18 Best Cruelty Free Nail Polish Brands For Your Next Mani
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Many makeup users are choosing to use cruelty-free brands now in huge waves. While many choose to look for makeup brands that are cruelty-free, it can be easy to forget that nail polish brands don’t naturally fit this description.
Luckily, there are great cruelty nail polish brands that only create cruelty-free products. These brands produce high-quality items and have become go-to’s for so many!
We’ve compiled a list of the 18 best cruelty-free nail polish brands that you can purchase for your next stellar mani. These brands listed below are all cruelty-free, and some happen to be vegan nail polish brands as well!
Best Cruelty Free Nail Polish Brands
Ella + Mila | ||
Cirque Colors | ||
NCLA | ||
Lauren B. Beauty | ||
Pacifica Beauty | ||
Londontown | ||
Wet N Wild | ||
ZOYA | ||
VEQUE |
Color Club | ||
YAPA Beauty | ||
L.A. Girl | ||
Beauty Without Cruelty | ||
LVX | ||
Gabriel Cosmetics | ||
Mineral Fusion | ||
SOPHi Nail Polish | ||
Trust Fund Beauty |
Best Cruelty Free Nail Polish Brands
Ella + Mila | |
Cirque Colors | |
NCLA | |
Lauren B. Beauty | |
Pacifica Beauty | |
Londontown | |
Wet N Wild | |
ZOYA | |
VEQUE | |
Color Club | |
YAPA Beauty | |
L.A. Girl | |
Beauty Without Cruelty | |
LVX | |
Gabriel Cosmetics | |
Mineral Fusion | |
SOPHi Nail Polish | |
Trust Fund Beauty |
1. Ella + Mila
A very popular nail polish brand that has made many customers lifelong buyers, Ella + Mila has a wide range of nail polishes. You can also buy accessories and other nail care items from the brand, such as soy nail polish remover and top/base coats. Ella + Mila is 100% cruelty-free, vegan, and 7-free (free of certain harsh toxins). They’re a great brand to go to if you’re looking for clean yet high-quality nail polish.
Verdict: Best overall nail polish brand that is cruelty-free, vegan, and 7-free
Pros:
- Relatively cheap when compared to other high-quality brands (such as Essie)
- A highly rated, highly loved company that produces great products (in many different shades)
Cons:
- Some customers don’t like how long it takes for the nail polish to dry
2. Cirque Colors Nail Polish
A vegan and 100% cruelty-free nail polish brand, Cirque Colors is one of the best brands to go to if you’re looking for a wide range of colors and nail polish types. Designed and handmade in Brooklyn, New York, Cirque Colors offers polishes in types like thermal, metallic, holographic, and glitter. And, if you want regular old nail polish, they offer colors in a large variety!
Verdict: Best vegan nail polish brand that offers a wide variety of polish types
Pros:
- Offers a wide variety of nail polish types
- Customers state that you only need to apply one coat of polish to get the look you need
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other nail polish brands
- Some customers feel that the polish chips easily
3. NCLA Nail Polish
Based in Los Angeles, NCLA creates both nail polish and other makeup products. However, they are mostly known for their 100% cruelty-free and vegan nail polish. NCLA manages to produce high-quality nail polish in many shades that many users love and swear by. They may not have the most products available, especially compared to other brands, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t great!
Verdict: Best smaller makeup line
Pros:
- Great, high-quality color
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other makeup brands
4. Lauren B. Beauty Nail Polish
Lauren B. Beauty doesn’t want women to sacrifice their health for beauty. So, they’ve created a brand where their products are cruelty-free, vegan, 7-free, and just overall healthier for women to use. This brand is perfect for those who really like to use the best, cleanest makeup available (which can be quite difficult when looking for nail polish).
Lauren B. Beauty only sells products related to nails. However, they aren’t just relegated to selling polish. They also have top and base coats, treatment packs, and polish remover. They have a large range of products, including polish in different shades and types.
Verdict: Best vegan nail polish brand that is healthy and clean for women to use
Pros:
- Large range of products with quite a lot of colors, including more than a few nudes!
