It’s beginning to look a lot like summer and that means it’s time to ensure your toenails are sandal-worthy. You may be curious about non-toxic nail polishes – are they really non-toxic? Do they last as long as traditional nail polishes? Which ones are the best? Grab a front-row seat, my friends, to the non-toxic nail polish smackdown. Ten nail polishes go toe to toe. See which ones #nailedit.
The couture polishes were painted on my right foot, and the value polishes on my left. Which ones #nailedit?
Couture Polishes
Paul & Joe Beaute – $16.00
Average 5 star user rating
EWG Rating = n/a
My color choice = Flamingo Pink (08)
Formulated with organic plant oils to treat nails and keep them healthy and beautiful as well as a long-lasting, quick-dry formula for a perfectly even finish without the fuss!
• Organic Jojoba Oil – Emollient
• Organic Olive Oil – Emollient
• Organic Safflower Oil – Emollient
My thoughts: The polish was thick, but out of the five couture brands, was one of the first to chip and peel.
Purchase HERE
Smith & Cult – $18.00
Average 4 star user rating
EWG Rating = n/a
My color choice: Beat Street
Smith and Cult’s Nailed Lacquer consistently delivers both flawlessly smooth coverage and brilliant shine. While custom tailored to provide high performance, the exclusive 8-Free formula is formulated without Dibutyl, Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor.
My thoughts: One of my favorites!
Purchase HERE
Lauren B. Beauty – $18.00
Average 4 star user rating
EWG Rating = n/a
My color choice:#IMJuicing
Lauren B. Nail Polish is 5 FREE – formulated without Formaldehyde, DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde resin or Camphor. The polish is not tested on animals, is eco- and vegan-friendly and free of harsh chemicals. Proudly made in the USA.
My thoughts: I would rate this one right in the middle.
Purchase HERE
Kure Bazaar – $16.00
Average 4 star user rating
EWG Rating = n/a
My color choice: Gypsy
Kure Bazaar is an internationally acclaimed nail polish brand founded by supermodel Kartika Luyet. Beautiful eco-natural formula and bright, fashionable and trendy colors fill the collection. They are based on a technological innovation made after several years of research that reduces the amount of petrochemicals in the formula without compromising on quality, these unique nail polishes do not contain harmful ingredients such as Toluene, Formaldehyde or Dibutyl Phthalate that are found in traditional nail products. The formula is 85% natural and is based on Wood Pulp, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes and Corn.
My thoughts: The polish was runny and chipped and peeled quickly. Definitely my least favorite.
Purchase HERE
Treat Collection – $18.00
Average 5 star user rating
EWG Rating = n/a
My color choice: Fashion Week
Treat Collection says NO to: Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Toluoene, DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate) and Camphor.
My thoughts: My favorite. Love!
Purchase HERE
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Value Polishes
All of the following value polishes can be found at Thrive Market.
ncLA Santa Monica Nail Lacquer – $7.95
Average 4 star user rating
EWG Rating = 4/Moderate Hazard
My color choice: Shore Thing
All ncLA products are 100% vegan, non-toxic, and free of formaldehyde, DBP, Toluene, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. Never tested on animals because we love them.
EWG Rating: Other HIGH concerns: Endocrine disruption, Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards, Persistence and bioaccumulation; Other MODERATE concerns: Biochemical or cellular level changes, Contamination concerns; Other LOW concerns: Cancer, Data gaps, Ecotoxicology
My thoughts: This one lasted longer than most of the others, but with the EWG rating, I personally will pass.
No Miss Cosmetics Maitland Metal One-Coat Nail Polish – $4.45
Average 3 star user rating
EWG Rating = n/a
My color choice: Maitland Metal
No Miss Cosmetics has taken a new, innovative, young, and fresh way to market and manufacture cosmetics for the new generation, using natural resources to develop non-chemical, non-cancerous products without harming the environment.
My thoughts: Went on smooth and had staying power!
