Pregnancy Safe Nail Polish for Trendsetter Moms

Published November 4, 2023

As you embark on your pregnancy journey, your baby’s health is of utmost importance. As soon-to-be moms, or have been moms for a long time now, you’re wary of doing certain things. There are many things and practices to be avoided in pregnancy, and nail mani-pedis are often perceived in a bad light. 

Nail polish is no secret made from toxic chemicals. And the moment your doctor announces the arrival of a new addition to the family, you are refrained from such chemical exposures. It is assumed that any kind of nail polish, manicure, and pedicure are cut for nine months. 

Yet, there is pregnancy-safe nail polish. Many beauty companies recognize the need for mommies to groom and beautify themselves amidst motherhood. They are chemical-free guaranteed safety and sound for the mommy and baby. 

Can You Paint Your Nails While Pregnant?

To debunk the famous myth, manicures, pedicures, and nail polish are totally safe while pregnant. You can paint your nails while expecting a baby on the way. No evidence indicates that the occasional application of nail polish harms pregnant women and fetuses. 

Pregnancy hormones make our nails grow longer and more robust. It is enough reason for us to deserve some kind of nail service. 

Still, you should stay away from certain chemicals that are usually present in nail polishes. They are: 

1. Dibutyl phthalate 
2. Toluene 
3. Formaldehyde 

Dibutyl phthalate is known for being a standard nail polish ingredient employed as a plasticizer. Yet, during pregnancy, it can be transmitted from mother to baby. Exposure to it during pregnancy may influence the growth and development of the child. It may also harm the male and female reproductive systems. 

Toluene is a nail polish component that achieves a smooth nail presentation and finish. Yet, you must be cautious with this one. Several cases have been reported of neonatal outcomes like intrauterine growth retardation, premature delivery, congenital malformations, and post-developmental retardation with its usage. Toluene and dibutyl phthalate have been related to congenital disabilities and developmental complications in babies whose mothers used them during pregnancy. 

Lastly, formaldehyde is a chemical that could heighten perinatal risks in pregnancy. Exposure to it may raise your chances of having fertility issues, miscarriage, and a higher risk of hereditary abnormalities. It may also cause decreased birth weight and premature birth. 

Is Nail Polish Safe During Pregnancy?

Nail polishes with no toxic ingredients are 100% safe for expectant mothers. It is now achievable to have beautiful nails and, at the same time, be safeguarded from harsh compounds. 

Still, pregnant or not, it is always critical for us to ensure that we know which products are being used on us in the treatment of manicures and pedicures. 

Choosing the Right Nail Polish

You really do not have to stress much about the kind of polish that you choose. If you are concerned about exposure to specific chemicals, shopping for a nontoxic polish is reasonable. 

Certain polishes, especially those promoted as vegan or nontoxic, use the terms 3 Free, 5 Free, or 7 Free. 

1. 3 Free Formulas. They do not consist of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP. They are considered the most problematic ingredients. 
2. 5 Free Formulas. They are not made with formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP. They also lack formaldehyde resin and camphor. The latter two may introduce allergic contact dermatitis in some people. 
3. 7 Free Formulas. In addition to abstaining from everything in a five-free formulation, these cut ethyl tosylamide and xylene. Ethyl tosylamide can cause allergic reactions in some people. The latter can cause eye and throat irritation when inhaled in large amounts. 
4. Vegan. If a polish has a certified vegan logo, it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Also, they lack any animal by-products. Finally, they were not tested on animals. Certain nail polish ingredients, such as shellac, come from animal secretions. 
5. Nontoxic. Brands use this to communicate that their product does not include potentially harmful ingredients. For nail polish, brands often link it with 3 or 5 free promotions. Remember, this is primarily a marketing claim. It does not have a standard legal definition. You should take these claims with a grain of salt. 

Best Pregnancy Safe Nail Polish of 2023

1. Olive & June Nail Polish 

Olive & June nail polish is a seven-free, vegan, cruelty-free, safe nail polish for mothers-to-be. It is an appealing choice for moms looking to avoid potentially harmful ingredients. It has excellent color choices. It has over 100 shades to match your mommy’s mood or outfit. It applies beautifully and looks gorgeous.

2. Zoya Naked Manicure Women’s Starter Kit 

If you want to go the extra mile with your pregnancy-safe nail polish, this next brand is 10-free. Zoya Naked lacks formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene, camphor, parabens, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, lead, and triphenyl phosphate. It has many shades, a lovely shimmer undertone, and a high gloss finish. 

