The Rise of "Clean" Manicures
Non-Toxic Options for your Toes & Fingertips!
If you’ve ever spent extended time in a nail salon waiting to get your weekly mani/pedi, you probably had to endure nose singeing chemical odors of today’s nail care products. While designed to make nails shimmer and shine with long-lasting color, they can also be quite toxic to breathe.
A recent New York Times article about the greening of nail salons, detailed the dangers to clients and salon workers who are regularly exposed to the toxic fumes from manicure products. Considering these health concerns, more and more salons are converting to “clean” or “green” nail products to create a safer, healthier environment for workers and clients.
If you’re looking for a more green mani/pedi routine (whether at home or the salon) check out this selection of recommended clean and green products for your nail care.
ella+mila nail polish
Berry Much in Love from ella+mila
This non-toxic brand features gorgeous, high-end colors that are vegan and cruelty-free, plus their nail lacquers, nail care products, and nail lacquer sets are all "7-Free", meaning they do not contain seven toxins common in “non-clean” nail products: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DiButyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, TPHP, Xylene.
sunday polish base & top coat
Base and top coat from Sunday
Base and top coats are some of the biggest offenders when it comes to toxic chemicals. The base coat is applied to create a smooth surface for your polish to adhere to, and the top coat is intended to create a chip-resistant finish for long-lasting color. Sunday is a leader in non-toxic, vegan, cruelty free polish; and this duo is ideal for the start and finish of every clean, green mani/pedi.
honeybee gardens nail polish remover
Acetone-free nail polish remover from honeybee gardens
Acetone is a commercial solvent used in many industrial applications AND in many nail polish remover formulations. It’s the primary ingredient in removers for gel polish and acrylic nails. If you’re looking for a safer, non-toxic option for removing your polish, consider Honeybee Gardens acetone-free nail polish remover. This gentle remover will take off your polish without stripping your nails. It’s fortified with vitamin E and horsetail to make nails stronger.
tanumi reusable cotton pads and holder
These cotton pads can be used for polish removal and can be put in the laundry for re-use.
These re-usable cotton pads can be laundered after each use. Cotton is a high water crop, and using a product for polish removal that can be laundered and re-used is better for the planet and another way to have a greener mani/pedi experience.
suncoat peelable polish
This water-based polish can be peeled off when you’re ready to change it!
This water-based polish uses mineral pigments and natural ingredients to create long-lasting, non-toxic colors that are vibrant and rich. And when you’re ready to change colors, you simply peel it off. No polish remover needed!