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Summer is my favorite time to try different manicures. Whether I’m headed to the beach, the mountains or even work, painting my nails always makes me feel fresh and prepared for wherever I’m going. It’s also an especially fun treat for vacation and other summer-esque activities.
However, nail polish can have toxic chemicals that are harmful for both you and the environment. Luckily, many polish brands are making changes to be more eco-friendly. With sustainability on the rise in the fashion industry, it’s only fitting that the beauty industry would follow suit. Before your next summer getaway, check out this list of “green” nail polish brands (and I’m not talking about the color).
The Treat Collection nail polish line was created by The Detox Market, a company focused on curating “the best of natural beauty” and “ensuring all… products are always cruelty-free.” The Treat Collection prides on being “5-free,” or free of five specifically toxic ingredients. These include “Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Toluene, DBP or Dibutyl Phthalate… and Camphor.”
Some people may worry that more natural ingredients aren’t as richly pigmented, but this brand does not sacrifice any color quality for eco-friendliness. Their Something Blue shade in particular is perfect for the beach.
Tenoverten is not 5-free, because it’s 8-free! While their mission began with adding new nail salons to their neighborhood, Tenoverten is now proudly “in pursuit of non-toxic nail care.” In addition to the ingredients above, Tenoverten excludes “ethyl tosylamide, xylene and triphenyl phosphate” from their products. On top of all this, they’re cruelty-free and vegan.
While fairly expensive, their high-quality, non-toxic ingredients make up for the price. Head over to their site to check out their different nail care products as well as their salon locations. I highly recommend viewing my personal favorites: the Summer Trio and the Limited Edition Yes Way, Rose!
Zoya nail polish wins the game, priding itself on being 10-free. It avoids all ingredients previously mentioned as well as lead (although it’s likely that the other companies avoid this as well) and parabens.
In 1986, Zoya and Michael Reyzis started Art of Beauty, which evolved from a small salon into the empire of brands they control today, one of which includes Zoya. Art of Beauty claims to be “the first to remove toxic ingredients such as toluene, camphor… and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) from its formulations.”
The only issue with Zoya is that it doesn’t seem to clearly state its ingredients while consumers are browsing their items. I could find this information on other websites, however, so make sure to look up your item if you’d like to see the ingredients before buying.
After purchasing your new non-toxic looks, visit the ocean! As you gaze at the pristine waters, know that switching to eco-friendly polish keeps you and all that marine life a little safer.