- A clean, vegan, 7-free brand that is perfect for those who try to only purchase “clean” makeup
Cons:
- Polishes sell, on average, at $12; this is slightly more than other nail brands
5. Pacifica Beauty Nail Polish
Pacifica Beauty is a popular skincare, makeup, and nail polish brand that has become a beauty users’ favorite. While their skincare line is quite loved, their nail polish definitely takes the crown. Plus, all their products are vegan and 100% cruelty-free, including everything in their nail polish line!
Their nail polish section offers quite a lot of colors, as well as top and base coats. You can also often find value packs with more items combined for a cheaper price.
Verdict: Best brand for nail care, such as undercoats and cuticle oils
Pros:
- Has 7-free nail polish that is also cruelty-free and vegan
- Offers high-quality nail care polishes, such as their nourishing undercoats and nourishing cuticle oil
Cons:
- While they do offer cheaper polishes at $9, some of their other nail products are slightly more expensive than other brands
6. Londontown Nail Polish
Londontown is a more luxurious nail polish brand that also happens to be vegan and cruelty-free! The brand’s polishes are also 9-free (meaning they don’t include any of the 9 toxins other brands commonly do), gluten-free, and is created with an infusion of botanicals and mineral oils.
Customers swear by this nail polish brand, though it tends to run at a higher price than your average nail polish. They do say they are a luxe brand, after all. Londontown has a large inventory with polishes that come in a variety of different shades. You can find both neutral and bold, regular and glitter, polishes from one brand when you shop at Londontown.
Verdict: Best luxe 9-free nail polish brand
Pros:
- Has an extensive inventory of both neutral and bold colors
- High-quality 9-free nail polishes can sometimes be hard to find, but this brand gets the job done
Cons:
- A more expensive, luxurious nail polish brand
7. Wet N Wild Nail Polish
Wet N Wild has a large makeup collection at a cheap price, and many go to them for high-quality makeup. Their nail polish line is no different. They have a wide range of colors and items to help with overall nail care — and all at a cheap price point. Though they are a “drugstore” makeup brand, don’t sleep on them for too much longer. They’re well worth the attention that more expensive, luxurious brands get!
Verdict: Best “drugstore” nail polish line
Pros:
- A large nail polish collection at a very low price
- Tends to dry faster than other nail polish lines
Cons:
- Some past customers don’t like that you have to put a few coats to get the appearance you want
8. ZOYA Vegan Nail Polish
A vegan and 100% cruelty-free nail polish brand, Zoya claims that they make the world’s longest-lasting nail polish. This may indeed be accurate, as many customers state that the nail polish lasts for a long time, even for those who have lifestyles where polishes normally chip or don’t last.
Zoya also has quite the collection. Whether you’re looking for a solid polish or something a bit more glittery, you’ll be able to find a great choice at Zoya.
Verdict: Best vegan nail polish that truly lasts a long time
Pros:
- Not too much more expensive than other nail polish brands
- Zoya has both polish and a wide selection of nail care products to choose from
- Lasts quite a long time, according to many users
Cons:
- Some customers state that the color appears different when applied than when looked at online or in the bottle
9. VEQUE Vegan Nail Polish
Veque is a brand that loudly pronounces that they are clean, 100% cruelty-free, and vegan. They also happen to be adored by professionals and casual nail polish users alike. The brand is slightly more expensive than other brands on the market, but they are considered a more “luxurious” brand. They also have quite a large inventory, so you’ll be browsing their products for hours!
Verdict: Best expert-approved luxury nail polish brand
Pros:
- Has a large inventory with many different polishes, including both neutrals and bolds
- A great luxury nail polish brand that is well worth the splurge
Cons:
- More expensive than other nail polish brands
10. Color Club Vegan Nail Polish
Color Club has just about everything you’ve ever needed from a nail polish brand — and they also happen to be 100% cruelty-free and vegan. Always a plus! Their collection includes gel, dip, nail art, lacquer, and all types of nail care you may need in the process of getting the best mani ever.
Every single product Color Club creates is vegan, cruelty-free, and made in America. They also have branched out in the larger cosmetics industry and now have a makeup line. However, their nail products are, by far, the best items that they sell.
