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Best Non-Toxic Nail Polish in 2024
Updated:
Nov 18, 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
+ 1 more
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our use of affiliate links does not influence how we rate products. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
What you should know when choosing non-toxic nail polish on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
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Find Non-Toxic Nail Polish
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Dream Collection Nail Polish - ella+mila
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$10.49
Product Details
- Contains no Formaldehyde, Toluene, DiButyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor.
- Vegan and animal cruelty-free.
- Certified by PETA.
- Made in the USA.
- Features a quick-dry and chip-resistant formula.
- Offers customizable mommy&me® sets and individual bottles.
- Continuously updates color collection based on trend and customer feedback.
- Developing the Love Collection with an array of dreamy colors.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Durable
- Smooth
- Pigmented
Cons Mentioned
- Smelly
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Phthalic Anhydride/Trimellitic Anhydride/Glycols Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Adipic Acid/Fumaric Acid/Phthalic Acid/Tricyclodecane Dimethanol Copolymer, Citric Acid, Bis[Glycidoxyphenyl Propane/Bisamino Methylnorbornane Copolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer May Contain [+/-]: Aluminum Powder [CI 77000], Iron Oxides [CI 77499 / CI 77491], Red 34 Lake[CI 15880], Red 6 Lake [CI 15850], Red 7 Lake [CI 15850], Yellow 5 Lake [CI 19140], Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide [CI 77510], Mica [CI 77019], Blue 1 [CI 42090], Yellow 11 [CI 47000], Titanium Dioxide [CI 77891], Violet 2 [CI 60725], Yellow 10 [CI 47005], Red 28 [CI 45410], Red 22 [CI 45380]
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Elite Collection Nail Polish - ella+mila
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$11.39
Product Details
- Product claims to be quick-drying and chip-resistant.
- Marketed as a vegan and cruelty-free product.
- Certified by PETA.
- Manufactured in the USA.
- Does not contain Formaldehyde, Toluene, DiButyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor.
- Part of the Elite Collection.
- Offers options for customizing color pairings in a unique mommy&me set.
- Continuously expanding their color collection based on trends and consumer feedback.
- Introduced as part of a collection that includes the Love Collection, featuring an array of dreamy colors.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Long-lasting
- Non-toxic
- Fast-drying
Cons Mentioned
- Chips
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Phthalic Anhydride/Trimellitic Anhydride/Glycols Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Adipic Acid/Fumaric Acid/Phthalic Acid/Tricyclodecane Dimethanol Copolymer, Citric Acid, Bis(Glycidoxyphenyl Propane/Bisamino Methylnorbornane Copolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Nail Polish - Zoya
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$12.00
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Beautiful
- Fast-drying
- Long-lasting
Cons Mentioned
- Disappointing
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sterlkonium, Hectorite, Acrylates Copolymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Nail Lacquer with Hardeners - China Glaze
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$8.18
Product Details
- Long-wearing nail lacquer
- Flexible and will not chip
- Non-thickening formula, no thinner required
- Free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde
- Ideal for weddings, proms, and French manicures
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Vibrant
- Smooth
- Long-lasting
Cons Mentioned
- Chips
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Bentonite Acrylates Copolymer, Iron Oxides (C177499), Ferric Ferrocyanide (C177510), Titanium Dioxide (C177891)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Professional Nail Polish - Kokie
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$8.49
Product Details
- Formaldehyde free
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Durable
- Affordable
- Quick-drying
Cons Mentioned
- Chipping
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Acrylates Copolymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Silica, Benzophenone-1, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, May Contain(+/-): Mica, Tin Oxide, Aluminum Powder, Iron Oxide, Ultramarines, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 7 Lake, Red 6 Lake, Red 7 Lake, Red 34 Lake, Black 2, Violet 2
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Nail Lacquer - OPI
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$11.99
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Vibrant
- Long-lasting
- Smooth
Cons Mentioned
- Chipping
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Tribenzoin, Isopropyl Alcohol, Red 6 Lake (Ci 15850), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Stearalkonium Bentonite, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Benzophenone-1, Citric Acid, Diacetone Alcohol, Methicone, Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Perfecting Nail Veil - Londontown
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$17.00
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Durable
- Easy
- Shiny
Cons Mentioned
- Inconsistent
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Etocrylene, Silica, Aqua, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat, Ferrous Gluconate, Diacetone Alcohol, Phosphoric Acid, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77499, CI 19140, CI 77510
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Nail Polish - LOVE by essie
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$8.05
Product Details
- Salon-quality wear and shine with a vibrant punch-pink color.
- 80% plant-based vegan nail polish formula.
- Enriched with self-love affirmations to inspire hope and optimism.
- Nail lacquer formula powered by sustainably-sourced cotton, sugarcane, and corn.
- Utilizes recycled materials and is produced in a carbon neutral factory.
- For a complete manicure, recommended steps include a base coat, two coats of polish, and a top coat.
