As someone who likes to get dressed up when going out, I also enjoy having my nails done, however, conventional nail polishes and applications can be harmful to the environment. From research and development to disposal there are many points at which waste is created and unnatural elements are released into the wild. This blog discusses some of these challenges as well as ways to overcome them, finally, my favourite climate conscious nail brands are shared.
Press-on, or artificial, nails are made out of ABS plastic which is often used in 3D printing. A versatile and durable thermoplastic polymer known for its strength, toughness, and resistance to impact, heat, and chemicals, making it the perfect candidate for durable nails. However, the manufacturing of such plastic is energy-intensive which is often sought from fossil fuels, with this type of plastic also not being biodegradable and cannot be commonly recycled. These challenges in the beauty space have led to the development of Bio-e-Nails, which allow for customisable artificial nails made from biobased plastic. The owners of this innovation have made sure that these nails are part of a circular economy where there is zero waste. The only drawback is that these nails are not currently widely available for use. As a result, I have compiled a list of nail brands that engage in sustainable practices to minimise their impact on Earth.
My personal favourite is Mylee who focuses on at-home gel kits. All products are vegan and cruelty-free with the ethos that beauty should not cause compromise, whether this be on our bank accounts or the planet. Furthermore, all products are HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) free which is a common chemical in nail products known to cause irritations. These products are easy to use and last well!
Price per bottle: £9.99
Zoya was the first nail polish company to achieve 100% non-toxic status with all products also being vegan. They do not offer gel formulas but rather focus on full coverage with minimal tools.
Price per bottle: £13.99
Made in France, these vegan and cruelty-free nail polishes aim to create clean, green and innovative colours that support healthy hands and a happy planet. Manucurist offers both gel and air-dry polishes with biodegradable nail glitter for an extra sparkle!
Price per bottle: £14
All formulas offered by Nailberry are vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and Halal. These long-lasting air-dry colours are breathable and healthier for nails than conventional polishes.
Price per bottle: £17
The most sustainable action is to use what you already have, but if you are in the market for new colours or brands, check these out and be more conscious of your decisions!
Not My Monkey 