Verdict: Best overall vegan and cruelty-free nail polish brand
Pros:
- Not too expensive compared to other nail polish brands
- Has a LARGE inventory with a variety of different product types
Cons:
- Some customers have complained that the overall appearance of the polish on the nails is sometimes not as high-quality as others (especially their holographic line)
11. YAPA Beauty Nail Polish
Completely vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic, Yapa has quite the nail polish and nail treatment collection. The brand has many different polishes that come in different shades; you’ll find a great color here, whether you’re looking for a bold or a neutral color. They also provide high-quality nail polish remover and base and top coats for nail care!
Verdict: Best vegan nail polish brand that dries quickly
Pros:
- Compared to other vegan nail polishes, this brand seems to dry quicker than others
- Has a large collection of product
Cons:
- More expensive than other nail polish brands on this list
12. L.A. Girl Nail Polish
L.A. Girl is a popular beauty brand that has been consistently creating some great makeup at a cheaper price for a while now. They also happen to be 100% cruelty-free, which is wonderful news! While L.A. Girl may be best known for some of their makeup (their eyeshadow palettes are great for the price), their nail polish should also be recognized as a great part of their brand! It’s high-quality and dries quickly — and it’s cheaper than almost every other nail brand on this list (save maybe Wet N Wild).
Verdict: Best cheaper vegan nail polish with lots of color variety
Pros:
- High-quality nail polish at a low price point
- Dries quickly
Cons:
- Some users state that some of the nail polish chips easily
13. Beauty Without Cruelty Nail Polish
Beauty Without Cruelty is a huge skincare, makeup, and nail care brand that has taken the world by storm. The company is certified vegan and cruelty-free, so you don’t have to ever worry about this brand!
Their nail polish line specifically is full of many different colors. While they may not have the extensive collection that other brands on their list do, the polishes they do produce are beautiful and made from vegan high-quality ingredients.
Verdict: Best certified and respected vegan makeup nail line
Pros:
- Certified vegan and cruelty-free
- High-quality nail polish from a brand with a good reputation
Cons:
- More expensive than other nail polish brands
14. LVX Vegan Nail Polish
Vegan, cruelty-free, and 10-free, LVX is one of the only luxe nail polish brands that work to create their products without any toxins. They also happen to have one of the most extensive nail polish color selection on the market. The polishes may be more expensive than others, but they are considered a luxe brand!
Verdict: Best luxe brand that is 10-toxin free
Pros:
- One of the only luxe brands that aren’t made with a lot of toxins
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other brands on this list
- Some users state the color appears different than it does online
15. Gabriel Cosmetics Nail Polish
Gabriel Cosmetics is a cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free makeup brand that has quite the fan following. While the company doesn’t have the biggest nail polish line, the products they do have are high-quality and well-reviewed. Plus, they aren’t as expensive as one might think and compare to other brands like Essie.
Verdict: Best vegan nail polish brand that is gluten-free and cruelty-free
Pros:
- Not as expensive as other brands
- Offers polishes, as well as nail care products like top and base coats
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a wide variety of products like other nail brands on this list do
16. Mineral Fusion Nail Polish
Mineral Fusion isn’t just cruelty-free — the brand is also vegan and carbon-free. Mineral Fusion works to reduce the carbon footprint, and they happen to be one of the only cosmetic companies around trying to do this.
On top of this work, they also create some of the best cruelty-free nail polish around. Their nail polish collection is pretty large and full of both polishes and nail care products. Plus, these high-quality polishes are also not that expensive. You’re able to help reduce the carbon footprint, while also getting a perfect mani out of it? Win-win.
Verdict: Best nail polish that is cruelty-free and also carbon-free
Pros:
- Carbon-free; helps to reduce the carbon footprint
- Has a large collection of nail polishes in different colors
- Not as expensive as other polishes in this list
Cons:
- Some users have stated issues with the color, as it appears completely different online than when put on
17. SOPHi Vegan Nail Polish
Cruelty-free, vegan, and also eco-friendly, SOPHi is known for their nail polish collection. While other brands here also sell makeup, SOPHi is strictly in the nail polish business. However, you can also find nail polish remover and other nail care products here!
What truly puts SOPHi above all others, however, is their kid’s line. They created a nail polish line especially for kids using the same materials in their adult line, just with more kid-friendly colors.
