Isla Bennett
With the rise of veganism, many industries have had to adapt to cater to the new demands of consumers. The nail varnish industry is no exception. Many nail varnishes contain animal-derived ingredients, but vegan nail varnishes use alternative ingredients that do not compromise on quality. When it comes to gel nail varnish, there are now many options for vegans. However, it is important to check that the product is certified vegan and that the brand is not owned by a larger corporation that conducts animal testing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegan | Does not contain animal products or animal-derived ingredients |
| Uses alternative ingredients that serve the same purpose as animal ingredients | |
| May be free of harsh chemicals | |
| May be made with plant-based ingredients and synthetic pigments | |
| May be cruelty-free (not tested on animals) | |
| May be certified by a recognised vegan or cruelty-free organisation | |
| May be long-lasting, chip-resistant, and high-quality | |
| May be competitively priced | |
| May have recyclable packaging | |
| Cruelty-Free | Not tested on animals |
| May be certified by a recognised cruelty-free organisation | |
| May be free of harsh chemicals | |
| May be long-lasting, chip-resistant, and high-quality | |
| May be competitively priced | |
| May have recyclable packaging |
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What You'll Learn
Vegan gel nail varnish brands
Traditional gel nail polishes are often made with animal-derived ingredients or are tested on animals, making them unsuitable for vegans. However, there are now many vegan gel nail varnish brands available that provide long-lasting, chip-resistant formulas without compromising on ethics.
One such brand is The GelBottle (TGB), which is Leaping Bunny Certified and free from any animal by-products. TGB offers a wide range of colours and new shades are added regularly, so you can stay on top of the latest trends. Another option is Manucurist, which has a line of vegan gel polish called Green Flash. It's a 12-free formula, made with up to 84% plant-based ingredients, and it lasts for up to 10 days. Picture Polish, an Australian brand, offers a quick-curing alternative to traditional gel polish that provides an intense glossy colour and long wear. For those looking for a black-owned nail polish brand, Triple O Polish offers a selection of cruelty-free and vegan gel polishes that last for up to 14 days with proper application.
There are also some well-known cosmetic brands that offer vegan gel nail varnishes, such as Essie, Milani, and Orly. Orly, in particular, has a massive range of bold and neutral hues that are not only vegan but also non-toxic, free from 12 strong chemicals usually found in nail varnishes. Ella + Mila is another great option, known for its trendy shades and eco-friendly ethos.
When choosing a vegan gel nail varnish, it's important to remember that “cruelty-free” doesn't always mean the product is vegan. It could be that the product is not tested on animals but still contains animal-derived ingredients. It's also worth considering whether the brand is owned by a larger corporation that conducts animal testing.
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Cruelty-free vs. vegan nail varnish
There are now many vegan nail polish options available, and they are just as good as traditional nail polishes. Vegan nail polishes are typically made with plant-based ingredients and synthetic pigments to create a glossy and long-lasting finish.
Vegan Nail Varnish
Vegan nail varnishes are those that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or animal by-products. This means no fish scales, bat faeces, carmine beetles, or shellac beetles. Vegan varnishes are also often non-toxic, meaning they are free from the strong chemicals usually found in nail varnishes, making them kind to animals and your nails.
Cruelty-Free Nail Varnish
Cruelty-free nail varnish is a product that has not been tested on animals. Many conventional nail polish brands are tested on animals, often rabbits, to ensure their safety for humans. Cruelty-free brands, on the other hand, are considered more humane and are usually certified by independent organisations such as Cruelty-Free International (The Leaping Bunny program).
It is important to note that cruelty-free does not always mean vegan, and vice versa. Some cruelty-free brands can still use animal by-products, and some vegan brands may test on animals. Therefore, it is always good to check the label and manufacturer's website for the most up-to-date information.
Examples of Vegan and Cruelty-Free Nail Varnishes
- Orly
- The GelBottle
- ZAO
- BKIND
- BWC
- Candy x Paints
- Cirque Colours
- Revolution Beauty
- Sienna
- HOOPLA
- MO Nails
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Animal-derived ingredients in nail varnish
Traditional nail varnishes are often made with animal-derived ingredients or are tested on animals, making them unsuitable for vegans. However, vegan nail varnishes are free from animal-derived ingredients and are cruelty-free.
Some common animal-derived ingredients found in traditional nail varnishes include:
- Guanine, also known as natural pearl essence or CI 75170, is a shimmery substance produced by processing fish scales.
