We may earn commission from links on this page. Each product featured has been vetted and chosen by our editors.
Cleaning up your beauty routine doesn’t usually include your manicure items. But for those looking to shift to a healthier regimen, a collection of vegan nail polishes can help. “Vegan polish is great for those who want to avoid using animal products and toxic chemicals. They’re also perfect for those looking for a more natural approach to healthier nails,” says Hannah Lee, Sally Hansen’s global nail artist partner. Not just for vegans, Amy Ling Lin, CEO and founder of sundays, says that these kinds of nail polishes are ideal for those with sensitive skin and offer a cleaner alternative that aligns with a commitment to both personal and environmental wellness.
If you’re new to vegan nail polishes, you’re not alone. Despite the various brands available, many people are still mystified by the idea. The category has grown considerably over the years and there are tons of shades and finishes to choose from. Below, we tapped three nail experts to learn more about vegan nail polish and discover the best bottles to add to your collection.
Featured Experts
- Hannah Lee is a global nail artist partner at Sally Hansen
- Amy Ling Lin is the CEO and Founder of sundays
- Silva Nahabedian is the director of education at Dazzle Dry
What Is Vegan Nail Polish?
As the name suggests, vegan nail polishes are made without animal-derived ingredients or byproducts. But what exactly does that mean? “A nail polish is considered vegan if it contains no animal-derived ingredients, avoiding components commonly found in traditional formulas like crushed beetles, fish scales, beeswax and animal proteins,” says Lin. Instead, Lee mentions that those ingredients are typically replaced with natural, plant-based options.
Best Vegan Nail Polishes to Try
1 / 10
You don’t have to sacrifice wearing the hottest trends for vegan polish. This cool polish is perfect for the blue chrome trend and is kind to your nails.
2 / 10
This clean shade is great for year round use. It can also be used for creating nail art. “When choosing vegan nail polish, it’s also important to ensure that the formula is free of harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, camphor or toluene. Look for labels like ‘3-free’ or ’10-free’ to identify non-toxic options that are safer for you and the environment,” says Lin.
3 / 10
For those looking for the perfect fall nail polish shade, this deep burgundy is the bottle to bookmark. Despite the vampy hue, the polish is vegan and the brush even has plant-based bristles.
4 / 10
“This sparkly vegan nail polish is an ideal alternative for those sensitive to animal byproducts such as carmine or guanine (shimmers and iridescent pigments derived from fish scales),” says Silva Nahabedian, director of education at Dazzle Dry.
5 / 10
The rich hue falls somewhere between Kelly green and a darker forest shade. The formula is enhanced with bio-sourced plant ingredients, making it vegan-friendly. The intense color payoff and major shine also mean you can create a quality look at home.
6 / 10
Every collection needs a good rose-colored polish. Like all of Nails Inc.’s offerings, this one is 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free. Plus, it gives you a gel-like look at home.
7 / 10
In terms of a non-toxic, vegan red nail polish, sundays has some of the best. This shade is a true crimson and has an old Hollywood glamour look to it that never gets old.
8 / 10
This bold and sunny nail color will shake you right out of your boring manicure routine. Just be sure to add a glossy topcoat for maximum shine.
9 / 10
Go for gray this season with this chic shade by Olive & June. It has a creamy consistency that glides onto nails smoothly and delivers a clean look.
10 / 10
If you prefer punchy shades, this vibrant pink will make a nice addition to your collection. The formula is uniquely created to allow your nails to breathe and it has an extra shiny finish.
