Pregnancy is a time of wonder and joy, but it’s also a time when we become extra cautious about what we put into our bodies. It’s easy to overlook everyday items like nail polish, but did you know that many conventional polishes contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates?

These nasties can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even affect the development of our little ones. Fear not, mama-to-be! We’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the market to bring you the safest nail polishes for pregnancy and beyond that actually work.  

We not only wanted to bring you safe and non-toxic nail polish, but we also wanted to find brands that can withstand your busy life and keep your nail shining bright for as long as possible.  So, sit back, relax, and let’s get pampering with peace of mind!

 Avoiding toxins doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality!  We found the top brands that you can feel safe using while keeping your nails intact for longer.  

Here are our top picks for the safest nail polish in pregnancy and beyond that work!  

*Nail polish duration will vary from person to person depending on living styles, use of hands, and quality of base and top coat.  We included our own results as well as  results surveyed from an average usage from hundreds of reviews. 

What is a safe nail polish made out of?

Safe nail polish is made with alternative ingredients to traditional toxic chemicals. 

The most commonly used ingredients are water, resin, and cellulose. Some non-toxic formulas also contain natural ingredients like castor oil, keratin, and vitamins to strengthen and nourish nails. 

Non-toxic nail polishes are typically free of harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates.

Why use non-toxic nail polish in pregnancy and beyond?

During pregnancy, it is advisable to use non-toxic nail polish as the chemicals present in traditional nail polishes can be harmful to the developing fetus. Exposure to harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates can increase the risk of birth defects, developmental issues, and other health problems. Using non-toxic nail polish, which is free of these harmful chemicals, can reduce the risk of exposing the developing fetus to these chemicals. It’s always best to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your beauty routine during pregnancy.

Is Children’s Nail Polish Non-Toxic?

Not all children’s nail polish is non-toxic. Some children’s nail polish brands contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates, which are harmful if ingested or inhaled. However, there are also many brands of non-toxic children’s nail polish that are made with safer ingredients. When shopping for children’s nail polish, it’s important to carefully read the label and look for non-toxic or “5-free” options, which are free of the five most harmful chemicals commonly found in traditional nail polishes. To be extra cautious, you may also want to choose a children’s nail polish that is specifically marketed as safe for children.

What are the most common toxins in traditional nail polish?

Traditional nail polish often contains several toxic chemicals, including:

1. Formaldehyde: a carcinogenic chemical used as a hardening agent and disinfectant.
2. Toluene: a solvent that can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and headaches if inhaled.
3. Phthalates: a group of chemicals used as plasticizers that can disrupt hormones and cause reproductive harm.
4. Camphor: a fragrant chemical that can cause skin irritation and breathing difficulties.
5. Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP): a plasticizer that can disrupt hormones and cause reproductive harm.

These toxic chemicals can be absorbed into the body through the skin and nails, and prolonged exposure can lead to health problems. To minimize exposure to these chemicals, many people choose to use non-toxic or “5-free”, “10-free”, or “21-free” nail polishes that are free of these harmful ingredients.

How to identify the healthiest and safest nail polish?

Labels like “5-free,” “7-free,” “8-free,” and “10-free” indicate the number of toxic chemicals that a nail polish does not contain. These labels refer to specific chemicals that are commonly found in traditional nail polishes and are known to have negative health effects.

For example, a “5-free” nail polish does not contain five toxic chemicals: formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde resin, and camphor.

A “10-free” nail polish goes a step further and does not contain the five chemicals listed above plus five additional harmful chemicals: triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), xylene, ethyl tosylamide, parabens, and lead.

The term “21-free” on nail polish refers to the absence of 21 toxic chemicals commonly found in traditional nail polishes. It is a higher standard compared to “10-free” or “5-free” polishes and indicates that the polish is free of a wider range of potentially harmful chemicals.

The exact list of chemicals that are excluded in “21-free” polishes may vary, but typically they include the chemicals that are commonly excluded in “10-free” polishes, as well as additional potentially harmful substances. These additional chemicals may include plasticizers, solvents, fragrance, and more.

Our Top Picks for the Healthiest & Safest Nail Polish for Pregnancy

#1 Ella + Mila

Mothers and Mothers-to-be can feel safe and pretty at the same time with this duo-set. Perfect for both kids and moms, this nail polish is 17-free and PeTA certified, making it a great choice for long-lasting, chip resistant nail polish without the toxic components. Ella + Mila also offers these soy remover wipes that are the perfect non-toxic way to remove your polish.

Côte nail polish is not only made to last and non-toxic, but they also offer 45 different shades to chose from. Made in the USA and female founded, Côte nail polish lasts 7+ days. It glides on nails and has a perfect quick dry composition, saving you time and keeping your nails looking flawless for longer. Definitely worth the splurge!

