail polish market for keeping out a whopping 21 toxic ingredients. Plus, it comes in a variety of 30 shades, so you'll always find a color to match your mood.

    Choose from their dainty Coral Floral (perfect for spring), or go bold with their moodier shades. Whichever vibe you choose, expect it to last — their polishes have a no-chip formula that makes it nearly impossible to scrape off (until nail polish remover comes into the mix, of course).

    This impressive nontoxic nail polish boasts glowing Amazon reviews. Shoppers say it only takes a single coat to achieve fast-drying, opaque coverage. Plus, reviewers sensitive to regular nail polish and acrylics note this nontoxic option doesn't cause any irritation and lasts almost as long as gel polish.

    More: Nail Gift Sets for Salon-Quality Manis on a Budget

    2
    Longest Lasting

    JINsoon Tila March Collection Nail Lacquer

    Tila March Collection Nail Lacquer
    2
    Longest Lasting

    JINsoon Tila March Collection Nail Lacquer

    Pros
    • UV filter prevents fading and yellowing
    • Doesn't chip
    Cons
    • Fuchsia shade is out of stock

    JINsoon nail polishes are 5-free and vegan-friendly, helping your nails stay healthier through each and every coat.

    Having captured a loyal following of editors, celebs, photographers, and the everyday woman, clientele fawn over each polish's high-quality color payoff, long wear, and the formula's own extended shelf life. It also doesn't hurt that the bottles are adorable and look effortlessly chic on your vanity.

    While most nontoxic nail polishes last up to a week, JINsoon's will last twice as long, according to reviews on Macy's and Amazon. Plus, it has a small brush that's perfect when you want to create precise nail art or French tips.

    3
    Best Color Range

    ZOYA Nail Polish

    Nail Polish
    3
    Best Color Range

    ZOYA Nail Polish

    Pros
    • Over 300 non-toxic nail polish shades
    • Brenna is great for traditional French manicures
    Cons
    • Needs 3 coats for opaque finish

    We're thrilled to report that Zoya, one of our favorite nail polish suppliers, goes above the masses, producing 10-free polish by removing the big three, plus dibutyl, resin, and camphor. Of course, light neutrals are necessary year-round, so this creamy pink pictured here (called Brenna) will fare well in any season.

    Not your color? Zoya offers more than 300 different shades of healthy polish for your fingertips.

    Amazon reviewers love this brand of nontoxic nail polish because it applies smoothly, and manicures last for at least a week. "I've been exclusively using Zoya polishes for a few years, and I have found they perform just like conventional polish, but without the harsh chemical," says one Amazon reviewer.

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    4
    Best Earth Tones

    Tentoverten Nail Polish

    Nail Polish
    4
    Best Earth Tones

    Tentoverten Nail Polish

    Pros
    • Reviewers say the consistency is similar to OPI and Essie
    • Chip-resistant
    Cons
    • Reviewers say it's not the longest lasting formula

    Mani-loving friends Nadine Abramcyk and Adair Ilyinsky launched their own trendy NYC nail salons, as well as a collection of polishes. With pigments ranging from warm neutrals to quirky brights, their unique 8-free formula goes way beyond the usual three chemicals (formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate) that most other brands omit.

    Happy Amazon reviewers say they achieve a gorgeous, glossy mani at home without a topcoat. Plus, one shopper says Ludlow, a vivid red, is an excellent dupe of their go-to Chanel nail polishes.

    Pros
    • Award-winning 10-free formula
    • Chip- and fade-resistant
    Cons
    • Skip if you prefer a matte finish

    It's easy to fall for any of butter LONDON's creamy polishes, but we're especially fond of the Patent Shine collection. The 8-free formula features highly pigmented colors and a glossy finish that lasts up to 10 days. Plus, the dense brush applicator helps you get a professional-looking mani at home, no matter your skill level.

    Amazon reviewers say butter LONDON's quick-drying taupe nail polish has successfully converted them into brand loyalists. "This is such a fantastic neutral that transitions well through all seasons. I've been purchasing this color for over 10 years; it's just a classic color," writes one Amazon reviewer. While others appreciate that it's fade-resistant and uses bamboo extract to help strengthen their nails.

