These non-toxic nail polishes look good and are good for you.
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7 Best Non-Toxic Nail Polishes for 2025
Updated on Jan. 07, 2025
Everyone loves a good DIY manicure, but perhaps we should be focusing less on how to make nail polish last longer and more on how to make it less harmful to our health. In 2015, a widely quoted study co-authored by researchers at Duke University and the Environmental Working Group reported evidence of a common nail polish chemical called triphenyl phosphate (TPHP). The chemical, a known endocrine disruptor that may interfere with hormone function, was found in the bodies of every single woman who painted her nails for the study. Other toxins in nail polish have been linked to additional health issues. That’s where non-toxic nail polish comes in.
You’ve probably read about 3-free, 5-free, 7-free, 9-free, 10-free products (among others). There’s a reason those numbers appear on labels. “Non-toxic nail polish generally means that the formulation does not contain these three ingredients: toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or formaldehyde. This is also listed as ‘3 Free’ on the packaging,” said Dasha Minina, founder of Maxus Nails, which sells vegan polishes that are free of 10 chemicals (aka 10 free). The higher the number, the more toxic chemicals the polish excludes.
The good news is that in the past few years, more nail polish companies have committed to creating less-toxic products, so it’s easier to find the best nail polish and best gel nail polish without compromising your health. (Just be sure you know how to remove gel nail polish without harming your nails.) Read on for some of our favorite non-toxic nail polishes. When you’re done, don’t miss
Best non-toxic base coat
Maxus Nails Base Coat
If you have brittle or weak nails or just want a little extra TLC, try a strengthening base coat. We love how this cruelty-free vegan nail polish preps nails for a full manicure. Knowing this is free from 11 toxic chemicals will help you feel good about slicking it over your nails. For even more pampering, rub on this Amazon-favorite cuticle oil.
Best organic
Karma Organic Nail Polish in Francis
Neon nail polish is so on-trend, and this pop of orange adds excitement. We love the fact that Karma Organic Nail Polish is 100 percent organic and safe for people with allergies—even the kiddos. Not ready to go full orange? Use this as an accent color when creating nail art designs.
Another great reason to use non-toxic nail polish: It’s easier to remove even bright colors and is less likely to irritate your skin. According to Harvard Medical School, non-toxic nail polish cuts down on the number of chemicals that can cause contact dermatitis (a red, itchy rash), making it a potentially better option for people with sensitive skin.
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Best long-lasting non-toxic nail polish
Sundays Nail Polish in No. 11
This 10-free formula is safe for pregnant women, which is important because, as Minina says, “these ingredients have been linked to allergies and developmental/reproductive toxicity.” We’re a little obsessed with the bottle design and the pure color of the actual polish. It’s pretty enough to paint on your toes, too.
Best non-toxic salon-quality polish
Olive & June Nail Polish in GH
If you hate the way light colors can go on chalky, you’re going to love the opaque coverage of this 7-free, baby-pink shade. It’s a similarly delicate shade as Queen Elizabeth’s favorite nail polish. The brand also has a whole bunch of nail tools (though we had bad luck with the nail stickers in the past), so you can have an entire nail salon experience from the comfort of your home.
Best color selection
Zoya Nail Polish in Brooklyn
Sometimes you want just the slightest bit of shimmer, and this pale gold is the perfect shade. Zoya has long been known as a brand dedicated to finding healthy, natural solutions and formulas for all of its products. With hundreds of vegan-friendly, 10-free options, Zoya nail polish definitely has the best variety of on-trend colors. Want a more polished look? Add this $8 nail product for a salon-level manicure.
Best for damaged nails
Dr.'s Remedy Total Two-In-One Enriched Nail Polish
This organic polish—it can be used as either a base or top coat—works to strengthen damaged nails. Need more reasons to love this brand? The 10-free nail polishes are cruelty-free, vegan friendly and made with ingredients aimed at helping nails grow faster and healthier, including biotin, tea tree oil, garlic bulb extract, lavender wheat protein and vitamins. Wear it over your favorite colored polish to protect against UV rays.
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Best for standout nails
KBShimmer Shade Shifter Multichrome Nail Polish
If you hopped on the chrome nails trend train and never got off, this is the polish for you. The multichrome 3-free formula looks different depending on the light you’re in or your movement. At $13, it’s a much more affordable version of designer chrome formulations. Wondering if all of the ingredients in this polish are safe?
Sources:
- Dasha Minina, founder of Maxus Nails
- Environmental Working Group: “Nailed”
- Environmental Science & Technology: “Phthalate and Organophosphate Plasticizers in Nail Polish: Evaluation of Labels and Ingredients”
- Harvard Medical School: “A look at the effects of nail polish on nail health and safety”
