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  4. 10 Best Natural Nail Polishes in 2022 (Licensed Cosmetologist-Reviewed)
  • 10 Best Natural Nail Polishes in 2022 (Licensed Cosmetologist-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Natural Nail Polishes in 2022 (Licensed Cosmetologist-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Natural Nail Polishes in 2022 (Licensed Cosmetologist-Reviewed) 3
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  • 10 Best Natural Nail Polishes in 2022 (Licensed Cosmetologist-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Natural Nail Polishes in 2022 (Licensed Cosmetologist-Reviewed)

Conventional nail polishes have a pretty bad rap since they're crafted with a ton of harmful chemical ingredients and usually emanate a hideous odor. For a safer option, try a natural nail polish! Although there's no consensus about what "natural" means, it's reasonable to think that natural nail polish is mainly formulated with plant-based ingredients and does not contain most toxic substances. 


Don't know where to start? You're in luck! You can take a look at our list of the 10 best natural nail polishes for reference. Among all products, ZOYA's Professional Lacquer truly amazed us. It's crafted without 10 harsh chemicals and comes in various gorgeous shades for you to play with. Read on for more options and read our helpful buying guide, which has been reviewed by a licensed cosmetologist, for more helpful tips!

Last updated 09/26/2023
Denise Campbell
Expert
Cosmetologist/Beauty Advisor
Denise Campbell

Denise is a licensed cosmetologist who advises people on certain products they should get. She formally worked at Ulta and is now headed into a salon.

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mybest US Editors

mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Natural Nail Polish - Buying Guide

Let's proceed to the buying guide! When choosing a natural nail polish, you'll need to make sure that there are no toxic ingredients in the formula. It's equally important to choose a suitable color that will complement your skin and suit your preferences. For more details, read on.

1

Try to Avoid Harmful Ingredients in Your Nail Polish

When reading the ingredient list of a nail polish, you'll probably encounter various vague and odd-sounding chemicals. Most of them are solvents, polymers, and plasticizers that are generally safe for your health and can actually help you get a vibrant, shiny finish.


However, nail polishes might still be formulated with toxic chemicals that can affect your health, so try to stay away from harmful ingredients at all costs!

Stay Away From the Toxic Trio

Stay Away From the Toxic Trio

Have you ever heard of "the toxic trio" or "big 3?" These terms refer to the three most toxic chemicals that are frequently found in nail polishes, including dibutyl phthalate (DBT), toluene, and formaldehyde.


DBT is commonly used as a plasticizer and solvent to improve the wear of your nail polish. But, it has been proven to damage the reproductive system if consumed in large amounts, and it can cause severe irritation


Meanwhile, toluene, a common solvent used the increase the staying power of a product, has been associated with health issues such as exhaustion, insomnia, dermatitis, and even organ damage when consumed in large doses.


And lastly, formaldehyde is a preservative that can cause allergic contact dermatitis, asthma, miscarriages, and other severe health problems. Besides those major harsh chemicals, there are other potential irritants such as phthalates, camphor, or formaldehyde resin

Look for Labels Like "7-Free"

Look for Labels Like "7-Free"

So, to be on the safe side, you should go for products with terms such as "7-free," "8-free," or "9-free." These terms indicate that a nail polish isn't formulated with the specified number of toxic chemicals. And the higher the number is, the fewer toxic chemicals a nail polish has. 

2

Consider a Vegan and Cruelty-Free Formula

Consider a Vegan and Cruelty-Free Formula

Vegan nail polishes are formulated with plant-based ingredients such as wheat, fruit extracts, and essential oils. Plus, they are usually crafted without harsh chemicals and are generally safe. 


Cruelty-free products are a great option as well! In comparison to regular nail polishes, they are shown to contain more non-toxic and plant-based ingredients that won't cause health issues. 


Vegan and cruelty-free nail polishes are often environmental-friendly. The manufacturing processes of these products tend to consume fewer resources and put less stress on the environment. So by purchasing a vegan or cruelty-free product, you can lower your carbon footprint.


Nevertheless, keep in mind that some manufacturers market their nail polishes as vegan and cruelty-free just to appeal to customers. So you might want to choose products with a certified vegan or cruelty-free seal to make sure that they live up to the claims. 

