By Muskan Singh
09-Aug-2024
The beauty industry has seen a paradigm shift in recent years, inclining towards sustainable, environment-friendly and health-conscious products. This trend is particularly noticeable in the nail paint market, where luxury brands subvert the old practice and raise the bar by providing products that are not merely fashionable but healthier for the environment and your nails. Let's talk about the toxins largely present in conventional nail polishes, their detrimental effects on health, and brands that have gone above and beyond to provide non-toxic, plant-based substitutes.
The "toxic trio"—a group of pernicious chemicals found in traditional nail polishes—has drawn criticism. These substances are:
? Formaldehyde: A strong preservative, this increases nail polish's shelf life. It can lead to skin rashes, respiratory problems, and cancer if found in high concentrations.
? Toluene: This solvent facilitates a smooth application, but prolonged exposure can cause detrimental harm like headaches, dizziness, and long-term neurological effects.
? Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): This is a plasticizer that facilitates nail polish adhesion. DBP is known to interfere with hormonal balances and poses great hazards to the reproductive systems.
Luckily, as the times change,
However, the tides are turning in the beauty world. Driven by consumer demand for safer, more sustainable products, luxury brands have dedicated themselves to developing alternative non-toxic nail polish formulas. And you know what? The benefits of making the switch — even if it comes at the cost of a higher price point — are plentiful.
Firstly, let's talk about ‘5-free’, ‘7-free’, or ‘12-free’. Savvy shoppers have likely noticed nail polish bottles boasting these formulas. But what do these designations actually mean? In the world of non-toxic nail care, these "free" labels refer to the number of potentially harmful chemicals that have been excluded from the product.
"Five-free" polishes, for example, are formulated without the five most commonly used toxic ingredients in traditional nail products: formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde resin, and camphor. "Seven-free" takes it a step further, also eliminating ethyl tosylamide and xylene from the mix. The more "frees" the better, as it indicates a cleaner, safer formula that minimizes exposure to harsh, unwanted chemicals.
Secondly, these plant-based polishes frequently come packaged in sustainable, environmentally-friendly materials. And the ethical brownie points are just as enticing — many luxury brands producing non-toxic polishes are also proudly cruelty-free, never subjecting animals to testing.
And most importantly, for the discerning consumer who wants to be able to apply as much nail paint as they want without damaging their nails, many non-toxic lacquers are infused with nourishing ingredients like sea buckthorn oil and bamboo extract that actually improve nail health, preventing brittleness and breakage.
In short, making the switch to non-toxic nail lacquers is a total win-win. Your nails will be healthier, your conscience will be clearer, and you'll be rocking the latest luxury polish trends. What's not to love?
Products We Love
Non-toxic and plant-based nail polishes have been launched by highly revered and renowned luxury brands to meet the growing consumer’s awareness and satiate the demand for safer beauty products. These companies are redefining and revolutionising the industry by ameliorating dangerous chemicals and adding healthy ingredients to their nail paints.
Chanel
For the polish aficionado, Chanel's Le Vernis line is a must-try. Boasting a coveted "five-free" formula, this luxe lacquer steers clear of the toxic trio of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, as well as formaldehyde resin and camphor. But don't mistake its clean, green credentials for any compromise on quality or wear. Chanel is renowned for producing durable, high-performance goods, and Le Vernis is no exception. Slip into these vivid, long-lasting hues without a single concern for your health.
Dior
Dior Vernis is here to slay the game when it comes to non-toxic nail polish. This five-free formula ditches the harsh chemicals, instead nourishing nails with a healthy, high-shine finish that lasts. The alluring array of shades means you can always find the perfect colour to complement your style, whether you're going for classic elegance or bold, trend-forward looks. And with Dior's commitment to quality, you can trust this polish to deliver salon-worthy results without any of the nasty side effects. It's the ultimate in luxury and clean beauty.
Gucci
With the introduction of Vernis à Ongles, its first line of plant-based nail polish, Gucci has made headlines recently. The collection, designed by Alessandro Michele, perfectly blends vintage Hollywood grace and glitz with eco-friendliness. It is 12-free, which means it stays away from all the common toxins used in nail paint, such as ethyl tosylamide and xylene. Their Goldie Red 2, the signature colour, is a complete reflection of both sophistication and environmental awareness.
Christian Louboutin
When it comes to non-toxic nail polish, Christian Louboutin sets the standard for luxury. Not only does this brand boast an iconic, head-turning bottle design, but its formula is an impressive 8-free - meaning it steers clear of those ubiquitous toxins like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP. Instead, Louboutin's polish is infused with nourishing ingredients like sea buckthorn oil, peony, pistachio oil, and bamboo extract to hydrate and strengthen nails. It's the perfect marriage of glamour and clean, green beauty.
Smith & Cult
Smith & Cult has long been celebrated for its commitment to safe, eco-conscious nail care. Their polishes proudly tout an 8-free formula, omitting the usual suspects in favour of healthy, skin-loving ingredients. Sea buckthorn oil and bamboo powder work to enhance nail health and impart a gorgeous, long-lasting shine. With their pure, carefully-curated formulas and bold, fashion-forward colour palette, Smith & Cult's nail lacquers are a treat for the senses and the conscience.
Hermés
When it comes to luxurious nail polish, the House of Hermès reigns supreme. Crafted in France, these lacquers flaunt a dazzling array of brilliant, vivid hues - from bold brights to sultry, sophisticated darks. But the real draw lies in the formula, which boasts a high concentration of ultra-fine pigments for a mirror-like shine and long-lasting wear. And for the health-conscious consumer, the absence of common toxins like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP ensures a worry-free application.
LVX
LVX’s seven-free formula steers clear of toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, camphor, xylene, and parabens - toxins that have no place touching your nails. But don't mistake this clean, green approach for any lack of quality. LVX polishes are renowned for their amazing dry times and self-levelling application, delivering a salon-worthy look and finish every time.
Côte
Côte, renowned for its nine-free formulations, has long been a cult favourite. Not only are Côte polishes made in the USA, but they are also free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBT, formaldehyde resin, camphor, TPHP, xylene, ethyl tosylamide/epoxy resin, and parabens. They provide a luxurious, non-toxic choice for multitudes who value sustainability and style.
Emilie Heathe
This brand has taken inspiration from the nourishing wonders of Asian botanicals, infusing their lacquers with a potent blend of sea buckthorn oil, rice bran oil, and bamboo extract. These antioxidant-rich, skin-loving ingredients work in tandem to strengthen, hydrate, and revitalise the nails — no toxic chemicals in sight.
Bamboo extract aids in nail growth, while rice bran oil imparts anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits. And sea buckthorn oil, packed with vital vitamins and fatty acids, ensures your tips stay vibrant and conditioned. It's a veritable superfood cocktail for your fingertips.
But Emilie Heathe doesn't just focus on skincare - their polish formulas are also a clean 10-free, omitting the usual suspects like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP. The result? Long-lasting, chip-resistant colour that's as good for your nails as it is for the planet.
