I’ve shared how to make almost every natural beauty product imaginable, from deodorant to mascara, but I’ve never come across a DIY recipe for nail polish! Even though I believe eating gelatin is fantastic for nail health, I still enjoy giving myself a nice manicure or pedicure at home with my daughters.
Traditional nail polish can be pretty toxic, featuring many harmful chemicals, particularly risky for kids and pregnant women. Because of this, I wanted to explore safer options to keep our nails beautifully painted without the nasty stuff.
But how do these chemicals get from your nails into your body? Nail polish often contains a mix of toxic chemicals, and removers are just as problematic, with fumes that are especially harmful.
I avoid conventional nail polish, but having three daughters, I wanted to find some less toxic options they could use now and then. Many brands market themselves as safe and natural, so we dug into the research to find a few worth trying.
My daughters and I tested some of the top-rated options from the Environmental Working Group database. Some brands worked beautifully, while others didn’t deliver great results.
Here are our top picks, but keep in mind even these safer options still contain some chemicals, so it’s best not to use them too frequently.
If you’ve been using regular nail polish, I recommend stopping immediately and disposing of it carefully. The EPA classifies nail polish as hazardous household waste, suggesting we should avoid it. Use the directory in the US to find a proper disposal site near you.
It’s also important to know that most nail salons don’t use non-toxic polishes, often leading to highly contaminated air. If you must visit a salon, ask about their products and opt for safer choices.
Our favorite nail polish brands start with Acquarella, which scored 1/10 on the EWG database. While it’s pricey, it stays on well and lacks a strong chemical scent. It comes in many colors that my daughters adore. Acquarella polishes are water-based, free from harmful chemicals, and vegan and wheat-free, with a non-toxic remover available.
Another top pick is water-based, free of the three most dangerous chemicals, and offers a wide color range, including a lovely hibiscus shade. I love that you can remove it with vodka or rubbing alcohol, saving the need for separate remover.
Piggy Paint, with its adorable name, was a hit with my kids. It doesn’t last long, which is perfect since the kids love changing colors frequently. It’s also one of the more affordable brands, especially when buying sampler trios, and they offer cute nail art stickers that stay put when topped with clear or sparkly polish.
Suncoat is another non-toxic option with a 1 EWG rating. It peels off easily, making removal a breeze and fun for the girls. However, its peel-off nature means it doesn’t last long on active little hands.
Though I haven’t tried it myself, another brand steers clear of the seven worst chemicals, boasting a huge range of colors and finishes, like sparkles. They promise to be chip-resistant, quick-drying, and vegan. Plus, my girls would likely love the cute elephant logo on the bottles. If you try it, let me know your thoughts!
Want more natural nail care tips? Consider making a homemade cuticle cream for the perfect base to your natural manicure! Do you use nail polish? Have you looked into non-toxic options?
