As the act of painting one’s nails has become increasingly popular across all genders, we’ve learned more and more about the potential dangers associated with traditional formulations of the brightly coloured, attractive lacquer.
Nail polish is thought to have originated in China as early as 3000 BC, and was made from natural materials such as beeswax, egg whites and vegetable dyes.
However, the first liquid nail polish to be commercialised came to be in 1920, when Michelle Menard, in collaboration with Charles Revson – founder of Revlon – realised the same ingredients used in car paint to create that characteristic shiny, enamel finish could used in an array of colourful nail polishes.
That’s right, modern nail polish is essentially car paint. Not the most appealing, when you think about it.
What are the toxic ingredients found in nail polish?
The big three culprits when it comes to toxic ingredients often found in nail polish include: formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). These ingredients are also often referred to as the ‘Toxic Trio’ which, in another universe, could be a great new girl band name.
Alas, these ingredients are nothing to be celebrated. Formaldehyde helps to harden nails, but it’s a known carcinogen. Meanwhile toluene is a harmful neurotoxin, and some studies show that DBP can harm the reproductive system.
Though applied to the nails, this substance can migrate into the bloodstream after application. Additionally, repeated exposure and consequential inhalation of the product can lead to further migration of the harmful toxins into the body.
As such, a range of wonderful brands have taken on the task of formulating beautiful nail polish colours created without any harmful nasties. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded-up a selection of the best non-toxic nail polish to buy in the UK.
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Zoya Naked Manicure Mini Professional Kit UK
Give your toxic nail polish collection a complete overhaul with this fantastic Naked Manicure set from Zoya. Formulated without any of the ‘big three’ when it comes to toxic ingredients, Zoya has instead switched out those nasties for six ‘perfectors’ to deliver long-term therapeutic benefits to your nails. These include optical diffusers, keratin fillers, micronized reflective colour pigments and micro thin film formers which work together to enhance the natural vibrancy of your nail, rather than conceal it with glorified car paint. This formulation is also 100 per cent vegan. It’s a winner in our eyes.
Buy now £48.97, Only Naturals
Nailberry L'Oxygéné
Founded in 2012 by Sonia Hully, Nailberry was initially a luxury Nail Bar located in Chelsea – before transitioning into a range of luxurious, toxin-free premium polish range. Nailberry prides itself on the production of polish which is 12-free.
This means that the formulation is, of course, void of the ‘big three’ – but it’s also free from a wide range of other chemicals found in traditional nail polish including: formaldehyde resin, xylene, parabens, fragrances, animal ingredients, ethyl tosylamide and triphenyl phosphate. The result? A wonderfully healthy manicure that actually benefits our nails, with no compromise on colour.
Buy now £16.00, John Lewis
Kure Bazaar Nail Polish Zoe
Kure Bazaar’s Zoe polish is a 10-free formulation, and is available in a warm, dusty nude hue with a hint of pink. In each polish, 90 per cent of the ingredients are from natural origins, working to promote the health and longevity of your nails rather than providing a quick aesthetic fix.
Buy now £16.00, Naturismo
Dear Sundays Non Toxic 10 Free Nail Polish
Another wonderfully hydrating 10-free formulation, Dear Sundays polish colours are incredibly vibrant with an opaque gloss finish. This means that your nails will look as bright and shiny as a brand-new car enamel, without any of the toxic ingredients. You can purchase the brand’s entire colour range via Nail Polish Direct.
Buy now £10.95, NPD
Nails Inc. Plant Power Nail Polish
‘21-free’ is a bold claim within the world of non-toxic nail polish, but it appears that London-based brand Nails Inc. has achieved the seemingly impossible. As immediately stated on the sustainable wooden-topped bottle, this formulation is made from 73 per cent plant-derived ingredients, and is free from the likes of formaldehyde, acetone, and other animal derivatives.
Buy now £9.00, Cult Beauty
Manicurist Green Range
Made in France, the Manicurist range is 12-free, and each chic 15ml bottle is complete with a professional-quality brush for the perfect manicure every time. The formulation includes up to 84 per cent bio-sourced ingredients to replace all those nasty petrochemicals found in traditional lacquers.
Buy now £14.00, Manicurist
Zao Nail Polish – Colours Of Summer Collection
These pretty little polishes have been enriched with bamboo rhizome macerate for your healthiest, shiniest manicure yet. The colours of summer collection includes four beautiful pastel shades to compliment sun-kissed skin, is free from 10 harmful ingredients and is packaged with limited plastic.
Buy now £11.50, Amazon
Palette Sherbet Lemon Nail Paint
Palette nail polishes are clinically proven to strengthen your nails while delivering a long-lasting gel effect, without any nasty additives. To replace the 21 toxic chemicals usually found in nail polish, the vegan label has formulated a stripped-back ‘super three’ trio of ingredients. These include arginine to prevent nail breakage, tea tree oil for its antioxidant and antiseptic properties, as well as vitamin E.
Buy now £9.00, Anthropologie