3

Choose a Nail Polish Color That Suits You

Another crucial factor to take into consideration is the shade. To pick out the most suitable color, think about your skin tone and undertone! 

Consider a Color Based on Your Skin Tone

Consider a Color Based on Your Skin Tone

When choosing a color shade, skin tone is a factor that you may want to consider! For those with a fair skin tone, you should go for bright and light colors like lilac, emerald, or gray. Bold reds and oranges are some other options that can complement your skin tone. 


Meanwhile, for medium skin tones, colors such as coral and grey can bring out the luster of your skin. You'll also love nude and white, as they contrast nicely with your skin tone and give you a chic look. 


And for those with dark skin tones, try intense and deep red shades like wines and berries. Neon colors will look beautiful on you as well! 

Let Your Undertone Be the Guide

Let Your Undertone Be the Guide

Besides skin tone, undertone is an important factor that helps you choose a suitable color. By looking at the veins in your wrists, you can easily tell what undertone you have. 


If your veins look blueish or purplish, you have a cool undertone. If they are on the green side, you have a warm undertone. And you're neutral if your blood veins feature a mix of both blue and green. 


Once you've figured that out, it's not that tough to tell which colors match your undertone! For those with a warm undertone, reach for warm colors like brown and orange. On the other hand, people who have a cool undertone will look beautiful in blue and red colors. And when it comes to neutral undertones, virtually all colors work.

4

Factor in the Drying and Staying Power

Factor in the Drying and Staying Power

Not many people have time to wait until their nail polish dries. And while you're waiting, you might accidentally smudge your nails. So if you don't have that much time, make sure to choose a quick-drying nail polish


Many products boast a formula that can dry completely in around 60 seconds, which is a great option for those who are impatient or busy.


And don't forget about the lasting power of your nail polish. Usually, polishes rely on plasticizers such as nitrocellulose to stay on for a long time without any chipping. Plasticizers are also vital to maintain a smooth and glossy surface.


So take a look at the ingredient list and make sure that your nail polish is formulated with effective plasticizers, but try to avoid toxic ones such as DBP. However, just looking at the ingredient list or product description won't tell you that much about the lasting power or drying time. So it's better to check what reviewers think! 

5

For Easy Application, Pay Attention to the Brush

For Easy Application, Pay Attention to the Brush

When choosing a nail polish, most people don't pay much attention to the brush. But, it can make the process of painting your nails much easier and less messy!


For those who don't have much experience doing your own nails, you'll benefit from a wide brush. It will help you get full coverage with just one or two swipes. Applying with fewer swipes also means that your polish will look smooth and won't get streaky.


On the other hand, a thin, fine brush will require you to apply a few layers to cover the whole nail. If you're not careful, you might get some unsightly bumps. However, for those who're professional at doing nails, this kind of brush will help you make sophisticated designs!


Some brushes are also designed with an angled tip that allows for easy and precise application even when you switch hands. 

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How to Choose a Natural Nail Polish - Buying Guide

Let's proceed to the buying guide! When choosing a natural nail polish, you'll need to make sure that there are no toxic ingredients in the formula. It's equally important to choose a suitable color that will complement your skin and suit your preferences. For more details, read on.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