- Part of an 8-free, vegan product line that includes various types of nail polish and nail care products.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Durable
- Gorgeous
- Vibrant
Cons Mentioned
- Chipping
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Triethyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Isopropyl Myristate, Hydrogenated Acetophenone/Oxymethylene Copolymer, Barium Sulfate, Citric Acid, Colophonium / Rosin / Colophane, Stearoyl Glutamic Acid, Oxidized Polyethylene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Ci 77002 / Aluminum Hydroxide
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Natural Nail Color - tenoverten
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$14.00
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Coverage
- Long-lasting
- Recommended
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Stearalkonium Bentonite, N-Butyl Alcohol, Benzophenone-1, Silica, Alumina, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Polyvinyl Butyral, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Ethylene/Va Copolymer May Contain (+/-): Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499 / Ci 77491), Red 34 Lake(Ci 15880), Red 6 Lake (Ci 15850), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Mica (Ci 77019), Blue 1 (Ci 42090), Yellow 11 (Ci 47000), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Violet 2 (Ci 60725)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Toxic Free Nail Polish - 10+ Free
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$12.00
Product Details
- Plant-based and clean nail polish formula, featuring sustainability and eco-friendly packaging.
- Formulated to be 21+ free of harmful chemicals and 100% vegan.
- Provides up to 10+ days of wear with a breathable, nontoxic composition.
- Incorporates Nail-NRGY Bio Peptide Complex for cellular energy boost and revitalization of nails.
- Nail formula includes plant extracts, peptides, ceramides, vitamins (B3, B5, B7, E), sodium hyaluronate, and minerals to strengthen and repair nails.
- Application process recommended includes a basecoat, two coats of nail polish, and a choice of glossy or matte topcoat to seal and enhance shine.
- Formula is chip-resistant, delivers high gloss, and offers long wear with a gel-like consistency for smooth application.
- Certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and manufactured in the USA.
- Does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and other harmful chemicals.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Vibrant
- Long-lasting
- Smooth
Cons Mentioned
- Chips
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Adipic Acid/Fumaric Acid/Tricyclodecane Dimethanol Copolymer, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Water, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Glycerin, Soy Aminoacids, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Biotin, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Apium Graveolens (Celery) Seed Extract, Tocopherol, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Diacetone Alcohol, Citric Acid, May Contain: Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Red 6 Lake (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Red 33 Lake (CI 17200), Red 34 Lake (CI 15880), Tin Oxide (CI 77861), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Violet 2 (CI 60730), Yellow 11 (CI 47000)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Bio-Sourced, Chip Free Nail Lacquer - Nailtopia
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$9.98
Product Details
- Provides long-lasting, chip-proof performance for a healthy, lustrous manicure or pedicure.
- For optimal results, use with Nailtopia's base coat and top coat.
- Vegan and cruelty-free, containing clinically tested vitamins, minerals, and superfoods.
- Infused with a proprietary blend of real fruits and vegetables that deliver essential nutrients for nail strength and flexibility.
- Free from harmful chemicals; bio-sourced and superfood-infused.
- Eco-friendly formula, using plant-based, bio-sourced ingredients with clean manufacturing practices.
- Contains 85% bio-sourced ingredients compared to the typical 10% in other nail lacquers.
- Formulated with vegetable-based ingredients from potato, corn, wheat, and manioc, reducing reliance on conventional petrochemical components.
- Offers a more breathable nail lacquer that is healthier for nails.
- Products are non-toxic, 100% vegan, and certified by Leaping Bunny.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Durable
- Smooth
- Shiny
Cons Mentioned
- Streaky
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Adipic Acid/Fumaric Acid/Tricydodecane Dimethanol Copolymer, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Alcohol, Butyl Acetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Diacetone Alchohol, Ethyl Acetate, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Isosorbide Dicaprylate/Caprate, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, N-Butyl Alcohol, Nitrocellulose, Phosphonic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Propylene Glycol
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Toxin Free Nail Polish - Cote
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$21.00
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Durable
- Quick-drying
- Toxin-free
Cons Mentioned
- Odor
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Cl 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Adipic Acid/Fumeric Acid/Tricyclodecane Dimethanol Copolymer, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Etocrylene, Diacetone Alcohol, Citric Acid
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Nail Polish lakur - Londontown
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$16.00
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Durable
- Natural
- Sheer
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Acrylates Copolymer, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, N-Butyl Alcohol, Benzophenone-1, Aqua, Silica, Colophonium, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenoate, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat, Ferrous Gluconate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, May Contain: CI 15850, CI 77891
Our Product Rating System
First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.
Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.
Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.
Welpr Rating:
5.0/5
Part 1: Product safety
We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.
Part 2: Consumer satisfaction
We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).