#3 Zoya

Zoya is the healthier color of fashion and a great choice for pregnant women and health-conscious consumers. With its long-wearing, vegan-friendly, and Big-10 free formula, Zoya nail polish is the ideal solution for those who prioritize health and well-being. Reviewers love the long-lasting formula and the unmatched quality of this polish! Over 600 shades to chose from made with quality, natural ingredients!

#4 Sally Hansen-Good.Kind.Pure

This is the perfect polish for anyone wanting to change their color often. Safe and non-toxic, Sally Hansen is now making a clean formula rated 16-free. We love how even the brush is made from natural, plant-based bristles. The average wear-time for this polish was a little lower than others, but for the price and the clean ingredients, such as bamboo, it’s great for those wanting to amass a collection of colors. Glides on well, and provides a flawless manicure with two coats!

#5 Bkind

Bkind Nail Polish is a great choice for pregnant women or anyone who prioritizes health, animal welfare and the environment. This non-toxic and vegan nail polish is made with 77% plant-based ingredients and is free of 21 toxic chemicals commonly found in regular nail polish. Whether you are looking for a stunning red or any other color, Bkind has many shades to chose from. The product provides great coverage with just one or two coats and is easy to apply. The results are impressive and the color is amazing.

#6 Dr. Remedy Nail Care

Dr. Remedy’s Nail Polish is a podiatrist-formulated advanced nail enamel that offers long-lasting, brilliant color. The polish is enriched with natural and nourishing ingredients such as Garlic Bulb Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Wheat Protein, and Vitamins C and E. This unique combination of ingredients not only delivers stunning color, but it also helps to promote healthy nails and cuticles. Dr. Remedy is a great non-toxic polish, and because it’s doctor-formulated and free of harmful chemicals, you can feel confident and beautiful every time you step out with a fresh manicure.

#7 Mischo Beauty

Mischo Beauty is a luxury nail lacquer brand that is committed to offering products that are safe and healthy for everyone, especially for women who are pregnant. The founder, Kitiya Mischo King, was inspired to create Mischo Beauty when she was unable to find high-quality, non-toxic nail polishes during her pregnancy. Their nail lacquers are 10 FREE, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and void of artificial fragrances. They provide long-lasting, brilliant color, and are enriched with garlic bulb extract, tea tree oil, wheat protein, and vitamins C and E, making them a safe and luxurious choice for women of all ages.

#8 Maxus Nails

Maxus Nail Polish is founded on the principle of empowering women with strength and beauty, and it lives up to this promise with its 10-free formula. Made in the USA, the polish is free of harmful chemicals, and is vegan and PETA cruelty-free certified.

One of the great things about this nail polish is its lasting shine and non-yellowing formula, which gives a gel-like shine that lasts for a long time. The polish is also easy to remove, making it hassle-free. Additionally, it has strengthening benefits that rejuvenate brittle, weak and damaged nails, making it a great choice for anyone looking to improve the health of their nails.

#9 Sundays

I absolutely love the Dear Sundays non-toxic nail polish in the shade L.01! This delicate powder pink is perfect for all occasions and the opaque gloss finish adds a touch of sophistication. This nail polish is long-lasting, 10-free, vegan, and cruelty-free, making it safe for pregnant women.

I love the mission and values of Dear Sundays, founded by Amy, who has a strong belief in promoting wellness through her products and services. The brand is more than just nail care products – it’s a community focused on self-care and self-love. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a safe, non-toxic, and high-quality nail polish.

#10 Liberation Nails

Liberation Nails is a non-toxic and safe nail polish for pregnant women, formulated with natural oils to nourish the nails. It is vegan and 21-free, meaning it contains no parabens, phthalates, carcinogens, mutagens, or 16 other potentially harmful ingredients. The rich, opaque colors are infused with natural essences for a subtle after-polish aroma and offer long-lasting wear. The brand’s mission is to use color as a source of personal transformation and liberation from the status quo, and each color tells a story and is a source of joy and self-care. The brand’s founder, Staci, was inspired to create Liberation Nails after a profound moment with her mother during the pandemic and has since turned her journey of grief and healing into a way to help others enjoy creative expression.

Where to Start

Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life, and it is essential to be mindful of the products she uses, including nail polish. With the numerous options available, it is imperative to choose the safest and healthiest option to protect both the mother and the growing baby.

The 10 nail polishes mentioned in this article provide a range of colors and finishes that are safe for pregnant women and beyond, ensuring that you can enjoy beautiful, healthy nails without sacrificing safety. For another perspective on vegan nail polishes, friend and fellow vegan blogger has put together this list.

Whether you’re a first-time mother or a seasoned parent, these products will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re taking care of yourself and your baby. So, go ahead and indulge in some self-care and pampering while embracing the journey of motherhood.

If you’re looking for other non-toxic options for pregnancy and beyond take a look at our Best Plastic-Free Deodorants, or our sections on Non-Toxic Rugs and Non-Toxic Playmats for kids.