Piggy Paint Periwinkle Little Star Nail Polish – $5.45
Average 4 star user rating
EWG Rating = n/a
My color choice: Periwinkle Little Star
Piggy Paint Forever Fancy Nail Polish – $5.45
Average 4 star user rating
EWG Rating = n/a
My color choice: Forever Fancy
Piggy Paint is a natural, eco-friendly nail polish. Its non-toxic, hypoallergenic, BPA and Phthalate Free formula makes it safe to use on all piggies. Piggy Paint dries to a hard, durable finish. Say good-bye to harsh, smelly chemicals and hello to Piggy Paint…it’s as Natural as Mud®!
My thoughts: They market Piggy Paint to kids. These two were the first to peel and chip.
Jenna Hipp Sure Nail Polish – $9.95
Average 5 star user rating
EWG Rating = n/a
My color choice: Sure Thing
Jenna became known as the Celebrity Green Nail Stylist after experiencing negative side effects from exposure to nail polish fumes on set. Jenna decided to create the WHAT’S HOT NOW NAIL COLLECTION with this green philosophy in mind using her exclusive “Five Free Formula”. Now you can wear the most current colors of the season and feel good about doing it, just like Jenna’s celebrity clients. Jenna’s trend-defining WHAT’S HOT NOW shades deliver high-shine, chip-resistant color that do not streak and are always long-lasting.
My thoughts: Great polish and lasted the longest.
Top it Off & Take it Off
Piggy Paint Basecoat + Sealer – $5.45
Average 5 star user rating
EWG Rating = 1/Low Hazard
Piggy Paint Nail Polish Remover – $5.45
Average 5 star user rating
EWG Rating = n/a
Piggy Paint is a natural, eco-friendly nail polish. It’s Hypo-Allergenic, Non-Toxic, BPA and Phthalate Free, and is a Woman-Owned Business.
Are They REALLY Non-Toxic?
Fortunately, these days, you don’t have to sacrifice quality in a more natural nail polish. Would I personally consider any of these “non-toxic?” No. They are still filled with chemicals, just not the big ones. And they still smell the same as their toxic counterparts, which is enough to make me suspicious. But… they are a huge leap of progress from the more traditional brands. And for me personally, I don’t use polish on my finger nails unless it’s a special occasion, but my piggies need some love in the summer!
According to the EWG, always avoid nail polish products that contain Triphenyl Phopshte, Toluene, Formaldehyde and/or Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) and Camphor. These products contain endocrine disruptors, and may cause cancer, birth defects, liver damage, and other symptoms and diseases.
When looking for a nail polish (or any cosmetic for that matter), always check the EWG’s Skin Deep Database first to see how your favorite brand ranks.
Who #NailedIt?
Drum roll, please… Which ones are the keepers in my collection? Jenna Hipp is going to be my go-to since it’s a value polish and lasted the longest.
Second place contenders are No Miss, Treat, and Smith & Cult.
Are you Inspired?
Be sure to download your FREE eBook Transform Your Pantry – Transform Your Life and take the challenge!
Love, hugs, and yup. #nailedit
Gah-the Smith & Cult color is gorgeous. I think my toes might need that. Would have been fun too see some pics of these on your toes! Teeheehee. Thanks for this post. Most awesome!
Hi Mary – I actually took some pictures of my toes but then chickened out and didn’t post them. I’ll think about putting them on but no promises! 😉 Hugs, Holly
Hi – Found this site after looking at Treat polishes. Great items and glad I found your site. Thanks!
Hi Margaret – Thanks so much and thank you for stopping by. I hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Holly
Hi. Stopping by from Saturday sharefest. I love nail polish. These are a bit expensive for me. Maybe the NLCA or Jenna Hipp. http://therantingsofadramaqueensmum.blogspot.com
Thanks for stopping by to say hello! Hugs, Holly
Pinning!
Awesome, thanks! Hugs, Holly
Love Jenna Hipp’s products!!! I use the base polish for everyday clear.
You created a great list of 5-free brands. You also listed some lovely colors that I’m interested to purchase, No miss cosmetics and NCLA santa monica.