The beauty industry is rapidly changing, one of the latest improvements is the stand against animal cruelty and animal testing. There has been an increase in demand for vegan makeup brands, hygiene products, and nail polish.
Other than the advocacy for animals, consumers are also becoming more aware of the ingredients in products that are being used on their bodies. Most standard nail polishes have ingredients that are toxic and harmful to our nails and overall health. Cruelty-free nail polish is the preferred option that will change your nails for the better. But with the range of options how do we pick a good polish?
1. Vegan vs. cruelty-free
Firstly, you want to determine whether you are looking for a vegan nail polish or cruelty-free nail polish. Often people mistake these two options as the same thing however, a vegan product does not necessarily mean that it is cruelty-free. When a product is labeled vegan, the content inside the bottle does not contain anything from an animal but it could have been tested on an animal. Having been tested on animals does not make it cruelty-free.
Therefore, the best option to look for is a nail polish that is both vegan and cruelty-free. These two labels usually come hand in hand however it is still common that brands don’t align their products with their values. You want to find brands that ‘practice what they preach’. Making sure that they consistently align their values with their products through good CSR (corporate social responsibility).
2. Looking out for toxins
As previously mentioned, standard nail polish does have many ingredients that can be harmful to your health and your nails. This doesn’t immediately mean that cruelty-free nail polishes don’t have the same toxins.
One of the easiest ways to recognize if a nail polish is free of toxins is to look out for labels that say seven-free, 10-free, or 21-free. This label identifies the absence of certain toxic ingredients in common nail polish formulas. Common ingredients to avoid include formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, xylene. These toxins are linked to certain cancers, reproductive issues, and damage to the nervous system. It is also recommended to steer clear of nail polish containing any fragrances. Although not very common, fragrances can cause allergic reactions and uncomfortable skin reactions (if you have sensitive skin).
3. Use of natural ingredients
Many brands that are cruelty-free or vegan try to avoid using toxic ingredients, instead these ingredients are replaced with healthy, natural vitamins. Many blends of nail polish promote the effects of natural ingredients in their formula. The Londontown Lakur claims to strengthen your nails with every use of nail polish. Ingredients such as garlic extract and vitamin-e provide nutrients to the nails while providing a smooth and beautiful color. You can also look for formulas with other plant-based ingredients containing antioxidants such as horsetail leaf extract, starflower oil, shea butter. These ingredients will help to repaired and strengthen damaged nails and prevent cracking. Ingredients such as these are filled with natural oils that make the nail polish glide on easily and create a glossy, smooth finish.
It is also important to find primers and topcoats that use natural and plant-based ingredients. Since primers are the first layer that being applied to the nail, the ingredients from this seeps into the nails. Topcoats will prevent the nail polish from chipping off and help keep your nails from drying out.
4. Pigmentations
A lot of the ingredients to create strong-bright pigment in nail polishes come from animals. Carmine is a red dye derived from cochineal scale insects, shellac is a dark brown resin from excretions of lac insects. These animal-derived ingredients aren’t only present in nail polish but all makeup that is not vegan. The more you learn, the more reasons keep stacking up for you to go vegan.
Vegan and cruelty-free products however have found a replacement for these animal-derived pigmentations that create just as effective and bright colors. Jin Soon is a brand of nail polish that is 10-free, has a glossy finish and intense pigmentation. Nails Inc. is another brand that is entirely vegan and has a wide range of highly pigmented, long-lasting shades.
5. Certified PETA
PETA is a highly respected non-profit organization that advocates strongly for animal rights in all industries from the meant industry to the makeup and clothing industry. PETA has a cruelty-free label where companies pledge, from now on and in the future, that they will not commission or conduct any tests on animals and that no animal ingredients or by-products will be used in formulations or finished products. If you truly are looking for a product that is cruelty-free and ethical, finding a brand that is PETA cruelty-free certified is the best way to go. This certification is available not just to nail polish brands but also to makeup and skin-care brands.