Over the past year I’ve come to love having my nails done — always using vegan, 5-free polishes. I rarely go without at least a clear coat on my fingernails, and my toenails are never bare. My interest in polish grew alongside the rise of vegan and non-toxic beauty. As plant-based eating became more common for me, I noticed a similar shift in beauty: more cruelty-free and non-toxic options. Today there are many brands making high-quality, animal-friendly polishes, so it’s easy to find shades and formulas that suit your needs.
Below are a few of my favorite vegan and 5-free polishes. I selected them based on these standards:
- 5-free formulation minimum: Free from Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, and camphor — common toxic ingredients found in some polishes.
- Vegan and cruelty-free: No animal-derived ingredients and not tested on animals.
- Wide color range: The company offers many shades to choose from.
- Long-wearing formula: The polish lasts for days without chipping excessively.
Vegan 5-Free Nail Polishes featured:
HABIT COSMETICS. This was the first 5-free polish I tried. Founded in 2013, Habit makes beautiful, long-lasting colors. I especially love their nudes — Tan Lines and Ingenue are personal favorites. The formula includes myrrh, added for strengthening and anti-fungal properties, which has helped keep my nails healthy and strong. IN THE VIDEO WEARING: TAN LINES & INGENUE
GINGER & LIZ. Known for rich, vibrant colors, this NYC-based brand offers a broad color selection and non-toxic nail and skincare products. Their shades are bold and pigmented. IN THE VIDEO WEARING: HEALTH IS WEALTH
SMITH & CULT. This brand feels luxurious — the bottle and formula elevate a simple red polish moment. Smith & Cult goes beyond 5-free; many of their polishes are 8-free, excluding xylene, ethyl tosylamide, and triphenyl phosphate as well. IN THE VIDEO WEARING: KUNDALINI HUSTLE
FLOSS GLOSS. An affordable vegan option at about $8, Floss Gloss offers cheerful, summery shades and playful packaging. Their glitter polishes are especially pretty and worth trying. IN THE VIDEO WEARING: NEON NACHO
More vegan and 5-free options (with average prices, listed to help you explore — prices may vary):
- LVX — $18
- Ella Mila — $10.50
- Sparitual — $12
- Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics — $10
- Zoya — $10
- Aila — $17
- NCLA — $18
- Priti NYC — $15
- Pacifica — $9
- Julep — $14
- Jamberry — $15
- LACC — $13
- RMS Beauty — $15
- Mineral Fusion — $8
Choosing clean, vegan nail polish is an easy swap that supports healthier beauty routines. Look for formulations that meet your standards for ingredient safety, durability, and color selection. With so many brands now making non-toxic, cruelty-free polishes, you can enjoy both style and peace of mind.