ZOYA

Professional Lacquer

ZOYA Professional Lacquer 1

$8.20

Low Mid

Chic Nail Polish Free From 10 Harsh Chemicals

2

ILNP

Juliette Holographic Nail Polish

ILNP Juliette Holographic Nail Polish 1

$10.00

Mid

Rose Gold Sparkle Adds a Luxurious Touch to Your Outfit

3

Sally Hansen

Good. Kind. Pure Vegan Nail Polish

Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure Vegan Nail Polish 1

$7.48

Low

Plant-Based Formula With a High-Shine Finish

4

tenoverten

Nail Polish

tenoverten Nail Polish 1

$12.00

Mid

Vegan Formula With Nutrient-Dense Ingredients

5

deborah lippmann

Gel Lab Pro

deborah lippmann Gel Lab Pro 1

$20.00

High

An Extensive List of Color Options

6

ella mila

Nail Polish Love Collection

ella mila Nail Polish Love Collection 1

$10.49

Mid

Cruelty-Free Nail Polish Made Without Seven Harsh Chemicals

7

essie

expressie Quick Dry Nail Polish

essie expressie Quick Dry Nail Polish 1

$8.97

Low Mid

Vegan Nail Polish That Dries in One Minute

8

LONDONTOWN

Lakur Enhanced Color

LONDONTOWN Lakur Enhanced Color 1

$16.00

High Mid

High-Pigmented Polish Infused With Nutrient-Dense Botanicals

9

Honeybee Gardens

Watercolors Nail Enamel

Honeybee Gardens Watercolors Nail Enamel 1

$12.99

Mid

One-Step Formula With No Top Coat Needed

10

Smith & Cult

Nail Polish

Smith & Cult Nail Polish 1

$18.00

High Mid

Streak-Free Nail Polish With Full Coverage

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

ZOYAProfessional Lacquer

Professional Lacquer 1
Source:amazon.com
Professional Lacquer 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$8.20
Low Mid
Reference price
$8.20
Low Mid

Chic Nail Polish Free From 10 Harsh Chemicals

If you don't know, Zoya was the first brand to create toxin-free nail polish, and they transformed the whole nail industry when it initiated the "Big 3-Free" formula. Now, its nail polish is void of 10 main chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions. 


A few people complained that they received the wrong color, so make sure to contact the manufacturer if that occurs. Nevertheless, a great number of reviewers were obsessed with Zoya's nail polish since it's clean and doesn't contain harsh chemicals


The flattering, gorgeous color shades were another factor that won various users over. They further mentioned that the color lasted for quite a while without chipping. Also, the nail polish went on smoothly, so most reviewers didn't have any issues with applying the product.

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No.2

ILNPJuliette Holographic Nail Polish

Juliette Holographic Nail Polish 1
Source:amazon.com
Juliette Holographic Nail Polish 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$10.00
Mid

Rose Gold Sparkle Adds a Luxurious Touch to Your Outfit

When it comes to unique shades that can wow people at first glance, not many brands can beat ILNP. Particularly, this rose gold nail polish from ILNP delivers a glamorous, glittering finish that will add an impressive flourish to your look and help you make a statement. 


A few people weren't happy with the lasting power of this product and mentioned that the polish chipped after a few days. Nonetheless, most reviewers agreed that the color of this product was absolutely gorgeous and prompted many compliments. 


Others also noted that the polish has a thick consistency, but it goes on smoothly - application was definitely not an issue for most. Plus, the product is very opaque, so one or two coats was enough to give their nails a pretty layer of full-coverage glitter. 

No.3

Sally HansenGood. Kind. Pure Vegan Nail Polish

Reference price
$7.48
Low

Plant-Based Formula With a High-Shine Finish

Living up to its name of "good, kind, and pure," this nail polish from Sally Hansen boasts a vegan formula that contains plant-based ingredients like avocado fruit extract, spinach leaf extract, and mastic gum oil. 


Also, if you're a fan of nail polishes with a glossy finish, this product will surely do the trick! The formula seals in color and gives your nails a radiant, vibrant look. However, a few reviewers felt that the consistency of this product is too thin and watery for their preferences. 


Nevertheless, various people were obsessed with this vegan nail polish! They added that it dried in a matter of minutes and lasted for a while without any streaking. Plus, it went on nicely, so application was not a hassle. 

No.4

tenovertenNail Polish

Reference price
$12.00
Mid

Vegan Formula With Nutrient-Dense Ingredients

Looking for a nail polish that offers a shiny and reflective gloss? Try out tenoverten's product! With 16 distinct bold shades to play around will, you'll definitely find one that suits your taste. 


This product is enriched with natural ingredients such as horsetail leaf extract, vitamin E, and aloe vera. These are all nutrient-dense and can keep your nails smooth and healthy. So get ready to say goodbye to brittle and dry nails! 


For a few people, the brush was tough to work with and created uneven coats. Still, various reviewers were smitten with the vibrant and shiny shades. They also appreciated the vegan, 8-free formula that doesn't contain any toxic chemicals. Plus, the color actually stayed on for a long time without chipping! 

No.5

deborah lippmannGel Lab Pro

Reference price
$20.00
High

An Extensive List of Color Options

Worried about harmful chemicals lurking in your nail polish? This nail polish can give you some peace of mind! It's free from 10 harsh chemicals and features nourishing ingredients such as safflower seed oil, evening primrose flower extract, and bamboo extract to enhance the health of your nails. 