    6
    Cult-Favorite

    Smith & Cult Nail Polish

    Nail Polish
    6
    Cult-Favorite

    Smith & Cult Nail Polish

    Now 30% Off
    Pros
    • Thicker consistency, but applies smoothly and easily
    • Lasts two weeks
    Cons
    • Some reviewers say it chips relatively quickly

    Since its launch in 2014, Smith & Cult skyrocketed to cult-favorite status. Not only are these high-end lacquers absolutely beautiful, but Smith & Cult is one of the few brands that boasts an 8-free formulation.

    We love the offering of classic bold shades like Kundalini Hustle, a powerhouse red, as well as basic staples like Subnormal, a neutral light gray. Up your polish game for a special occasion by layering on a glittering coat like Smith & Cult's Glass Souls.

    One Amazon reviewer admits to expecting a watery-thin film but was impressed when they could achieve opaque coverage that lasts without a topcoat. "The consistency of this polish is a little thicker than my usual brands, but the coverage is better, and it goes on smoothly and easily," writes another reviewer.

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    7
    Best Drugstore Pick

    Pacifica 7-Free Nail Polish

    7-Free Nail Polish
    7
    Best Drugstore Pick

    Pacifica 7-Free Nail Polish

    Pros
    • Dries quickly and evenly
    • Relatively long and thin brush is great for painting your tips
    Cons
    • Some reviewers say it has a slightly goopy formula

    Pacifica's 7-Free Nail Polish Collection features an assortment of vivid colors that are designed to apply smooth and last long. Each is formulated without parabens, phthalates (dibutyl phthalate), toluene, xylene, camphor, formaldehyde, or resin. At an affordable price point, this lacquer is a worthy addition to your nail polish collection.

    Our least favorite part about traditional nail polish is the harsh, chemical smell. However, you won't have to worry about that strong odor from Pacifica's nontoxic nail polish. Multiple Amazon reviewers say it has a light scent that quickly fades away.

    8
    Best Pastels

    Olive & June KMC 7-Free Nail Polish

    Editor’s Choice
    KMC 7-Free Nail Polish
    8
    Best Pastels

    Olive & June KMC 7-Free Nail Polish

    Pros
    • Gel-like formula is easy to remove
    • Reviewers appreciate the wider, fan-shaped brush
    Cons
    • Doesn't include the signature Poppy polish bottle handle

    If you want a truly eye-popping color without any mysterious toxins, these nail polishes from LA nail salon Olive & June are your best bet. Not only are all of the shades a variety of vibrant pastels, nudes, and more, but they're also free of seven toxins (more than double most of those "3-free" brands).

    While there are more than 100 shades to choose from, reviewers love KMC because it is a gorgeous sage green that looks exactly as pictured on Olive & June's site. They also appreciate that it doesn't streak and glides over their fingernails with ease.

    Erica Murphy, our senior director of SEO and content, is also a huge fan of Olive & June's long-lasting non-toxic nail polishes. “My manicure lasts a week without any chips, and the polish keeps its shine, too. Plus, the design of the bottle and brush makes for easy application," she says. "I recommend using Olive and June’s nail primer and top coat to prolong your mani even more.”

    9
    Best Award-Winning Polish

    Sundays Nail Polish

    Nail Polish
    9
    Best Award-Winning Polish

    Sundays Nail Polish

    Pros
    • Opaque glossy varnish
    • Comfortable grip
    Cons
    • No. 13 (pictured) is seasonable, meaning it will likely sell out quick, so stock up

    We've been hooked on Sundays' nail polish since our first visit to one of the brand's spa-like NYC salons. It doesn't chip easily and doesn't look streaky after one coat, either. The brand has tons of gorgeous colors, too, so you'll find your perfect one no matter the season.

    The formula is 10-free, excluding chemicals like parabens, camphor, and xylene, and 100% free of animal by-products. Plus, you have plenty of shades to choose from, ranging from 45, a stunning sky blue to 25, an earthy rose.

    Reviewers note it has the normal smell of nail polish, but they don't mind because the thick and award-winning formula doesn't chip for at least seven days.

