Slowly but surely, I am making the switch to more and more sustainable products in my beauty cabinet. Until recently, I never considered that nail polish can be harmful to my health. And the chemical ingredients aren't exactly good for the environment either. This could be better. The next time I need a new nail polish, I want to replace it with a sustainable one. But when is nail polish sustainable? and where can I shop for it (online)?
When is nail polish durable?
Nail polish uses many chemical ingredients that are not good for our health. On several websites and blogs I came across that nail polish is sustainable when it is "3-free to 10-free. This means that the composition is free of the 3 to 10 most harmful substances used in ordinary nail polish. Below is the list:
- Toluene (diluent for lubricity)
- Formaldehyde (hardener)
- Dibutyl phthalate (plasticizer prevents cracking)
- Formaldehyde resin
- Parabens
- Xylene
- Camphor (for shine and durability)
- Resin
- Styrene
- Benzophenone
The fewer of the above ingredients the better for the environment and your own health. Nail polish is unfortunately never completely free of chemicals. But certainly a lot better when it contains less of the above ingredients. In addition, sustainable nail polish is free of perfume, usually sustainably packaged and biodegradable.
What is the difference between sustainable and vegan nail polish?
First of all what is good to know is that beauty products in the European Union cannot be tested on animals. And cosmetics made outside the EU can only be sold in Europe if the same rules are followed as within the EU. 'Vegan nail polish contains no traces derived from animals.
Where can you buy sustainable and vegan nail polish?
Fortunately, there are already many nail polish brands that make their nail polish as natural as possible. Because with sustainable sandals, of course, sustainable painted toenails belong.
Packaging: recycled paper
Price: € 19,-
Available in the Netherlands at webshop: Nourished
Gitti Beauty nail polish is 100% natural, animal-tested, fragrance-free, vegan and water-based. The nail polish even contains vitamins C, E and Pro B5. These vitamins are moisturizing, have antioxidant properties and ensure healthy and beautiful nails.
Made in: France
Packaging: sustainable
Price: €17.90
Available through the Gitti Beauty webshop and through the online store Ivy-Oak
Does durable nail polish remover even exist?
There is water- or soy-based nail polish remover. This removes not only water-based nail polish but also "regular" nail polish. Good for all the nail polishes still in the cupboard. Furthermore, you can expect durable nail polish remover to be acetone and acetate free.
Resources used
Duurzamevrouw.nl
Voordewereldvanmorgen.nl
