Unfortunately there is no such thing as truly toxin-free nail polish.
Even the so-called “10-free,” “21-free,” or “non-toxic” formulas still rely on a base of synthetic chemicals and solvents. Why? Because nail polish is, by design, a type of paint. It has to stick to a protein surface (your nail), dry hard, resist chipping, and come off with a remover. That kind of performance doesn’t happen with water or oils—it requires some heavy-duty chemistry.
Yes, many mainstream polishes have removed the worst offenders—like formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and camphor—but that doesn’t make them harmless. Even the cleaner options often contain ingredients like:
- Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer – a plastic resin with potential endocrine activity (source)
- Benzophenone-1 – linked to hormone disruption (source)
- Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP) – found in many “clean” brands and associated with reproductive and developmental toxicity (source)
- Acetates – drying to nails and skin, irritating to lungs (source)
- Quaternary Ammonium Compounds — linked to hormone disruption and cellular damage (source)
Let’s not forget: every time you paint your nails, you’re applying a thin coat of synthetic polymers and plasticizers—then letting your body absorb them through nail beds and inhale the fumes.
So what’s the answer?
If you love painting your nails, that’s totally okay—but don’t let “non-toxic” marketing fool you into thinking it’s totally safe. Embrace the bare nail or opt for nourishing oils and buffing instead and save nail polish for special occasions and ventilate well. Beauty doesn’t have to come with a chemical cloud.