"Organic green nail polish", "natural green nail polish", "organic natural nail polish", "organic gel polish", "natural semi-permanent nail polish", "organic semi-permanent nail polish"... When looking for a non-toxic nail polish, it's not always easy to navigate the world of eco-friendly manicures! So it's time to provide some clarification. Also, how do you choose between an organic nail polish and a natural nail polish? That's what we're going to find out!
Organic nail polish does not exist
The question of whether there's a difference between organic and natural nail polish is quickly answered! Because yes, organic nail polish does not exist.
Organic chemical-free nail polish does not exist
But what are the reasons why a nail polish cannot be organic?
Firstly, because even in healthy polishes, there are solvents that cannot be organically certified. A solvent allows other materials to be diluted, dissolved, or extracted without denaturing them. It's important to know that organic labels decide whether a product is organic or not, following the list outlined by cosmetic regulations. However, these labels prohibit certain chemical reactions* that transform raw materials, with the idea of preserving all of their properties. So the polish itself cannot have this certification.
Secondly, some polishes contain minerals such as pigments. However, a mineral is not an organic material, so it is not covered by the "organic" designation. And given that minerals represent a high percentage of the polish's composition, it is also not possible for it to be organically certified according to current labels. Indeed, for a product to be eligible for organic certification, a significant portion of its content must be of plant origin.
Finally, in all polishes, for them to hold perfectly on the nails, fixing agents are required.
*Again, let's not confuse chemical with toxic. A chemical reaction is not necessarily toxic!
The mentions "organic polish" are not truthful
And therefore, there are no organic nail polish brands either. If you often come across these terms, it's because this designation is used as the word "organic" reassures consumers, but in reality, it doesn't reflect the truth. Also, be wary if you're presented with the best organic nail polish, an organic bitter nail polish, or even an organic nail polish for pregnant women, because it's simply impossible, at least for now, as it's possible that one day an organic nail polish may emerge. You'll recognize it if you see "certified organic" directly on the nail polish packaging.
It's highly likely that you're disappointed, but don't worry, what follows will surely please you.
So, if organic nail polish doesn't exist, what should you choose? That's where natural nail polishes come in!
Natural nail polish: a composition that's all good
Although they are not organic, natural nail polishes are, for the most part, non-toxic (we make this clarification because natural does not always mean good for your health). Indeed, a product that is not organic is not necessarily harmful.
Bio-sourced nail polishes
One of the peculiarities of natural nail polishes is that they are also called "bio-sourced nail polishes". The term "bio-sourced" means that the ingredients are produced from natural resources (plants, minerals, microorganisms, etc.) transformed through a natural and non-petrochemical process, using chemical or mechanical processes.
But therefore, organic nail polish and bio-sourced nail polish should not be confused.
"Free" nail polishes
Furthermore, natural nail polishes exclude certain toxic ingredients or those whose non-harmfulness is not proven, which are very often found in traditional nail polishes. Depending on the number of these absent ingredients in the formulas, polishes are "3 Free" or even "7 Free".
In the case of Clever Beauty polishes, for extra precautions, we have opted for a "10 Free" formula. And they have just as good hold and shine as their counterparts!
Thus, you will not find:
- formaldehyde;
- formaldehyde;
- toluene;
- colophony;
- styrene;
- xylene;
- dibutyl phthalate;
- paraben;
- camphor;
- and benzophenone 1 and 2.
Absolutely avoid low-priced nail polishes whose composition is more than questionable and whose criteria are much less stringent.
Nail care polishes
Now that we've mentioned what's not there, it's time to look at the composition of natural nail polishes. Because it's very often beneficial for nails and cuticles. These are also polishes recommended for nail care.
Here are some examples of ingredients in our polishes:
- durian, whose fibers, proteins, lipids, and vitamins B1, B2, and B3 strengthen nail keratin; it can be found in Parfaite nail polish.
- red berries, components of Audacieuse nail polish, whose vitamins E and C help nails resist external aggressions.
- green tea, found in Green Top & Base nail polish, which is rich in antioxidants and purifies and softens the skin, as well as reducing its hypersensitivity.
- and finally, avocado, which nourishes cuticles and is a component of Green Top & Base nail polish.
They are therefore genuine nail care products!
And generally, we ensure that the formula of our nail polishes is respectful of health and the environment. Our nail polishes are also recommended during pregnancy!
Earlier, we mentioned solvents. In our case, these are bio-sourced solvents, meaning they are extracted by bacterial fermentation from natural raw materials such as corn, cassava, potato, sugar cane, or cotton.
And know that manicures with natural nail polish are done the same way as with traditional nail polish.
And in any case, natural nail polishes will always be healthier alternatives than traditional nail polishes.
The case of semi-permanent nail polishes
What about semi-permanent nail polishes? Although we don't offer them, we still think it's important to address this topic, as this question is often asked.
As you will have understood, there is no organic semi-permanent nail polish either. However, you can find natural semi-permanent nail polishes. They very often use a medical gel application technique. Generally, the manicure lasts about ten days, unlike three and a half weeks for a traditional semi-permanent nail polish.
Before you leave, don't forget nail polish remover – often overlooked, yet it too can have an impact on health depending on its composition. And consider a natural nail polish remover whose solvents are also bio-sourced and whose formula has been designed to have a beneficial effect on nails: hydrating, nourishing, etc.
We hope this article has convinced you that although organic nail polishes have not yet seen the light of day, natural nail polishes are nevertheless very effective!
And you, what do you think of natural nail polishes? Are you also a fan of eco-friendly nail polishes?
