Non Toxic Nail Polishes : a must!
It is unthinkable these days to use nail polish other than “non-toxic”. Since the creation of MERCI this has been our rule number 1.
They offer a wide range of colors and magnificent effects while lasting 5 to 7 days and protecting the nails from yellowing.
It is not that easy to navigate when looking for the “best” line-up. Here are the « how & why » to guide you.
The ingredients to avoid absolutely!
If you come across these ingredients in your nail polish label, go your way. Among endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, irritants, allergens, we would prefer to avoid!
- Formaldehyde: a carcinogenic and allergenic hardener.
- Toluene: an irritant, neurotoxic and suspected endocrine disruptor solvent.
- DBP: an endocrine disrupting plasticizer.
- Xylene: an irritant solvent (especially for the eyes, skin and lungs) and neurotoxic.
- Synthetic camphor: an endocrine disrupting and irritant softener.
- Formaldehyde resin: an irritating and potentially carcinogenic and allergenic resin.
- Parabens: preservatives or plasticizers that disrupt endocrine.
- Colophane: an allergenic and irritant binder.
Classification of the least toxic nail polish.
This classification does not guarantee the absence of any toxic substance but makes it possible to eliminate the most dangerous. Use non-toxic polish along with a Brazilian manicure for a perfectly safe nails treatment.
8-FREE: formaldehyde-free, toluene-free, DBP-free, camphor-free, xylene-free, formaldehyde-free, paraben-free and rosin-free
9 – FREE: formaldehyde free, DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Xylene, Lead, Paraben, Ethyl Tosylamide
10-FREE: without Toluene, Formaldehyde, DBP, Synthetic Camphor, TPHD, Paraben, Xylene, Styrene, Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-3.
You will understand, the further we advance in the ranking, the fewer harmful ingredients there are.
What are the ingredients of natural substitutes or of natural origin?
The chemicals are “replaced” by ingredients such as cassava, sugar cane, cotton, celery, corn or even potatoes. More and more manufacturers are now using waste from other industries to incorporate it into their composition. These are the famous bio-sourced ingredients put forward by the brands. This process is called upcycling. For example, a brand will replace a petroleum ingredient with its equivalent made from beet waste. This results in ingredients that are of natural origin, isn’t it smart?
Our top 3 favorite non-toxic, vegan and cruelty-free nail polishes.
MANUCURIST - 9 FREE
KURE BAZAAR - 10 FREE
Our favorite story telling. This French nail polish brand was created by ex-model Kurtika Luyet. Pregnant, she was tirelessly searched for odorless lacquers so as not to disgust her. This is how she came up with the idea of creating a brand of polish whose composition is low in chemicals. A brand which is also already validated by Meghan Markle who swears by the soft shade “Rose milk”.
ZOYA – 10 FREE
The American brand Zoya’s long lasting vegan friendly natural nail polishes were the first to be free from toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, parabens, TPHP, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, dibutyl phthalate as well as lead. We especially love their textured polish « pixie dust », gorgeous effect and super long 8 to 10 days lasting.
Photo credit : Kure Bazaar, Zoya and Manucurist official websites.