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    10
    Best 10-Free

    Côte Nail Polish

    Nail Polish
    10
    Best 10-Free

    Côte Nail Polish

    Pros
    • Pearlized finish
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    Cons
    • 20 out of 121 shades are currently sold out

    This nontoxic nail polish not only has the hearts of Amazon lovers everywhere, but even Saunders is a self-admitted fan of this luxury nail brand. Along with having one of the cleanest formulas on the market (they're 10-free!), Côte nail polishes are made in the USA and bottled in Italian glass.

    Multiple Amazon reviewers say they only use Côte's nail polish because they can achieve a salon-quality manicure without worrying about toxins.

    This beige shade (No. 12 Pearlized Camel) is perfect for any occasion, but you'll also find dozens of bright colors and metallic options for the days that you feel like going bold.

    11
    Best Halal

    karma organic Halal Certified Nail Polish

    Halal Certified Nail Polish
    11
    Best Halal

    karma organic Halal Certified Nail Polish

    Pros
    • Gorgeous, glossy finish
    • Most shades available
    Cons
    • Reviewers say it looks best with a base coat

    Sure, being nontoxic is nice, but some of us can't wear nail polish for reasons other than environmental impact. Karma Organic took this into consideration to create a halal, cruelty-free formula that's safe for most people to use.

    "I'm chemically sensitive and can't tolerate most brands. This polish goes on smoothly and lasts longer than other brands I've used," says one Nordstrom reviewer. "Instead of suffocating my nails with gel or regular polish, I'll now only use this breathable polish," writes another shopper.

    Amazon reviewers (and their impressed nail techs) say these are the most beautiful non-toxic nail polishes they've ever used. Not only are there 21 expertly-curated shades to choose from (our favorite is this pretty pink hue, Yasmin), but reviewers remark that it applies smoothly, dries fast, and lasts for weeks.

    12
    Best Brush

    Orosa Beauty Nail Paint

    On Sale
    Nail Paint
    12
    Best Brush

    Orosa Beauty Nail Paint

    Now 70% Off
    Pros
    • Unique, cuticle-hugging brush
    • Quick-drying
    Cons
    • Only a few online reivews

    If you're looking for a brand that goes above and beyond most others, then allow me to introduce you to Orosa. This 14-free brand sets the bar high for clean beauty standards, but that's not the only reason why we're obsessed.

    Each shade is extremely opaque and swipes on with ease, so styling your nails becomes a breeze.

    The long-lasting formula is enticing, but reviewers are also impressed by its short, rounded brush for mess-free application. "Easily the best nail polish I have ever used, and I am terrible at painting my own nails. This polish went on so easily and dried so quick," writes one reviewer.

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    13
    Best Vegan Formula

    AILA 8-Free Nail Polish

    8-Free Nail Polish
    13
    Best Vegan Formula

    AILA 8-Free Nail Polish

    Pros
    • High-shine finish
    • Only made with vegan ingredients
    Cons
    • Majority of the pink shades are sold out

    Dr. Cary Gannon, M.D, created AILA Cosmetics specifically to provide women with a healthier, transparent nail polish option with fewer chemicals. In addition to being 8-free, the luxe formulas are cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan, and made in the USA. We're a fan of the glossy, rich color options, but it's important to note that some reviewers note that you need three coats to really get the best color from the polish.

    This under-the-radar brand has loyal fans who have used these nontoxic nail polishes for years. Reviewers rave about the brand's longevity and subtle shimmer finish.

    14
    Best Luxury

    Paintbox Nail Lacquer

    Nail Lacquer
    14
    Best Luxury

    Paintbox Nail Lacquer

    Pros
    • Award finalist at CEW, a beauty industry nonprofit
    • Available in glitters, shimmers, and shiny finshes
    Cons
    • Most expensive

    Another one of Saunders' favorite nail polishes, this brand skyrocketed to fame via its cult-favorite NYC nail studio. Now you can give yourself the salon treatment at home thanks to its 10-free formula that comes in a curated 12 shades (which last for a week, by the way).

    Saunders isn't the only one who adores this splurge-worthy nail polish. Shoppers can't resist this gorgeous burnt orange color and note it doesn't chip easily. Reviewers say they achieve smooth and even coats whenever they use this fast-drying polish.

    Headshot of Nicole Saunders
    Nicole Saunders
    Beauty Editor

    Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Beauty Awards package.

    Headshot of Jennifer Hussein
    Jennifer Hussein
    Beauty Editor

    Jennifer is the former beauty editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.

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