Non-toxic beauty has come to nail polish! “5 Free,” “7 Free,” and “10 Free” are terms used to refer to nail polish that does not contain the top toxins found in most nail polishes. What are those toxic ingredients you want to avoid? Well, things like formaldehyde, toulene, dibutyl phthalate, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene and formaldehyde resin. Yuck, right?! See, these toxic ingredients are absorbed into our bodies through our nail beds. And, since each has been linked to various health problems (including even fertility issues), you definitely want to keep this stuff out of your body.
Fortunately for you, there are new nail polish brands emerging every day to provide you with polishes that are free of these toxic ingredients so you can enjoy your favorite color without the harmful long-term side effects. Below is a list of my favorite non-toxic nail polish brands plus several recommendations for non-toxic nail salons (yep, salons devoted to only using non-toxic nail products) in Washington D.C. and New York City.
Non-Toxic Nail Polish
Before jumping into the list, I just want to provide a few observations on each brand — First, each brand has a wide variety of colors; I have to really stop myself from buying everything. Second, all of the polishes listed below apply smoothly and last for a long time (don’t forget though, how long the polish lasts will depend upon what you are doing and the type of top coat you use). Finally, I recommend you sign up for each brand’s mailing list to take advantage of sales and discounts. Most also offer bulk discounts when you purchase 3 or more polishes and discounted colors tend to be marked down, as well.
(Final Note: I have not tried any of the non-toxic gel polish brands. However, once I do, expect to see an update)
5 Free Nail Polish
Priti NYC
Purchase at: Priti NYC Website
This was the first brand I started using it and it remains one of my favorite. I have so many colors, including Blush Noisette (an almost sheer pink), High Hopes (pale pink), Dancing Queen (rosy pink), Nice Gal Peony (deeper pink), Crown of Thorns (pale blue), Dragon Tree (gray), King Spider Orchid (deep purple). They also make a gel-like top coat. One application and you have a protective coating on your nails that ensures your color lasts forever.
The brand is free of the following ingredients: DBP, formaldehyde, camphor, formaldehyde resin, toulene or TPHP.
Each is priced at $15
8 Free Nail Polish
Butter London
Purchase at: Butter London Website or Nordstrom
I was in search of the perfect white nail polish and I found it in with Butter London. In addition to making nail polish, Butter London also makes other beauty and makeup products. I have “Cotton Buds” the perfect shade of white. One of my favorite aspects of Butter London’s website, it shows each nail polish color on a variety of skin tones.
This brand is free of the following ingredients: Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, DBP, Toluen, Camphor, Ethyl Tosylamide, Xylene, and TPHP.
Each is priced at $15
10 Free Nail Polish
Habit
Purchase at: Habit Cosmetics Website
This is one of my latest discoveries and I really like their colors, they are each incredibly bold and slightly different than anything else I have used. I have Sweet Life, which is a purple-ish pink.
This brand is free of the following ingredients: Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, TPP, DBP, Isobutylphenoxy Epoxy Resin, Xylene and Parabens.
Each is priced at $18
Sundays
Purchase at: Sundays Website or a Salon
Sundays says that they are providing us with “wellness inspired nail care.” Their polishes are probably the most long-lasting when combined with their top coat. And, one thing I like, rather than trying to remember a name, each of their polishes are just labeled with a number. I have No 9, which is a pink-ish orange, as well, as their top coat. Their top coat will keep polish looking amazing and chip free for a little over two weeks.
This brand is free of the following ingredients: dibutyl phthalate, toluene, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, parabens, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide.
Each is priced at $18
JINSoon
Purchase at: JINSoon website, Nordstrom, or Barneys
I was introduced to this brand through the Vogue x Birchbox beauty box. I have Vogue Rose, which was a special edition color, as well as, Nocturne, Polka Black, and Love. I really like that this brand has plenty of glittery colors, perfect for the holidays or just when you want a little glitz or glam to your look.
This brand is free of the following ingredients. Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Formaldehyde resin, Camphor, Xylene, Ethyl Tosylamide, Triphenyl phosphate, Parabens, and Lead.
Each is priced at $18
Non-Toxic Nail Salons
One of the best ways to test out these non-toxic polishes is to visit a non-toxic nail salon. Please note, with both suggestions, you need to make a reservation at least a day in advance. They are always booked! Below are two of my favorites:
Washington D.C.: Nail Saloon
My first non-toxic nail salon and forever my favorite. Their original location is located on 14th Street in Washington D.C., but they just opened a second location on Capitol Hill. They offer several types of manis + pedis for adults, as well as, children. In addition to offer nail standard nail services, they also perform waxing. When you walk-in, they invite you to choose your color and then once you are seated, you can choose from a variety of beverages – including mimosas, coffee, or tea. Once done with your nail service, they will ask if you want to keep the file and buffer that was used. If you decline, they throw it away, no reuse — cleanliness is their utmost priority. Take a visit to their website to see their full menu and locations.
New York City: Sundays Studio
This is my favorite non-toxic nail salon in NYC. Their main studio is near Union Square, but they also have min-salons inside several Saks Fifth Avenue locations in NYC. One caveat, you cannot obtain a pedicure at any of the Saks Fifth Avenue locations, but the other services are available. They offer a wide variety of mani + pedis for adults, including a deep hydration pedicure, which is divine. An incredibly calm and serene environment, they also offer guided meditation, massages, and waterless manicures. Upon entering their NoMad Studio, you are invited to choose your color. Once you take your seat, you can choose from tea, coffee or water. Cleanliness is also their utmost priority. And, at the end of your service, right before you depart, they give you a small mindfulness note card to carry with you during the day. One thing to note, they only accept cash tips, so be prepared! Take a visit to their website to see their full menu and locations.