Part 3: Ethics & Environment
When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Nail Polish
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Toluene
Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid that naturally occurs in crude oil and the tolu tree. It's prominent in the production of gasoline, coke from coal, and various consumer products like paints, adhesives, and nail polish. Toluene is even added to gasoline, used to create benzene, and acts as a solvent. However, exposure to toluene, especially from inhalation, can have serious health effects. It primarily targets the central nervous system, inducing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, headaches, and in chronic cases, can cause severe dysfunction. Exposure has also been linked to developmental effects in children, but there isn't enough evidence to conclude its carcinogenic potential. Abuse of toluene can cause permanent brain damage, liver injury, and even potential birth defects or increased risk of spontaneous abortions in pregnant women. Despite these risks, cognitive deficits from toluene exposure below a threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm remain extremely low.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent smell that's naturally produced in small quantities in human bodies and is also known as methanal amongst other names. It's used in the production of various items such as fertilizers, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins as well as in some foods and household products like antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde, which can occur through breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air can lead to respiratory symptoms, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and has been linked to lung and nasopharyngeal cancer as well as leukemia. The EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1) and inhaling it can cause bronchospasm and pulmonary edema. Commercially, it's sold as formalin in solutions of 37%, 44%, or 50% and long-term exposure can cause first-degree burns, skin sensitization, squamous cell nasal cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstruction.
Sources:
Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk, Cleaning Products & Indoor Air Quality, No More Toxic Tub, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Preservatives, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Formaldehyde And Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives, Formaldehyde may be found in cosmetic products even when unlabelled, Formaldehyde Found in Popular American Beauty Products, Hair Salons - Formaldehyde in Your Products, Formaldehyde in cosmetic products
Xylene
Xylene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor that can be found in cosmetic products. Its functions include enhancing fragrance and perfuming the skin, as well as serving as a solvent to dissolve other substances in the formulation. However, it's important to note that exposure to xylene can lead to various health issues, including irritation of the eyes, nose, skin, and throat, along with symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, and loss of muscle coordination.
Methylisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone can reportedly cause allergic contact dermatitis in workers who interact with products containing it. This substance is recognized as a contact allergen for consumers using cosmetics that include it. It can cause skin burns and sensitization, and inhaling it may lead to corrosive injuries in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Ingesting this substance is harmful, and inhalation is toxic. This preservative is linked to the category of isothiazolinones.
Sources:
Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, Methylisothiazolinone toxicity and inhibition of wound healing and regeneration in planaria, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or methylisothiazolinone in cosmetic products, Isothiazolinone Biocides: Chemistry, Biological, and Toxicity Profiles, Methylisothiazolinone and isothiazolinone allergy, Analysis of isothiazolinones in environmental waters by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Methylisothiazolinone induces apoptotic cell death via matrix metalloproteinase activation in human bronchial epithelial cells, EU REGULATIONS , Methylisothiazolinone contact allergy: a review, Effects of methylisothiazolinone and octylisothiazolinone on development and thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish larvae, Two Cases of Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone-associated Toxic Lung Injury, An update of the risk assessment for methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) with focus on rinse-off products, Effects of a mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone on peripheral airway dysfunction in children, Isothiazolinone preservative: cause of a continuing epidemic of cosmetic dermatitis, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Acetone
Acetone is a colorless, flammable liquid that dissolves in water and has a distinct smell and taste. It is also known as dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, and beta-ketopropane. This manufactured chemical, which is used to create plastic, fibers, drugs, and other chemicals, can also be found in the environment in plants, trees, volcanic gases, forest fires, vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and landfill sites, with industrial processes contributing more to its presence than natural ones. Acetone can be harmful if absorbed through the skin or inhaled, potentially causing irritation to the skin and respiratory tract, as well as adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS), liver, and kidneys. The allowable exposure limit is set based on its potential to cause eye and upper respiratory irritation and CNS impairment.
Benzophenone
Benzophenone (BZP) is a photoinitiator, fragrance enhancer, and ultraviolet stabilizer, used in a variety of industrial applications. Despite not being registered as a pesticide in the U.S., it's involved in the production of insecticides and agricultural chemicals. Its toxic effects on humans are scarcely documented, but it presents little hormonal activity on cell lines. Animal studies show it possesses no estrogenic activity, but it can transform into derivatives with such activity under UV irradiation. It did not show reproductive toxicity or carcinogenicity in rats and mice, respectively, even at high doses. It can be bioactivated through specific enzymes. For aquatic life, fathead minnow larvae were more sensitive to BZP, ranking it in the middle of the toxicity order of six benzene derivatives.
Sources:
Benzophenone & Related Compounds, Chemical Profile: Benzophenone, Toxicological evaluation of benzophenone, Benzophenone – information sheet, Proposition 65 Warnings: Benzophenone, OEHHA: Benzophenone, FDA Removes 7 Synthetic Flavoring Substances from Food Additives List, Benzophenone-3, a chemical UV-filter in cosmetics: is it really safe for children and pregnant women? ,
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