When summer arrives, we naturally want to decorate our fingertips and toes with cute nail polish. While I’ve recently stopped doing my nails regularly, I always consider getting back into it as summer approaches. It makes your feet look adorable when wearing sandals.
However, like cosmetics, nail polish contains various substances that raise concerns about environmental and human health impacts. We’ve all experienced nail polish hardening when left unused, creating more waste.
This article introduces how to choose sustainable and ethical nail polish, along with recommended products.
How to Choose Sustainable Nail Polish
Avoid Harmful Substances
Some nail polishes contain harmful substances, so choose products that exclude these ingredients:
- Toluene: A solvent used in paint thinner that may affect the central nervous system, potentially causing headaches, dizziness, and dry skin.
- Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): Used for flexibility and elasticity. It’s a carcinogen and endocrine disruptor with concerns about fetal effects. Banned in the EU.
- Tosylamide/Formaldehyde Resin: Contact with undried liquid may cause allergic dermatitis.
- Formaldehyde: A carcinogenic substance banned in cosmetics in Japan. Causes allergies and dermatitis.
- Camphor: Used for flexibility and elasticity. May cause headaches, shortness of breath, and nausea.
- Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP): Used for flexibility and elasticity. Potential endocrine disruptor.
- Xylene: Possibly carcinogenic. Irritates skin, eyes, and respiratory organs.
Reference: https://earthfriendlytips.com/the-best-non-toxic-nail-polish-for-healthy-and-eco-friendly-nails/
Cruelty-Free Vegan Nail Polish
Choosing cruelty-free products that don’t test on animals helps reduce animal suffering. Nail polishes with third-party vegan certification are reassuring as they don’t use animal-derived ingredients and verify no animal testing was conducted.
8 Sustainable Nail Polishes to Buy in Japan
1. Manucurist – Vegan Nail Polish from Paris
Highlights :
- 84% plant-derived ingredients
- Vegan and cruelty-free
This French nail manufacturer focuses on plant-derived ingredients, creating products that are kind to the earth, people, and animals.
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2. Sundays – 10-Free Nail Polish
Highlights:
- Free from 10 chemical components
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Salon-quality results
This New York nail salon brand researches and sells nail products free from harmful substances, excluding DBP, toluene, xylene, camphor, formaldehyde, and 6 other chemicals.
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3. Kia Charlotta – Germany’s First Vegan Nail Polish
Highlights:
- 87% natural-derived ingredients
- Free from harmful components
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Kia Charlotta’s vegan nail polish is made with 87% natural ingredients and is gentle on your nails. It’s free from 15 harmful chemicals, offers vibrant color, and dries quickly—perfect for switching up your look every day. Made in Germany, this cruelty-free brand is also kind to the environment.
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4. Nailmatic – Water-Removable Nail Polish
Highlights:
- Removable with hot water
- No unpleasant manicure odor
This is a nail polish from the French brand nailmatic. It can be removed with warm water—no nail polish remover needed—making it safe for kids to use. The cute packaging adds to the fun, so you can enjoy doing your nails together with your child.
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5. OSAJI – Japanese Brand with Plant-Derived Components
Highlights:
- Contains dill seed-derived moisturizing ingredients
- Fast-drying
OSAJI is a Japanese brand that creates cosmetics using plant-based ingredients. Their nail polish contains herbal extracts to help retain moisture and dill seed-derived ingredients that support the nail’s natural barrier. It’s a gentle way to enjoy nail color while caring for your nails.
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6. Kure BAZAAR – Eco-Natural French Nail Brand
Highlights:
- Free from 10 chemical substances
- 90% natural ingredients
Kure BAZAAR is a French brand that offers eco-friendly and stylish cosmetics. Their nail polish is free from 10 harmful chemicals, including toluene, synthetic camphor, and formaldehyde, making it gentle on both your nails and the environment. The wide range of colors is another great plus.
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7. ANDIZUMO – Water-Based Nail Polish
- Removable with hot water
- Medical-grade nail polish
This nail polish is made with gentle ingredients so even those with weak or brittle nails can enjoy it. It peels off with warm water, so there’s no need for nail polish remover—perfect for anyone concerned about nail damage.
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8. Mecret – Peelable Vegan Nail Polish
Highlights:
- Removable with hot water
- Vegan certified
This vegan nail polish is gentle on both your nails and the environment, with no harsh chemical smell. It peels off easily without the need for remover, making it great for beginners. Enjoy vibrant color for up to two weeks. It’s a Korean brand certified by The Vegan Society.
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How to Dispose of Nail Polish
- Pour contents onto newspaper or cloth
- If hardened, warm with hot water or use nail polish thinner
- Let dry in a well-ventilated area
- Dispose according to local regulations, separating liquid waste from containers
Enjoy Cute Nails This Summer!
With more environmentally and human-friendly nail polishes available, you can enjoy beautiful nails while living sustainably. Decorate your hands and feet with lovely colors and enjoy fashion!