On top of that, there are literally 98 shades for you to choose from. So there are definitely some shades that can pique your interest!  However, a few people noted that the color chipped off after a few days. Nevertheless, most users were amazed at the color choices available. 


They're also head over heels with the enamel-like finish that gave their nails a shiny look. The application seemed easy as well since the product went on seamlessly and didn't take a long time to dry.  

No.6

ella milaNail Polish Love Collection

Reference price
$10.49
Mid

Cruelty-Free Nail Polish Made Without Seven Harsh Chemicals

This nail polish from ella mila is vegan and free from seven harsh chemicals, including formaldehyde, toluene, and camphor. On top of that, ella mila is a cruelty-free brand certified by PETA, so all of its products, including this nail polish, are not tested on animals. 


A few people mentioned that this nail polish had a thick consistency and came off pretty easily. However, most reviewers agreed that this product dried quickly. They also adored the soft, flattering color. Plus, the polish went on nicely, so reviewers didn't really have any problems with the application. 

No.7

essieexpressie Quick Dry Nail Polish

Reference price
$8.97
Low Mid

Vegan Nail Polish That Dries in One Minute

Frustrated with nail polishes that take forever to dry? This vegan product is a great option for you! It features a quick-dry formula that literally gives you chic, gorgeous nails in about 60 seconds. What's more, you don't have to apply top coat as this polish already has a gloss finish. 


Another special point is the angled brush that makes applying the polish much less troublesome! However, some people weren't satisfied with the staying power of this nail polish and added that it chipped pretty quickly


On the other hand, various reviewers verified that the product did dry in a minute. Many others were also happy with the high-shine color that gave their nails a glossy look even without a top coat. The wide variety of color options available was another plus point for reviewers. 

No.8

LONDONTOWNLakur Enhanced Color

Reference price
$16.00
High Mid

High-Pigmented Polish Infused With Nutrient-Dense Botanicals

For those who love a high-pigmented, bold nail polish color, this product from LONDONTOWN might be the best fit. It's enriched with nourishing botanicals such as rapeseed seed, chamomile extract, and vitamin E to support the health of your nails. 


Besides, the formula is free from nine harsh chemicals like camphor, formaldehyde resin, and DBT. But, some reviewers mentioned that the color didn't have a glossy finish and suggested using a top coat to achieve a shiny look. 


Nevertheless, many people were pretty impressed with the lasting power of this product, saying the color didn't chip at all. They added that applying the polish was a breeze since it went on smoothly and didn't take forever to dry. 

No.9

Honeybee GardensWatercolors Nail Enamel

Reference price
$12.99
Mid

One-Step Formula With No Top Coat Needed

Compared to solvent-based nail polishes that often contain harsh chemical smells, this product is water-based and has very little smell. So you won't be bothered at all! 


Besides, it boasts a one-step formula that doesn't require you to apply a top coat to achieve a high shine. And most importantly, this product is crafted without 12 harmful chemicals


A few people said that it was quite tough to remove the nail polish. Meanwhile, various reviewers, particularly those with sensitive noses, were absolutely in love with this product as it didn't have any toxic odor, unlike regular nail polishes. Many further noted that the colors were the same as the online photos and looked gorgeous!

No.10

Smith & CultNail Polish

Reference price
$18.00
High Mid

Streak-Free Nail Polish With Full Coverage

Smith & Cult's nail polish is well-loved for their vegan, 8-free, and gluten-free formula that's gentle on your nails and the planet. Moreover, this product offers a high-shine finish that will add vibrancy to your nails. For some extra durability, you might want to use a top coat.  


A few people were disappointed with the variety of colors and wished there were more options. Nonetheless, according to many reviewers, the color was highly pigmented and stayed on for a long time without chipping. They also mentioned that two coats were enough for gorgeous, opaque coverage. 

Take Care of Your Nails With These Products

Don't have time to make a stop at the nail salon to touch up your manicure? You might want to consider buying items such as a cuticle oil or glass nail file to take care of your nails. Trust us, they're important! 

Top 5 Natural Nail Polishes

No. 1: ZOYAProfessional Lacquer

No. 2: ILNPJuliette Holographic Nail Polish

No. 3: Sally HansenGood. Kind. Pure Vegan Nail Polish

No. 4: tenovertenNail Polish

No. 5: deborah lippmannGel Lab Pro

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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