Clean beauty is everywhere in skincare. Almost every brand has a clean product in its range and many have gone 100% clean in terms of ingredients, packaging or processes. The makeup industry is not left behind and clean formulas can be found in lipsticks, eyeshadows and blushes. So it is no surprise to see the rise of clean nail polishes on the market. 

The issue with regular nail polishes is that they use ingredients that can cause hormonal disturbances, can be inhaled when applied and are directly in contact with the skin (nails to be accurate) for prolonged period of time. 

Brands slowly started banning ingredients contained in nail polishes and nowadays you can find the following mentions on many bottles in the market : 

• 5-free (contains no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor)
• 7-free (contains no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene)
• 9-free (contains no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, parabens, acetone)
• 10-free (contains no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, parabens, acetone, TPHP, TBHP, gluten)
• 14-free (contains no formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde resin, toluene, camphor, triphenyl phosphate, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, MEHQ/HQ, MIT, palm oil, parabens, animal-derived ingredients, and gluten)

Almost every brand on the market now has a range or a full offer of clean nail polishes like Kure, Nailsinc, Manucurist, Orosa, Aila, Sundays to name a few.

The latest mention that has gained attention on this segment is “Plant-based” nail polish –  it is basically a vegan formula made from plant extracts and other natural ingredients. It promises to create healthier, non-toxic nail colors that improve nail appearance, revitalize nail health & reduce moisture loss.