Choosing the right nail color is only half the battle. In fact, it’s important to note that many polishes on the market contain harmful ingredients that can not only damage your nails, but also negatively impact your health. Formaldehyde, Toluene and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) are three of the main toxic ingredients to look out for. Some polishes also stay clear of seven others: Camphor, Formaldehyde resin, Xylene, Triphenyl phosphate, Ethyl tosylamide, Parabens and Acetone. To make your shopping easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best all-natural options on the market. They range from three-free options to ten-free, referring to the number of chemicals they don’t include. They’re also made to give you a flawless finish.
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1. Essie Nail Polish
Essie’s polish is free of DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde and is a streak-free, high-gloss formula.
Pros: Essie’s polishes have been used by salons for 35 years, so you can trust their quality. They come in over 1,000 shades to choose from.
Cons: Some colors may appear darker or lighter online than in person.
2. Zoya Nail Polish
Zoya’s polishes are free of all 10 common harsh chemicals.
Pros: They come in countless color options.
Cons: The true pigment of each color shows better with more coats.
3. OPI Nail Lacquer
OPI Nail Lacquer comes in over 200 different shades and is dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde-free.
Pros: It’s made to offer full coverage without being too thick.
Cons: The polish lasts will likely last seven days when used with a proper base coat and top coat.
