Within the past few years, the push to “go green” has been stronger than ever. From recycling to cutting down on carbon emissions, it seems like every part of our lives has some sort of environmental consequence. And, perhaps surprisingly, nail polish is no exception.

This comes as no big surprise considering that chemicals and ingredients like formaldehyde, camphor, parabens, dibutyl phthalate (DBT) (that are commonly found in nail polish) areisn’t exactly earth-friendly. And while it is arguable how much of an effect small amounts of these chemicals can have, recent studies have linked them to chemical pneumonia, cancer and some birth defects. That’s why having non-toxic and natural alternatives for beauty products such as nail polish have become more important than ever. Not sure where to find these green products? Don’t know which brand to choose? Keep reading for more details!
   

Priti
Pro: The company, which provides vegan certified and USDA organic products, has paired with a chemical recycling facility to help you recycle any left over nail polish you have. Just fill out the form on their website, and more information will be emailed to you about where to go and what exactly you need to do.

Con: The brand is a bit pricey, costing $10 to $12.50 for a small bottle of polish.

Where to Find: Priti products can be ordered online or you can use the “Find a Store” feature on the company’s website for boutiques and nail salons that carry the line in the US and internationally.
 

Zoya
Pro: While other organic nail polish lines claim to have a wide variety of colors, this brand truly means it. In addition, it also has a ton of other nail-related products (polish removers, base coats, drying drops) that are also environmentally sound. Bonus: If you have a question about a certain shade, the company’s website offers live customer service help from experienced professionals and sales representatives.

Con: The polish doesn’t last as long as most traditional brands do.

Where to Find: Online at the company’s website, by phone (1-800-659-6909), or through the website’s Salon Locator for US and international locations.
 

Kaia House
Pro: Kaia House is a brand well known for its environment-friendly fare and they sell a wide-range of beauty products for green-conscious customers. Plus, the line is much cheaper than other alternatives, costing about $8 per bottle. It’s worth the price too; these polishes don’t chip as easily as many of the other brands I tried out.

Con: None!

Where to Find: Online at http://www.kaiahouse.com.

— By Kristy Shaulis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign