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As my daughter nears her third birthday, she’s becoming increasingly interested in my nail polish. We haven’t let her wear it yet, but I know the time is coming. (Most kid-friendly nail polishes are designed for ages three and up.) And when it does, I want to make sure her tiny nails only don formulas that are safe. After all, kids put their hands in their mouths way more often than we’d like. Wondering which nail brands are considered safe? Read on to see our top polish picks for any littles in your life.
What to Look for in Kid’s Nail Polish
Logan Bilderback, vice president of marketing at Nailtopia, says it’s important to look for formulas without toxic chemicals. These include formaldehyde, toluene and DBP, among others. When you see brands marketing nail polish as 10-free, etc., that means it does not contain those chemicals. Nailtopia, specifically, is made with 85-percent plant-based ingredients, and more brands are formulating with this model. “Our bio-sourced ingredients ensure a clean formula and gentler application,” Bilderback explains. “This is a safer choice for children and those with sensitive skin.”
Some kid-friendly nail polishes are water-based and will remove easily with just soap and water. These provide a fun, temporary manicure but will not last through hand-washing. However, Marie Jacob, product manager at Manucurist, says you can lock them in place with a clear top coat to make them last longer if you want. Other polishes will last longer and function like traditional nail polish that requires remover. When using nail polish remover on kids, look for non-acetone formulas. These are not as effective as those with acetone, but they still get the job done and are gentler on skin and nails.
5 Kid-Friendly Nail Polishes to Try
1 / 5
This 17-free nail polish is great for both kids and adults, and I love the Mommy & Me nail polish kits that actually say “Mommy” on the larger bottle and “Me” on the smaller one. The color combos are fun, and they come with nail stickers, too.
2 / 5
When your little one wants to try nail polish, but you don’t want to deal with chipping or nail polish remover, try this 12-free water-based formula. Not only are the bottles chic and cute (each one features a different character), but the plant-based polish washes off with just soap and water. The brand also sells its Petite polishes in trio sets, which make the perfect gift.
“These nail polishes have a clean, vegan composition, so kids can let their imaginations run wild in complete safety,” says Jacob. “And best of all, they dry immediately and can be removed in a flash with soapy water. A formula that guarantees no stress and no mess! Our range includes more than 20 colors packaged in screen-printed mini-bottles with fun, collectible imaginary worlds. Their French names are also a great way to teach kids some new French words!”
3 / 5
Infused with superfoods, this nail polish is 85-percent plant-based and a great option for both adults and kids. We also love the brand’s limited-edition collection celebrating Disney’s 100th Anniversary. There are still several characters in stock, so grab your favorites while you still can!
4 / 5
This adorable, French-made nail polish kit comes with two water-based polishes: a pearly neon coral and clear pink glitter. Plus, you also get 24 fun nail stickers.
5 / 5
Created by a mom for her daughters, this water-based nail polish is virtually odorless and safe for all ages. It air-dries like regular nail polish but takes a bit longer because it’s formulated without the chemicals that help with dry time. Therefore, the brand suggests blow-drying polished nails for one minute with a hair dryer on a warm heat/low setting. Piggy Paint also sells a non-acetone nail polish remover for easy removal when it’s time.