Verdict: Best nail polish line that has a kids section
Pros:
- Their kid’s line is a great nail polish feature that many brands don’t have
- Eco-friendly
- Not too expensive, especially compared to others on this list
Cons:
- Some users say that some of the polish is impossible to remove
18. Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish
Trust Fund Beauty is a makeup brand that is mainly known for their popular nail polishes. They have a large collection of polishes — and those that enjoy glittery polishes can definitely find some mature, high-quality ones here! The brand is also vegan and 100% cruelty-free and has even been recognized in national beauty magazines like Vogue!
Verdict: Best glittery cruelty-free nail polish
Pros:
- Offers great glittery nail polish options that are actually high-quality (with glittery polishes, this can be hard to find)
Cons:
- A bit more expensive than other nail polish brands
What to Look Out For When Buying Cruelty-Free Nail Polish
Looking to only start using cruelty-free nail polish? As you search for your new favorite nail polishes, it helps to do some research prior to actually hitting the stores or ordering online. For the most part, brands will let you know loud and clear if they are 100% cruelty-free, which helps.
If brands don’t loudly proclaim that they are cruelty-free from the get-go, they more than likely aren’t. Plus, beware of brands that state they don’t test on animals… unless they are required to by law. This is code for they don’t test on animals all the time, but they still do it.
Brands can’t say they are 100% cruelty-free unless they never agree to animal testing, so only stick to the companies who state this! Luckily, there are quite a few (as you can see from the list above). Plus, cruelty-free nail polishes are just as great as others. You’ll have a perfect mani in no time!
The Best Cruelty-Free Nail Polish, In Conclusion
There are quite a lot of fantastic brands on the market producing high-quality, 100% cruelty-free nail polish. If you’re trying to only buy cruelty-free nail polish products, don’t worry! These brands prove that you have quite the list of brands to choose from.
To help you out a bit, here are our specific picks of the best of the best. If you’re looking for cruelty-free nail polish at a cheap price, check out Wet N Wild and L.A. Girl. Both of these brands have a great nail collection that always stays at a low price. There truly is no other brand out there right now consistently putting out great content like these two (and without raising prices!).
If you’re looking for a more luxe brand, set your sights on Londontown. Londontown is one of, if not the, best luxe cruelty-free nail polish brands currently making products. Their polishes are high-quality and as good as they come.
Finally, if you’re looking for a nail polish that also helps the environment, check out Mineral Fusion. Mineral Fusion is both cruelty-free and carbon-free. Basically, they make their products eco-friendly and also work to reduce the carbon footprint!
There are tons of great nail polishes out there that are cruelty-free. You’re bound to find a new brand that you love in no time!
FAQs
Are cruelty-free nail polish brands the same as vegan nail-polish brands?
No. Cruelty-free brands do not test on animals. Vegan nail polish brands are companies that do not create products that have ingredients that are derived from animals.
While vegan makeup brands tend to also be cruelty-free makeup brands, some cruelty-free brands aren’t vegan brands. All the brands listed here are cruelty-free — though some are not vegan. If you’re looking for specifically vegan brands, it’s important to make sure they state that they are both cruelty-free and vegan.
Are cruelty-free nail polish brands more expensive than others?
No! This is a common misconception. Many people believe that cruelty-free brands will just naturally be more costly than other brands. In reality, this is far from the truth.
Cruelty-free brands have a wide price range — you’ll find cheaper brands, and you’ll find expensive, luxe brands. For example, Wet N Wild Nail Polish is a great “drugstore” cosmetic brand. They offer high-quality, 100% cruelty-free nail polishes at a low price.
But there are still luxurious makeup brands that produce high-quality material at a higher price. For example, Londontown is a great example of a brand on the opposite end of the price spectrum.
On average, do most cruelty-free nail polish brands work to also be toxin-free?
This simply depends on the individual brand. You will find a lot of brands that happen to be cruelty-free also happen to be free of certain toxins. In this list alone, there are nail polish brands that are 7-free, 9-free, and even 10-free.
However, not all cruelty-free brands choose to go this route. If you’re looking for “cleaner” nail polish to buy, always look for these toxin-free (7-free, 9-free, etc) ingredients. Don’t take for granted that a cruelty-free brand will also be toxin-free — because it might not be.
Now It's Your Turn
Now I’d like to hear from you:
What are you going to do to reduce how your clothing affects the environment?
Are you going try shopping secondhand?
Or maybe you'll help raise awareness.
Either way, leave me a quick comment below to let me know.