- Carmine, also known as crimson lake, natural red 4, or CI 75470, is a bright red pigment. It is derived by drying and crushing scale insects that commonly live in cactus farms in South and Central America.
- Keratin is an animal protein derived from mammals such as cattle, horses, pigs, and rabbits. It is believed to strengthen damaged hair, nails, and skin.
- Musk oil is derived from the musk gland of animals and is used for its fragrance.
- Beeswax is produced by honeybees and is used as a thickening agent.
- Lanolin is a wax derived from sheep's wool and is used for its moisturizing properties.
- Shark liver oil is known for its moisturizing benefits.
- Shellac is a resin secreted by lac bugs and is used for its glossy finish, but it is not vegan due to its insect origin.
These animal-derived ingredients can be replaced with vegan alternatives without compromising the quality of the nail varnish. For example, vegan nail polishes use natural or synthetic dyes to achieve vibrant colors, and nitrocellulose, a plant-based film-forming agent, adds durability and shine.
When shopping for vegan nail varnish, it is crucial to check for certifications or labels that explicitly state the product is vegan and cruelty-free. Trustworthy certifications like PETA or Leaping Bunny provide reassurance that the product meets both criteria. It is also important to understand labels and read ingredient lists to ensure that the product aligns with your values.
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Non-toxic nail varnish
While vegan nail varnishes are free from animal-derived ingredients, they may still contain chemicals that are toxic to humans. Non-toxic nail varnishes, on the other hand, are free from these harmful chemicals.
Non-toxic nail polishes are made without using strong chemicals traditionally used in lacquers, such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. These three ingredients are considered the most potentially disruptive and have been linked to negative health effects, including damage to the nervous system and certain types of cancer.
To identify non-toxic nail polishes, look for terms like "3-free," "5-free," "7-free," "9-free," or "10-free" on the labels, indicating the number of toxic chemicals that have been omitted from the formula. For example, a 3-free nail polish is made without formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, while a 10-free polish, like the one offered by Hoopla, excludes additional ingredients like formaldehyde resin and camphor.
Some non-toxic nail polishes go beyond and exclude even more potentially harmful ingredients. For instance, Pacifica's polish is free of 16 toxins and is also 100% vegan. Similarly, Sundays offers a 10-free polish that is vegan and cruelty-free, providing an easy at-home manicure experience.
When choosing a non-toxic nail polish, it's important to remember that the term toxic can be subjective, and it's always a good idea to research the specific ingredients and their potential effects. Additionally, while water-based polishes are the least toxic, they may not perform as well as solvent-based options.
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Vegan nail varnish remover
Traditional gel nail polish is often made with animal-derived ingredients or is tested on animals, making it unsuitable for vegans. Vegan nail polishes, on the other hand, are formulated with plant-based ingredients and synthetic pigments to create a similar glossy and long-lasting finish.
When it comes to nail varnish removers, there are also vegan options available. These products are not only cruelty-free but also use better and gentler ingredients than non-vegan alternatives. Ella+Mila offers a soy-based nail polish remover that is non-acetone, alcohol-free, and enriched with natural vitamins A, C, and E, as well as lavender essential oil. This product is designed to promote healthy and moisturized nails without drying out the skin or damaging the nail and cuticles. Another option is the Orly Genius Remover, which can be used to remove both regular and gel polish.
It is important to note that just because a product is labelled as 'cruelty-free' does not necessarily mean it is vegan. Some products may not be tested on animals, but they could still contain animal-derived ingredients such as honey. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the ingredients and look for approval from a recognized vegan or cruelty-free organization.
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Frequently asked questions
Vegan gel nail varnish is a type of nail polish that does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Many vegan nail polishes are formulated with plant-based ingredients and synthetic pigments to create a similar glossy and long-lasting finish.
If a brand has gone through all the necessary checks by licensed bodies, they will typically have a clear stamp on their packaging to indicate that they are vegan. You can also check the ingredients listed on the bottle.
Yes, there are many brands that offer vegan gel nail varnishes, including The GelBottle, Orly, Essie, Olive & June, and many more.
Vegan does not always mean cruelty-free. Cruelty-free nail polishes are those that have not been tested on animals. Some brands that offer both vegan and cruelty-free gel nail varnishes include Orly, The GelBottle, and Olive & June.
