With bold nail designs trending this year, now is not the time to play coy with your nails. So while looking for some nail design inspiration, consider going clean with vegan nail polish.
Vegan nail polish does not use animal-derived ingredients or pigments meaning no fish scales, animal oils, or crushed bugs (yes, you read that right). Instead, vegan nail polish is made from plant-based and natural ingredients. This process helps reduce strain on Mother Nature’s resources by using fewer toxins in its production while giving us much-needed, cruelty-free alternatives to traditional nail polish.
Here are some of our favorite vegan nail polishes to get you started.
1976 by Catbird Shell Polish, $24
Born in Brooklyn, Catbird has been focused on sustainable products for twenty years. Known for its amazing jewelry from recycled gold and diamonds, this female-led business also boasts its Catbird Shell Polish collection, featuring five fabulous shades made from plant-derived glitter. We have a soft spot for 1976 due to its mix of black and gold beauty. This was also the year disco music debuted so we have a winner. Diana Ross would approve.
Reasons to Like:
- Vegan, non-toxic, cruelty-free
- 10-free (does not contain the ten most toxic chemicals that are found in most nail polishes)
- Ethically-sourced mica
- Biodegradable, plant-based glitter
Sagittarius by BKIND, $13
Plant-based products made from natural ingredients are the driving mission of BKIND. Their beauty and skincare lines are all-naturally made in Quebec, their home base. Their nail polishes help to promote nail growth and make your nails look extra healthy due to the inclusion of Hexanal, a natural compound found in fruits and vegetables. We’re highlighting BKIND’s Sagittarius nail polish due to its gorgeous blue, which is dedicated to the sign’s gemstone color. Our editor’s personal fave, being a Sag herself.
Reasons to like:
- Vegan, plant-based, cruelty-free
- 21-free (does not contain 21 toxic ingredients normally used to produce nail polish)
- Certified by Leaping Bunny
- All packaging is 100% recyclable
Brownie Points by Habit, $12
With over sixty shades, Habit is about increasing the volume of clean beauty with its inclusive, vegan nail polishes. The LA-based company recently introduced its breathable, bio-based formula of hibiscus and samphire extracts to deliver more hydrated, healthier, and stronger nails. Our fave? The delicious-looking Brownie Points for that perfect shade of richness.
Reasons to like:
- Certified vegan and cruelty-free by PETA and Leaping Bunny
- 21-toxin free ingredients
- Members of 1% for the Planet
- Packaging includes biodegradable bamboo caps on polish bottles
A Beautiful Life by Mischo Beauty, $21
With its award-winning nail lacquers, it’s no wonder Mischo Beauty is a clean beauty fan favorite. Founded in 2013, the beauty brand offers cruelty-free, high-shine nail lacquers in cool nudes and rich colors. Our choice? A Beautiful Life. When you purchase this gorgeous white lacquer, the proceeds of each sale go towards organizations designed to empower young women.
Reasons to like:
- Vegan, 10 toxin-free ingredients, cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Does not contain artificial fragrances
- A part of 1% of the Planet global network
For Grass by FOR TMRW, $20
Maia Alejandro founded FOR TMRW to bring clean beauty to the BIPOC community. She brought her experience as a mental health clinician to the world of clean beauty. Each nail color is intentionally chosen with color psychology to elevate your mood while boosting your style. We set our sights on For Grass, a stunning green designed to make the wearer feel more harmonious, and who doesn’t need that?
Reasons to Like:
- Vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, non-toxic
- Chip-resistant
- 21-free ingredients
- Leaping Bunny certified, EU certified
