A Guide To Water-Based And Non-Toxic Nail Polish For Kids That Are Mom Approved
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Little kids copy everything we grownups do—which means they want to paint their nails to look pretty just like mommy.
But, as we all know, conventional “grown up” nail polish isn’t safe for little ones to use. Nail polish is full of unhealthy chemicals and toxins that can harm your little one via fumes and accidental ingestion (kids like to put their hands into their mouth a lot). And it’s not worth risking their health and safety.
We recommend water-based nail polish instead. There are quite a few nail polish brands that make baby and kid-friendly peel-off nail polish that’s made with non-toxic ingredients and is completely safe to use.
A Little Nail Polish History
Nail color has been around for quite some time. In fact, you’ll be pretty surprised to know that the trend dates back all the to way to 3,200 BC, where the Babylonians engaged in nail painting prior to battle, in order to distinguish rank.
Likewise, the practice was used by the Chinese dating back to 3,000 BC to distinguish class and dynasty. And ofcourse, by the Egyptians.
Only, nail color wasn’t made of the same toxic ingredients that we’re familiar with today. Not even close.
Ancient nail “polish” was made from natural ingredients such as kohl (a dark powder similar to charcoal), beeswax, and plant dyes—there was no formaldehyde, acetone or sulfates.
Nail polish today, on the other hand, is formulated with harsh and harmful chemicals, animal products and embalming fluid—check out 16 of the most common chemicals used in nail polish today:
1. Formaldehyde, 2. Formaldehyde Resin, 3. Toluene, 4. Xylene, 5. Acetone, 6. Phthalates (including DBP), 7. Camphor, 8. Parabens, 9. Ethyl Tosylamide, 10. Triphenyl Phosphate (TPP), 11. Animal-derived ingredients, 12. Styrene, 13. Bisphenol A, 14. Glycol Ether of Series E (Glycol ethers derived from ethylene oxide), 15. Nonylphenol ethoxylate, 16. Sulfate
Animals are also used to create certain shades of nail polish. You know that really pretty, pearly shimmer in nailpolish? That, unfortunately, is a result of fish scales. Then you have certain colors, like red shades, which require the need for boiled beetles, and animal fat to achieve a preferred thickness.
Reasons To Use Water-Based Nail Polish
- Water based nail polish is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and are void of harmful fumes.
- Nail polish for kids is also cruelty-free and does not contain any animal products.
If you’re considering purchasing water-based vegan nail polish for your child, then take a look at our recommended list of non toxic nail Polish brands below!
Safe Nail Polish For Toddlers And Kids
1. Nailmatic Nail Polish
The Nailmatic nail polish brand is made in France and is water-based. Each color has its own personality, and easily comes off with a bit of soap and water—that’s especially good in case it accidentally gets on your furniture! It’s pretty, it’s cute and the packaging is adorable!
2. Piggy Paint Nail Polish
Piggy Paint is a premium water based nail polish brand for kids that moms have trusted for the last 12 years and counting. Piggy Paint nail polish is odorless and contains zero toxic chemicals—no wonder their tagline is: “as safe as mud”. It’s even safe for pregnant moms to use as well! It’s also important to note that Piggy paint, though water-based, is not a peel off polish and does require nail polish remover (which they also make and is likewise non-toxic).
3. Miss Nella Nail Polish
Miss Nella is a water-based nail polish brand for kids that easily peels off—allowing your child to experiment with different colors as often as they like. Miss Nella nail polish comes in all sorts of fun vibrant colors and is arranged in fun packaging which is totally giftable and makes for fun stocking stuffers.
4. Klee Kids Nail Polish
Klee Kids “naturally good” nail polish is a paint and peel water-based nail polish that is non-toxic and odor free. The Klee Kids nail polish comes in adorable glass bottles that contain fun little jewels on top of the caps that little kids adore! These make super fun birthday gifts as well as stocking stuffers!
5. Townley Girl Disney Princess Nail Polish
The Townley Girl Disney Princess nail polish set is a water-based peel off nail polish for kids that’s non-toxic and smells like bubble gum! If your little one loves Disney princesses, then they will love these fun nail polish colors that match their favorite princess. You can find Beauty And The Beast, as well as other Disney favorites on Amazon.
6. Hot Focus Nail Polish
Hot focus is a cute non-toxic and water-based kids’ nail polish that easily peels off and contains a pleasant creamy scent! This peel off nail polish comes in 5 fun vibrant colors and aesthetically cute containers!
7. Snails Nail Polish
Snails nail polish is a water-based non-toxic nail polish for kids that is odorless and easily peels off. We especially love the bottle design and cute accent pieces that each color contains—from bow ties to tutu ruffles, these are a must-have for “girly girls”.
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Eco Mom Diaries 
My son always wants me to put polish on his nails when I’m doing mine, but I worry about it falling off in his mouth. This is really helpful!
I’m so glad you found this helpful :))