Last Updated on August 9, 2024 by Shavy Jain
Are you on the hunt for vegan nail polish that’s good for your nails and the environment? You’re not alone. As consumers become more conscious of their impact on the world, the demand for vegan and cruelty-free beauty products has skyrocketed. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there when it comes to vegan nail paint.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what vegan nail polish is, why it’s important, and the best vegan nail polish brands in the US. We will also answer all your big and small questions about vegan nail paints too. Let’s get started!
What is Vegan Nail Paint?
Vegan nail polish is a nail polish that does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. This includes ingredients like carmine (a red pigment made from crushed beetles), guanine (a shimmering ingredient made from fish scales), and shellac (a resin secreted by the female lac bug). Vegan nail polish is also not tested on animals, which means that no animals were harmed in the production and testing of the product.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global vegan cosmetics market, which includes vegan nail polish, is expected to reach USD 20.8 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2019 to 2025. This growth is driven by a rising awareness among consumers about the benefits of vegan products, including their ethical and environmental impact.
In terms of geographic regions, North America is the largest market for vegan cosmetics, including vegan nail polish, with a market share of over 33% in 2018. This is due to the high awareness and demand for vegan and cruelty-free products in the region.
According to a report by Transparency Market Research, the global vegan nail polish market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2020 to 2030. The report highlights that the demand for vegan nail polish is increasing due to the growing concern for animal welfare and the rise in veganism among consumers. The report also notes that the increasing trend of self-grooming and personal care is contributing to the growth of the vegan nail polish market.
Why Choose Vegan Nail Polish?
There are many reasons why someone might choose to use vegan nail polish. For one, it’s a more ethical choice. Using products that are not tested on animals and do not contain animal-derived ingredients means that you’re not contributing to animal cruelty.
Additionally, vegan nail polish is often a healthier choice for your nails. Many traditional nail polishes contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates, which can be absorbed into your body through your nails.
These chemicals can have negative effects on your health, including respiratory problems and reproductive issues. Vegan nail polish is often made with natural, non-toxic ingredients that are much gentler on your nails and body.
Finally, vegan nail polish is better for the environment. Traditional nail polish often contains chemicals that can be harmful to the environment when they’re disposed of. Additionally, the production of traditional nail polish can have negative environmental impacts. Choosing vegan nail polish means that you’re making a more sustainable choice for both yourself and the planet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Nail Paints and Polishes
Is vegan nail polish better for my nails?
Vegan nail polish can be better for your nails if it is made with high-quality ingredients and free from harmful chemicals. Some vegan nail polish brands also include nourishing ingredients like vitamins and minerals that can help strengthen and protect your nails.
Can vegan nail polish be long-lasting?
Yes, vegan nail polish can be long-lasting if it is made with high-quality ingredients and applied correctly. Some vegan nail polish brands offer long-wear formulas that can last for up to two weeks without chipping or fading.
Are there any downsides to using vegan nail polish?
The only potential downside to using vegan nail polish is that it may not have the same color range or finish options as traditional nail polish. However, with the increasing popularity of vegan nail polish, more and more brands are offering a wide range of colors and finishes to choose from.
Is vegan nail polish more expensive than traditional nail polish?
Not necessarily. While some vegan nail polish brands may be more expensive than traditional nail polish, there are also affordable options available. Additionally, investing in a high-quality vegan nail polish can be a worthwhile investment in your health and the environment.
How do I know if a nail polish is vegan?
Look for nail polish brands that clearly state that they are vegan and cruelty-free. You can also check the ingredients list for any animal-derived ingredients or check with the brand directly for more information. Many vegan nail polish brands will also have a certification from organizations like PETA or Leaping Bunny.
Best 9 Vegan Nail Polish Brands in the US
Now that you know why vegan nail polish is a great choice, let’s take a look at the best vegan nail polish brands in the US.
Zoya
Zoya is a popular brand that offers a wide range of vegan nail polishes. Their polishes are free from formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, camphor, and resin, making them a healthier choice for your nails. They also offer a variety of colors and finishes, from metallics to mattes.
Shop Zoya
Pacifica
Pacifica is a brand that focuses on natural, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products. Their 7-Free Nail Polish is free from formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, and parabens. They offer a variety of shades, including shimmers, glitters, and creams.
Shop Pacifica
ella+mila
ella+mila offers a variety of vegan and cruelty-free nail polishes, all of which are also 7-free. Their polishes are made without formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, xylene, and parabens. They offer a range of colors and finishes, from pastels to neons to metallics.
Shop ella+mila
Olive & June
Olive & June is another great option for vegan nail polish lovers. They offer a range of nail polishes that are vegan and cruelty-free, as well as 7-free, meaning they’re free from seven harmful chemicals often found in traditional nail polish. Additionally, Olive & June offers a range of nail care products to help you achieve a perfect at-home manicure, including cuticle serums, nail polish remover, and even their own patented Poppy tool, which makes painting your nails easier and more comfortable.
Shop Olive & June
Smith & Cult
Smith & Cult offers a range of vegan nail polishes that are free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. They offer a variety of colors and finishes, from creams to shimmers to metallics.
Shop Smith & Cult
Habit Cosmetics
Habit Cosmetics is a vegan and cruelty-free brand that offers nail polishes made with natural ingredients like myrrh extract and vegetable-based plasticizers. Their polishes are also 10-free, meaning they’re free from 10 harmful chemicals often found in traditional nail polish.
Shop Habit Cosmetics
Mineral Fusion
Mineral Fusion offers a range of vegan nail polishes that are free from formaldehyde, toluene, camphor, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde resin. Their polishes are also infused with minerals like calcium and magnesium to help strengthen your nails.
Shop Mineral Fusion
LVX
LVX is a vegan and cruelty-free brand that offers a range of high-quality nail polishes. Their polishes are 7-free, meaning they’re free from formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, DBP, camphor, xylene, and parabens. They offer a variety of colors and finishes, from pastels to bold shades to metallics.
Shop LVX
Kester Black
Kester Black offers a range of vegan and cruelty-free nail polishes that are also 10-free. Their polishes are free from 10 harmful chemicals often found in traditional nail polish, and they’re also carbon neutral and water permeable, making them an eco-friendly choice.
Shop Kester Black
The Eco Wiser Take on Vegan Nail Paints
Choosing vegan nail polish is a great way to make a more ethical, healthy, and sustainable choice for your nails and the environment. There are plenty of amazing vegan nail polish brands out there, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality or variety in your search for non-toxic, cruelty-free nail polish. From Zoya to Kester Black, there are plenty of options to choose from, so go ahead and treat yourself to some guilt-free nail polish shopping!
We would love to hear if you tried any of these brands till now or are intending to. For more recommendations such as these, tune into the Eco Wiser blog where we will let you in on the what, why and when of sustainability.
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