9 Best Cruelty Free Nail Polish Brands
- Molly Weinfurter
- 31 minutes ago
- 5 min read
I’m disappointed by how many popular nail polish brands test on animals. Whenever I’m at the store, I check to see if the nail polish is cruelty-free, and most of the time, it’s not. There are so many great nail polish brands that don’t test on animals, but they don’t appear in stores as often. So, I wanted to compile a list of the best cruelty free nail polish brands so animal lovers can quickly browse some great options.
Mutts About Pets is reader-supported. When you shop through links on this page, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. (Part of those earnings go to animal organizations)
What Does Cruelty Free Nail Polish Mean?
Cruelty free nail polish means the nail polish and its ingredients aren’t tested on animals during any step of the production process. If the nail polish is also labeled as vegan, that means no animal products are used in the nail polish.
Choosing cruelty free products helps prevent animal suffering. During animal testing, animals are forced to inhale, eat, or be injected with the product and/or its ingredients to see if it causes a reaction. This can cause extreme stress and pain to the animals, often resulting in death. When you purchase brands that test on animals, you’re supporting these practices.
Nail polish isn’t the only product type that commonly tests on animals. Makeup and cleaning supplies often do this as well. I try to look up brands for all products before purchasing to ensure I support cruelty free brands whenever they’re an option.
How Does Cruelty Free Nail Polish Get Tested?
People often argue that animal testing is necessary because it’s the most reliable option. However, that’s not the case in our modern world. There have been many advances in science, allowing us to test products in humane ways, which are often more effective, more affordable, and faster than animal testing.
Other methods include experiments using mathematical modeling/simulation and cells outside of the body. While some companies are switching to these methods whenever possible, certain locations still require animal testing, so companies keep using animal testing to sell in those regions.
Best Cruelty Free Nail Polish Brands
Even though many popular nail polish brands still test on animals, there are lots of quality options that don’t. Below are a few cruelty free nail polish brands that are perfect for animal lovers who want color their nails.
1. ella+mila
I adore ella+mila because, not only is it cruelty free, but it also has an elephant for the logo. As an animal lover, I’m sure I’m not alone in loving elephants. Plus, they have all types of nail polish colors, including bold, shimmering, and pastel options. This listing is specifically for the brand’s range of pink polishes, but they sell plenty of other colors too.
2. Olive & June
Olive & June is the cruelty free nail polish brand I use the most because it’s the only one currently available at my local Targets. It’s vegan and cruelty free, and it comes in a wide variety of colors. In the winter, I usually choose a dark purple, and then, I switch to a bright pink in the summer. My favorite aspect of this nail polish is how fast it dries. So, even if it chips, it’s not a hassle to re-do my nails.
3. ORLY
ORLY sells every type of nail product available, including regular nail polish, gel nail polish, nail polish toppers, and press on nails. This listing is specifically for ORLY’s bold summer colors, but if you browse the brand, you can find exactly what you’re looking for. If you can’t choose just one color, you can buy a pack of all the summer colors so you can change up your nail color whenever you feel like it.
4. Zoya
Zoya is another cruelty free nail polish brand with all types of colors. This listing is for a pack of four pink and red polishes, including bold and sparkly colors. However, if you visit the brand’s website, you’ll see a much wider selection of nail polishes, including colors, textures, and styles for every occasion. Many customers have commented that the polish is very pigmented and lasts long.
5. Pacifica
Pacifica’s nail polish is plant-based and cruelty free, and it also has the same name as a Gravity Falls character, which is why it caught my eye. Customers have commented on how it lasts long without chipping. This listing includes a few summer colors, including orange, light green, and blue-green, but the Pacific shop has plenty of other options available.
Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) makes its ethical stance clear in its name. It never tests on animals and it doesn’t use any animal ingredients, making it a great product for vegans. It focuses on premium, non-toxic ingredients, so it’s more expensive than most nail polish brands. It’s available in lots of fun colors, including deep pink, light pink, and light blue.
786 Cosmetics has a wide range of vegan and cruelty free nail polish colors. Whether you want neutral hues, bold colors, or pastels, there are plenty to choose from. In addition to not harming animals during their production, they also avoid harsh chemicals and focus on keeping nails healthy and hydrated. Plus, they dry quickly without sacrificing quality.
8. Nails Inc
Nails Inc has all types of nail polish colors, but this listing is specifically for their long-lasting neon hues. These vibrant colors dry within 45 seconds, and they’re infused with calcium and magnesium to strengthen nails. The large square cap of these products is perfect for resting your fingers on while you do your nails, making it a fun and functional design.
9. L.A. Girl
These L.A. Girl nail polish colors offer a gel-like shine at an affordable price. The brand has everything from clear nail polish to bold solid colors to shimmery hues. All formulas are cruelty free, vegan, and paraben free. Once you wait for it to fully dry, the nail polish lasts a long time without chipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are All Cruelty Free Nail Polishes Also Vegan?
No, cruelty free nail polish doesn’t automatically mean it’s also vegan. Cruelty free means the product isn’t tested on animals while vegan means the product doesn’t include animal-derived ingredients. Many nail polishes that are cruelty free are also vegan, but it’s a good idea to double check if you want to make sure you get vegan and cruelty free nail polish.
Where Can I Buy Cruelty Free Nail Polish?
Cruelty free nail polish is available at both in-person stores and online stores. However, not all nail polish you find at those stores will be cruelty free, so double check before purchasing. A quick search or an app like Cruelty Cutter can help with this.
What are the Best Cruelty Free Nail Polish Brands for Long Wear?
Zoya, Pacifica, and ella+mila are all good long-lasting cruelty free brands. If you’re unsure if a nail polish brand will last long, look at the reviews before purchasing it.
What are the Most Affordable Cruelty Free Nail Polish Brands?
Nails Inc, L.A. Girl, Olive & June, and Pacifica are affordable cruelty free nail polish brands. Their products are all typically priced at $10 or less.
Does Sally Hansen Nail Polish Test on Animals?
Sally Hansen claims to not test nail polish on animals, however, they sell in some regions that require animal testing on products. Therefore, Sally Hansen isn’t 100% cruelty free.
Choose Cruelty Free Nail Polish
Getting cruelty free nail polish ensures that no animals were harmed to test the products. Unfortunately, many popular nail polish brands still test on animals, so it’s important to look at the details of a nail polish brand before purchasing it. I know it can be hard to find cruelty free products for everything, but when you have the option, it’s always a good idea to choose the cruelty free one to reduce suffering.