The Welpr Rating is determined by a scoring formula. The formula takes into account the products safety, user satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing. Click here to learn more.
Best Non-Toxic Nail Polish in 2025
Updated:
Aug 28, 2025
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What we look for:
- Free from formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, benzophenones, and other high-risk toxins
- No synthetic fragrance, unapproved dyes, or undisclosed ingredients
- “X-free” claims (like 10-free or 21-free) verified against the full ingredient list
- Third-party certifications when available
- Full transparency with every ingredient clearly listed
Not all products in this category are Welpr Approved, but they’re safer than most. The ones that meet our full standard will have the Welpr Approved tag. View our full standards here.
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.
Nail Lacquer with Hardeners - China Glaze
Welpr Rating
4.95
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$6.49
Product Details
- Long-lasting wear without frequent touch-ups.
- Flexible finish that resists chipping for a polished look.
- Non-thickening formula maintains a smooth consistency.
- Free from DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde for safer use.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dries quickly and lasts long without chipping.
- Beautiful iridescent and opalescent shades available.
- Requires minimal layers for a stunning finish.
- Suitable for layering over other colors for unique effects.
- Versatile for different occasions and looks.
Cons
- Some users find the color appears different than expected in varied lighting.
- A few users mentioned needing more coats for full opacity.
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.
Nail Polish - Zoya
Welpr Rating
4.9
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$12.00
Product Details
- Free from formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, making it a safer choice for your nails.
- Designed for health-conscious individuals who want to avoid toxic chemicals in nail polish.
- Provides a professional-quality finish for salon and spa results at home.
- Offers a wide range of colours to suit different styles and preferences, without compromising on safety.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Beautiful, vibrant color appreciated by many users.
- Formaldehyde-free formula for a healthier option.
- Close match to advertised color and no chipping observed in early days.
Cons
- Some may find the thin brush challenging for application.
- A few users received thick or expired polish, impacting use.
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 Polish - Cote
Welpr Rating
4.8
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$21.00
Product Details
- Made from non-toxic, safe ingredients to protect your health.
- Free of harmful chemicals to ensure you avoid exposure to toxins.
- Suitable for individuals seeking a healthier beauty routine.
- Ideal for health-conscious users who prioritize non-toxic products.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Toxin-free formula, keeping health a priority.
- Quick-drying and long-lasting with minimal odor.
- Applies smoothly with beautiful color options.
- Stays on almost as long as a UV gel polish.
- Works great even for active lifestyles like swimming.
Cons
- Some users found certain colors not as vibrant as expected.
- A few users noted occasional issues with chipping or coverage.
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
Nail Polish - Sienna Byron Bay
Welpr Rating
4.8
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$19.99
Product Details
- Plant-based ingredients with minimal waste for an eco-friendly choice.
- Packaged in 100% recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact.
- Free from harmful ingredients, ensuring a toxin-free application.
- Vegan and cruelty-free, with no animal testing or animal-derived ingredients.
- Expertly crafted by specialized researchers with a commitment to sustainability.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Applies smoothly and dries quickly, even for beginners.
- Provides great coverage with just one coat.
- Formulated with limited, non-toxic ingredients.
Cons
- Color may differ from the advertisement, which could be important for those particular about shade accuracy.
Ingredients
Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate (biosourced : derived from sugar cane), Butyl Acetate (biosourced : derived from sugar cane residue or manioc), Nitrocellulose (partially biosourced : derived from cotton), Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate (partially biosourced : derived from corn), Alcohol (biosourced : derived from sugar cane), Stearalkonium Bentonite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, N-Butyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Phosphoric Acid, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Diacetone Alcohol, Dimethicone, Acrylates Copolymer, Etocrylene, Red 6 Lake (CI 15850), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)
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
Welpr Rating
4.7
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$10.00
Product Details
- Provides a long-lasting and beautiful manicure with chip-proof performance.
- Vegan and cruelty-free, enriched with nail-strengthening vitamins and minerals.
- Infused with a blend of fruits and vegetables for superior nail flexibility and strength.
- Free from harmful chemicals, ensuring a non-toxic and gentle formula.
- Eco-friendly and made with plant-based, bio-sourced ingredients to reduce environmental impact.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Beautiful range of non-toxic colors that last up to a week.
- Cruelty-free and vegan, with the leaping bunny certification.
- Dries quickly and doesn't chip easily, even without a top coat.
- Helps nourish and strengthen nails after gel polish use.
- Goes on smoothly and has a pleasant light scent.
Cons
- Some users experienced issues with the brush design, requiring careful application for mess-free use.
- A few specific colors did not match the advertised shade.
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
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? ,
Authors
Camille May, Product Curator
Olushola M. Awoyemi, Medical Reviewer
