Is Organic Nail Polish Really An Option?

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Organic nail polish sounds like a great idea doesn't it? Let me save you some time and effort by telling you there is no such thing but you'd never know that judging by the amount of pages that turn up when you do a search for it. Now, this would be understandable if more of these pages actually informed you that it doesn't exist but that is not the case.

Why There Isn't Organic Nail Polish

If you are trying to find a safer, more natural nail polish, I can help you out there but organic nail polish, no. This is why:

Organic standards do not exist for nail polish. So while it might be possible to contain organic ingredients it could not be certified.

Synthetic ingredients like plastic polymers are used to bind the color to the nails. Even the safest, water based formulas use them. It would be wrong to claim that a product is organic if it contains synthetic ingredients.

Nail polish has to stand up to everyday wear and so far no organic or natural ingredients can do the job. This is one product that at least for now has to be made with synthetic ingredients.

Choosing a Safer Nail Polish

So you now know that there is no such thing as organic nail polish and that you will have to have synthetic ingredients in your nail polish, the key to finding the safest ones are to look for brands that do not contain what is often referred to as the big three:

Toulene

Formaldehyde

Dibutyl Phthalate

These are ingredients found in many of the most popular brands of nail polish. Fortunately, more companies have been creating formulas without them or eliminating them from their current products. Usually if a company doesn't contain the big three they are usually pretty upfront about letting you know.

So you give up on looking for organic nail polish and look for a brand that does not contain the big three. You now have two ways to go when buying nail polish solvent or water based formulas.

Solvent Based Nail Polish

These polish formulas use safer chemicals like acetate or acetone. You may find these brands do not wear quite as well as some conventional brands but you are trading a little better wear for a safer product. These formulas dry quickly and provide a durable finish. They smell and act very similar to conventional polishes.

A few brands to try:
(no worries, no animal testing:


No Miss Over 150 colors made from natural pigments, no D&C; colors. Built in UV protection from zinc and titanium dioxide. I have used this brand myself and have been very happy with the results. It went on smoothly, dried quickly, had a hard finish and wears very well.


Zoya Fify colors, safe ingredients, easy application and product reviews say long wearing beautiful colors.

Both brands are more expensive than drug store brands but products made with high quality ingredients cost more. Keep in mind that most synthetic ingredients are cheap.

Water Based Nail Polish

These formulas replace the acetate with water so they are an even safer choice for a more natural nail polish. Plastic polymers are still used to bind color to the nails. These polishes dry to the touch usually fairly quickly but Suncoat needs about 4 hours to cure and completely dry. Overnight would work. Not too many companies have been successful at doing this but there are a few:

Suncoat Earth pigments, environmentally friendly, odor free safe nail polish. Good for kids and Moms to be. Thirty three colors along with a French Manicure Kit.

Acquarella Nice collection of colors. Reviewers say dried fast and lasted well. Just make sure to follow the simple application instructions.

Natural Nails

There is no such thing as organic nail polish and natural nail polish is not really all natural but we do have another option. Maybe one of the safest, most natural and healthiest ways to have beautiful nails is to buy a good nail buffer and use a good cuticle oil. All it takes is a few simple supplies to achieve beautiful nails. You won't need organic nail polish with this healthy approach to nail beauty.

Shop for Nail Buffers and Kits

Related Pages

Natural Nail Polish

Organic Skin Care