Since organic food gained widespread popularity in the 2000s, we've become even more focused on what we put in and on our bodies. Today, many skincare and cosmetic products claim to be “organic” with no unnecessary chemicals added; that’s why non-toxic nail polish may sound great, but we've done some investigation on the subject.
Several nail polish companies label polishes as “non-toxic” or “free of 3,” which refers to three toxic ingredients commonly found in polishes. However, this practice is mostly for marketing; cosmetics are made of chemicals, and while companies may exclude certain chemicals from their products, these are simply replaced with equally strong chemicals.
There are still ways to achieve a manicure with less exposure to chemicals. The Dry Gloss Manicure by Bare Hands is a kit to achieve healthy nails at home, and all polishes by vegan brand Jinsoon are free of formaldehyde, parabens, and lead. When shopping around, make sure to read all the ingredients on your polish bottle, not just the front label.