3. Ella + Mila mommy & me set

Forget 10-free. Ella + Mila nail polish is 17-free. It makes its ingredient list one of the strictest, safest, most impressive you can find. It’s a popular nail polish for parents to use on their kids. It also comes in many flattering shades. It also has a sheet of adorable nail stickers for your young fashionista. 

4. Orly Breathable 1-Step Manicure

Next on the list has been making a mark for pregnancy-friendly nail polish. It is famed for its saturated, fun hues. More impressively, it has one coat of manicure designed to provide full coverage in just one effortless application. It is 13-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. It is made with argan oil and vitamins B5 and C to keep your nails healthy and strong. What a brand! 

5. Sally Hansen Good, Kind. Pure, Nail Color 

For your next local drugstore adventure, you can lean on to Sally Hansen. It is a vegan polish with 30 eye-catching shades. Many nail polish enthusiasts love its broad brush because of its smooth application. It is also very long-lasting. Then, if you want to switch colors, it comes off in a breeze. 

6. Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer

Butter London is a brand dubbed as a salon-quality manicure in a bottle. It has many shiny shades that are ten free, cruelty-free, and vegan. Expectant mommies will also love that it contains bamboo extract. It helps to keep your nails strong. It is also very long-lasting. 

7. Jinsoon 

Jinsoon is another pregnancy-safe nail polish. It is 10-free and with a vegan-friendly formula. It has captured the media’s attention, and many A-list celebrities love it. It is a high-quality product and is impressively long to wear. It has an extended shelf life, so you’ll get your money’s worth. You will also not get bored with its 92 shades. From classic to bright to modern, there’s something for you, soon-to-be mom. 

8. Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish 

Habit Nail Polish has a guilt-free packaging many nail polish lovers dig. Yet, it is not the only reason why it’s on the list. It is infused with myrrh extract that betters nail strength. It is toxin-free and cruelty-free. It is a feel-good purchase because the company donates 1 percent of every sale to environmental causes. Its care doesn’t end for mommies. It cares for future generations, too. 

9. OPI Nail Lacquer

OPI is recognized for giving premium quality nail polishes and gels. OPI Nail Lacquer is one of their best-selling and highly sought-after items. 

It is three free. It is a safe formula for pregnant women. It is also designed to make your nails stronger and healthier. It has wide color shades. From olive complexion to mochas, it will suit every skin tone. 

10. Essie Nail Polish 

Essie has been making a name for salon-quality nail polishes for decades already. Yet until recently, the company has decided to implement mostly vegan and 8-free formulas for their nail polishes. 

The brand maintains the standard of being free from toxic chemicals. Also, it is made with a quick dry formula to save time in your busy, expectant mom’s schedule. It is also available in more than 30+ colors. It has a unique easy glide brush caters to all the different nail shapes. It is one to give a beautiful, more polished look. 

11. Karma Organic Two-in-One Base Coat

Karma Organic has many nail care items that are popular for those looking for nontoxic beauty products. As the name suggests, it is a clean beauty company. It has an impressive array of mostly organic, plant-based products. The Karma Organic Two-in-One Base Coat is indeed a healthier alternative for pregnant women. 

The nail polish gel has a natural plant-based formula that is 7-free. It is impressive in making your nails stunning. It being 2 in 1 makes it convenient and also long-lasting. 

12. Cirque Colors Nail Polish 

If you want nail polish claiming that it can change your mood, go for Cirque Colors. This nail polish brand has a formula that changes its color with temperature. Who doesn’t want to see color changes while having your morning tea during pregnancy? It will surely make your day even though it’s only starting. 

The brand has a limited seven different beautiful hues. Each color is not a single shade. It’s a combined color. How cool! It will also last you for a long time. Also, it’s nontoxic and 10-free. 

13. Piggy Paint Girls

Piggy Paint is a famous, nontoxic, chemical-free makeup brand for little girls. It may be designed for children, but it is a safe adult nail polish alternative for expectant mothers. It has a water-based formula. It has no toxic stuff like formaldehyde, toluene, phthalate, and the like. 

The brand is also gluten-free. It won’t cause any allergic reactions. It also comes in a neutral scent so as not to cause any problems if you have a sensitive nose. 

What to Know About Nail Polish Safety During Pregnancy?

For occasional use, nail polish is perfectly safe for expectant mothers. Yet, the Food and Drug Administration lists some critical things to remember. It is to ensure your well-being while using it. 

1. Read the labels of nail products. It is best to follow any warnings. 
2. Nail polish can be flammable. Avoid heat sources such as the pilot light of a gas stove. Do not light a cigarette. 
3. Avoid contact with eyes. 
4. Be vigilant that infections and allergic reactions can occur with nail products. 
5. Ensure proper and good ventilation when using nail polish.