If you’re like me and love to have your nails done, you’ve probably wondered if nail polish is safe during pregnancy. Luckily, there are some pregnancy safe nail polish options out there!
Being pregnant is hard work, which is exactly why you deserve a little at-home pampering with a manicure or pedicure. I’ve always loved painting my nails; there is just something that makes me feel like I have my life somewhat together as long as my nails look good. While pregnancy came with many things that made me feel run-down, a simple manicure could really turn my bad day around!
The Nail Polish Ingredients You Should Avoid
Experts state that certain chemicals in nail polish can be potentially harmful to expecting mothers. This really shouldn’t be a problem if you paint your nails in a well-ventilated space, but it is still important to take into consideration. If you would like to err on the side of caution, you should use nail polishes that are free of these three chemicals: toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde.
Toluene is used in nail polishes to make it glide on. It can cause heart problems, kidney failure, and muscle weakness; however, you must be exposed to it regularly and not in a well-ventilated area. But, better to be safe than sorry, right?
Dibutyl Phthalates are used in nail polish to help reduce chipping. Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Your endocrine system enables the cells in your body to communicate. EDCs can interrupt this process raising the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. We definitely want to avoid this one.
Formaldehyde is used in nail polish to harden nails. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde can raise the risk of cancer and miscarriage. Plus, they use this to preserve dead things… probably best to just avoid.
If you’re looking for a pregnancy safe nail polish find ones labeled as 3-Free (or some go above and beyond up to 17-free), that are free from these chemicals. Take a look below at our top favorites!
Our Favorite Pregnancy Safe Nail Polish
Mommy Collection by ella+mila
We love this six polish collection because its 17-Free. It goes the extra mile to make sure no harmful chemicals are present. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free and has six cute shades to match any mood or outfit!
Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure Vegan Nail Polish
We love this plant-based, vegan nail polish because it glides on smooth and has a wide brush. It comes in 30 colors and is a 10-Free polish.
Kapa Nui Non-Toxic Nail Polish
This water-based polish is safe for pregnant women, children, and people with cancer while delivering long-wearing, chip resistance nails. It comes in 45 colors! All the ingredients are eco-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Zoya Natural Nail Polish
Stylish and long-wearing, this nail polish is 10-Free and comes in over 600 colors! We love that most of their polishes only take one coat to achieve coverage and desired color.
Olive & June Nail Polish
This nail polish is a 7-Free, long-lasting nail polish for salon-quality results at home. We love that it applies smoothly and streak-free; is cruelty-free and vegan, and comes in 90 colors.
Pacifica Plant Magic Nail Polish
This 16-Free polish is made from renewable vegetable biomass. It comes in 21 colors but what we really love is that 96% of users report the polish stayed intact for six days!
butter London Nail Polish
This polish is 10-Free and gives up to 10 days of wear! We love that it has a gel-like look when dry. It also comes in 40 colors.
Pregnancy Safe Nail Polish Removers
Ready to take your polish off after it’s run its course? Make sure to use a pregnancy safe nail polish remover. Mostly, this means using an acetone-free or low acetone remover. The following are our favorites!
ella+mila Soy Nail Polish Remover
This soy-based polish is designed to remove all natural nail polishes only. It does not contain acetone or acetates and is cruelty-free and vegan. We love that it comes in unscented and lavender.
Zoya Remove+ Nail Polish Remover
This remover not only removes all types of polish but also cleans your nails and preps them for different nail polish. We love this remover because it only takes one swipe to remove the old color. However, this polish remover does contain a small amount of acetone.
Olive & June Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover Pot
This Polish Remover Pot offers the same salon-speed results with a non-acetone formula and features a sponge-top lid for use on toes. It is vegan and cruelty-free.
Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover
This acetone-free polish remover works on all nail polish types. It’s made from natural ingredients (including being carbon and paraben free) and is cruelty-free.
The old wives’ tale of no nail polish while pregnant is just that, an old wives’ tale. You can still enjoy manicures and pedicures, just make sure to use a nail polish brand that you trust. Remember, when you are applying your polish, stay in a well-ventilated area; make sure you let your polish dry completely before touching it; and wash your hands to remove any leftover residue. Now go pamper yourself!
*DISCLOSURE- ADVISE GIVEN ON THIS SITE IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PEDIATRICIAN BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISIONS.
Pin for Later- Pregnancy Safe Nail Polish
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