Who knew nail polish could be eco-friendly? Most of us think of polish as that tiny bottle of harsh-smelling chemicals that never quite dries fast enough. But the beauty world has come a long way – and yes, even your manicures and pedicures can now be part of a more sustainable routine.
Traditional nail polish often contains ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate – nasty stuff that’s bad for the environment and not exactly great for your body either. Many brands also use plastic-heavy packaging and don’t offer ethical or cruelty-free production. But nowadays you can find plenty of better options that don’t sacrifice performance or prettiness. Here are 11 of my favorites:
This UK-based brand creates water-based, vegan, and cruelty-free polish in sleek glass bottles. Earthy skips the usual toxic ingredients and instead focuses on a minimalist formula that’s safe for people and the planet. They even offset their carbon footprint and use sustainable packaging.
Best for: Sensitive nails, minimalists, low-odor formulas
Price range: ~$10–15 USD
🌍 Ships from the US. International shipping available to select countries.
2. BKIND
BKIND is a Montreal-based brand that makes vegan, 21-free nail polish (that means it’s free from 21 of the most harmful traditional polish ingredients). Their formulas are long-lasting and beautifully pigmented, and the brand as a whole is rooted in sustainability – from recyclable packaging to donations supporting animal welfare.
Best for: Bold color lovers, Canadian shoppers
Price range: ~$12–16 USD
🌍 Ships from Canada. International shipping available (including to the US and Europe).
3. Kure Bazaar
If you’re looking for eco-luxe, the French brand Kure Bazaar nails it. Their polish is up to 90% natural-based, with ingredients like wood pulp, cotton, potatoes, and wheat. Chic Parisian colors meet a formula that’s breathable, durable, and kind to the planet.
Best for: A cleaner luxury look
Price range: ~$20 USD
🌍 Ships from France. International shipping available.
4. Zoya
Zoya is one of the original pioneers of non-toxic polish. Their formula is 10-free, vegan, and incredibly durable – salon quality without the usual toxins. They also offer a recycling program where you can send in old polish bottles (from any brand!) to be properly disposed of.
Best for: U.S.-based shoppers, pro-level results
Price range: ~$10–12 USD
🌍 Ships from the US. International shipping available (fees apply).
5. Nailberry
Nailberry’s award-winning L’Oxygéné range is 12-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and made with a breathable, water-permeable formula – ideal for people who care about nail health and want polish that won’t suffocate the nail bed. They also prioritize sustainable packaging and minimal waste in production.
Best for: Breathable polish, UK and EU shoppers
Price range: ~$20 USD
🌍 Ships from the UK. International shipping available (including to the US and EU).
6. Sundays
Sundays is a clean beauty brand based in New York that offers 10-free, vegan, and cruelty-free nail polishes in a calming, minimalist palette. Their salon in NYC is also non-toxic and wellness-focused. The brand’s whole ethos is about slowing down and caring for yourself without harm to the planet.
Best for: Soft, neutral tones and self-care lovers
Price range: ~$18 USD
🌍 Ships from the US. International shipping available to select countries.
Habit stands out not just for its vegan and toxin-free formula but also for its use of recycled plastic caps and FSC-certified paperboard packaging. Their polish is made in the USA and is 10-free, long-wearing, and packed with great colors inspired by nature and fashion alike.
Best for: Eco-minimalists who want a strong visual identity
Price range: ~$12–14 USD
🌍 Ships from the US. International shipping available.
8. AILA
AILA is a physician-formulated, 15-free nail polish brand that’s both stylish and gentle on nails. Their formula avoids common toxins like formaldehyde, parabens, and gluten, and their shades range from understated to bold. The brand is also committed to empowering women and promoting health-conscious beauty.
Best for: Beautiful, toxin-free polish
Price range: ~$14–$18 USD
🌍 Ships from the US. International shipping available to select countries.
This Australian brand is super serious about sustainability – from their plant-based formula and renewable ingredients to their wooden caps made from reclaimed timber. Sienna Byron Bay is 12-free, vegan, and certified cruelty-free, with a chic color range inspired by nature and the ocean.
Best for: Nature-themed luxury with serious eco cred
Price range: ~$22 AUD (~$14 USD)
🌍 Ships from Australia. International shipping available.
10. Côte
Côte offers a luxe nail polish experience that’s completely free of harmful chemicals. Their 10-free, vegan formulas are made in the US and come in sleek glass bottles. They also have a physical studio in LA, where they promote safer, toxin-free nail services.
Best for: Classic shades with a salon-quality finish
Price range: ~$18 USD
🌍 Ships from the US. International shipping available.
11. JINsoon
Created by celebrity nail artist Jin Soon Choi, this high-performance polish line is 21-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. The formulas are long-lasting and chip-resistant, and the shades are modern, fashion-forward, and editorial-inspired. It’s a favorite among pros for a reason.
Best for: High-fashion colors with clean ingredients
Price range: ~$18 USD
🌍 Ships from the US. International shipping available.
Nail polish might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of sustainability, but even making little changes like this can reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and support better business practices in the beauty industry.
Plus, it’s fun – and your nails can look amazing while still doing good.