Nail polish is an integral part of many women’s beauty routines. The right shade can brighten up any look or elevate a simple outfit, but there are so many options on the market that choosing the right one can be overwhelming. From gel, builder gel and dip powder to the traditional polish we’ve all come to know and love, there are endless choices to try out. However, there is also a lot of attention being paid to what goes into those little bottles of nail polish, and with good reason. Many traditional formulas contain ingredients that can have potentially unhealthy and long-term effects on nails. Some nail polish companies have eliminated the worst of these chemicals, allowing them to claim a “7-free” composition.

Nitrocellulose is the first ingredient in most nail polishes and is what makes it able to dry into a hard, protective layer that protects the moist product underneath it. It also gives polish its smooth texture and ability to adhere to the nails.

The rest of the nail polish formulation is comprised of a variety of different ingredients, including solvents (like ethyl acetate and butyl acetate), resins (like toluene sulfonamide-formaldehyde resin) and pigments. The pigments are what give the polish its color, and they must be able to mix with all of these other ingredients in order to be made into a usable product. The solvents are what make the product liquid, and then they evaporate once the polish is applied to the nail. These solvents can affect how thick the polish is, how fast it dries and how quickly it sets.

Various additives help to keep the nail polish mixture together, such as stabilizers, viscosity-adjusting agents and plasticizers. The latter are the chemicals that keep the nail polish flexible once it dries, and they help to reduce chipping and cracking. They are also what make the nail polish resistant to water and other liquids. Common plasticizers include stearalkonium hectorite and bentonite. Another important additive is a UV stabilizing agent, which keeps the polish from fading in the sun. This is typically a chemical called benzophenone-1, or simply benzophenone.

This nail polish is a great option for those who want to limit their exposure to the chemicals found in traditional nail polishes, but don’t want to compromise on color or wearability. It dries in about 45 seconds, which is pretty incredible for a nail polish, and it has an excellent level of coverage. It’s also a great option for those with sensitive nails because it contains a lot of natural ingredients, like shea butter, to soothe them and myrrh extract to strengthen the nails. Plus, it’s packaged sustainably, using recycled plastic components and FSC-certified paperboard for the overcaps and boxes. It’s also cruelty-free, vegan and toxin-free. And, if you’re interested in trying other nail polish brands, Habit Cosmetics has a wide range of colors to choose from. So, check out the list below and start exploring your options! Vernis à Ongles