The Best Non-Toxic Nail Polishes

At-home manicures are great: you save money and you get a bit of “me time" as your wet nails become an excuse for not doing that chore that you don’t want to do. However, the next time you go to open your favorite bottle of nail polish, you should look up the ingredients -- you might find quite a few that are potentially dangerous.

With chemicals such as formaldehyde, camphor, and toluene becoming more recognized as toxic, many nail polish brands have started to exclude such ingredients from their products. If you’re starting to eye your old bottles with suspicion, here are a few brands of polishes that are more nail-friendly.

ZOYA ($10)

Take a look at their website and you may be shocked -- Zoya, for being a lesser-known brand, has the full color wheel selection of shades available. Not only are they free from 10 potentially dangerous ingredients, but they are also always running sales and deals, which makes it a lot easier for you to make the switch. Not all non-toxic nail polishes are absurdly expensive! Plus, if you still love getting a professional manicure from time to time, Zoya is available in quite a few salons -- keep an eye out! I have many Zoya polishes that I love, and their base and top coat combo can make my nail polish last up to two weeks.

ELLA + MILA ($10.50)

The cute little elephant portrayed on all their bottles might catch your attention, but their product itself should hold your attention. Their polishes are wide-ranging and long-lasting, and they are currently available at most Target locations. They also have a soy-based nail polish remover, so if you’re trying to avoid that harsh acetone, check it out!

DEFY & INSPIRE ($7)

You might have seen them at Target, but you were probably wondering whether they were actually reliable. The answer is: yes! 9-free, affordable, easily-applicable, and long-lasting, these polishes might be worth a pick-up on your next Target run.

BUTTER LONDON ($10-$18)

While a bit pricier than the other options, Butter London polishes are 8-free and you might find them to be worth the splurge. Plus, if you have Ulta rewards points to use, you can give them a try, because they are available in most Ulta locations and on their website!

LONDONTOWN ($16)

Cruelty-free, vegan, and 9-free, these polishes are also a great option if you are looking to cleanse your nail polish collection. Londontown has lots of gorgeous colors, and boasts being a quick-dry and gel-like manicure.

Whether you always paint your nails at home or only from time to time, give one of these brands a shot! You may be surprised by how much a non-toxic polish has to offer, and your health will thank you later!