If you’re looking for longevity, ease of application, or unique formulations, we’ve got you covered. Let us do the research for you so that you look and feel great without the hassle. In this comprehensive guide, we list the best nail polish brands available currently, from traditional to innovative choices. Discover the best nail polish for your needs!
8 Best Nail Polish Brands
- Best Traditional Nail Polish: sundays studio
- Best Gel Nail Polish: Gel-ous
- Best Acrylic Nail Polish: Beetles
- Best Breathable Nail Polish: ORLY
- Best Polygel Nail Polish: Modelones
- Best Dip Powder Nail Polish: Revel Nail
- Best Builder Gel Nail Polish: Aimeili USA
- Best Hard Gel Nail Polish: Leafgel Premium USA
1. sundays
The Best Traditional Nail Polish of 2023
Traditional nail polish remains a beloved classic for its vast color range and affordability, and we are very proud of our formulation which offers shine, intense color, and long-lasting results without including any of the 10 harmful ingredients that nail polish brands often use. The sundays studio’s non-toxic nail polish comes in 64 beautiful shades of color all packaged in a comfy-grip bottle so you can apply your polish flawlessly. Because what’s the point in having the perfect polish formula, if you can’t apply it properly?
Pros:
- 10 Free Formula
- 50+ Colors Available
- DIY Friendly
Cons:
- Drying and Setting Time
- Weekly Maintenance
$18 at www.dearsundays.com
2. Gel-ous
The Best Gel Nail Polish of 2023
Gel nail polish has revolutionized the world of manicures, providing durability and a glossy finish, but it has not always been the healthiest choice at nail salons. Thankfully, Gel-ous has the same mission as sundays studio to provide non-toxic gel nail polish formulas and make 10 free the standard in the nail industry. We love that Gel-ous has a huge range of products to choose from and provides international shipping from New Zealand.
Pros:
- 10 Free Formula
- 200+ Gel Nail Polishes
- DIY Friendly
Cons:
- Can weaken the nail (so take breaks between manicures!)
- UV Lamp Exposure
- Gel Removal Process
$14 at www.gelous.co
3. Beetles
The Best Acrylic Nail Polish of 2023
Acrylic nail polish offers unparalleled strength and durability, making them the perfect option for adding nail extensions to your manicure. Beetles formulates acrylic powders that are free of 9 harmful chemicals. Because the Beetles acrylic powders can be conveniently found on Amazon, these products have a worldwide fan base and are very popular.
Pros:
- 9 Free Formula
- Durable Results
- Can Make Extensions
Cons:
- Advanced Application
- Exposure to chemicals/odors/allergens
- Acrylic Removal Process
$9+ at www.amazon.com
4. ORLY
The Best Breathable Nail Polish of 2023
Breathable nail polish is the go-to choice for those who prioritize nail health and style. This special formula is semi-porous on the molecular level so that the nail bed is exposed to air and water, promoting the good health of nails while still maintaining the appearance of a manicure. Orly’s Breathable Treatment + Color is created as a non-toxic, one-step nail product, since it contains added special agents to give it a glossy finish without a topcoat.
Pros:
- 12 Free Formula
- 1 Step Application
- Promotes Nail Health
Cons:
- Less Shine
- Less Durability
- Longer Drying Time (compared to traditional nail polish)
$11 at www.orlybeauty.com
5. Modelones
The Best Polygel Nail Polish of 2023
Polygel nail polish combines the best attributes of both acrylic and gel nails by providing durability and a natural appearance. It can be difficult to find a brand of polygel nail products that are non-toxic, but fortunately we found out that Modelones makes Poly Nail Gel that is 11 free, vegan, and cruelty free. It’s a good choice for those who may be prone to skin irritation or reactions. It’s also awesome that there are kits with everything you need to get started.
Pros:
- 11 Free Formula
- Strong and Flexible
- Starter Kits Available
Cons:
- Limited Color Options
- UV Lamp Exposure
- Polygel Removal Process
$20+ at www.modelones.com
6. Revel Nail
The Best Dip Powder Nail Polish of 2023
Dip powder nail polish is known for its quick application and low-maintenance upkeep. We scoured the internet for a non-toxic dip powder product and discovered that Revel Nail has been a force for good in the nail industry for almost 10 years. We support Revel Nail because it is the no-compromise solution to a healthy, durable, long lasting dip powder manicure.
If you are curious about dip powder nails, we have a whole article devoted just to the topic here– check it out for an in-depth look!
Pros:
- 10 Free Formula
- 200+ Dip Powders
- Starter Kits Available
Cons:
- Dip Powder Removal Process
- Thicker Appearance
- Higher Risk of Infection
$9 at www.revelnail.com
7. Aimeli USA
The Best Builder Gel Nail Polish of 2023
Builder gel nail polish is perfect for those who want to create a strong foundation for their nails. The ingredients in Aimeli builder base gel nail polishes are organic, vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic, and less harmful than many of the builder gel nail polish alternatives. The application process is easy to do at home since Aimeli’s products are self-leveling. Once it is applied, Aimeli builder base gel nail polish can give you a manicure that lasts for 2+ weeks before you soak it off.
Pros:
- 10 Free Formula
- Long-lasting Durability
- Natural Appearance
Cons:
- Limited Color Options
- UV Lamp Exposure
- Gel Removal Process
$7-12 at www.aimeili.us
8. Leafgel Premium USA
The Best Hard Gel Nail Polish of 2023
Hard gel nail polish (a.k.a. sculpting gel) is the ultimate choice for those who need maximum durability and strength. Leafgel is a wonderful brand to choose if you are someone who loves hard gel manicures but does not love toxic chemicals in your manicures. Typically, hard gel is removed with a sanding drill, but Leafgel Sculpting Gel II is a great option because it is a soak-off formula with hard gel-like strength.
Pros:
- 10 Free Formula
- Max Durability
- Usage is Versatile
Cons:
- Potted Container without brushes
- UV Lamp Exposure
- Gel Removal Process
$32-80 at https://zillabeau.com
Why Trust sundays studio
Our dedicated members of sundays’ team have carefully analyzed the most popular products available in the nail polish market, by considering various factors like formulation, ingredients, durability, color range, and user reviews. We prioritize transparency and accuracy to ensure you have the most reliable information at your fingertips.
In our research, we looked for the best nail polish brands that met the standards that we set for sundays studio. We are passionate about changing the nail industry for the better so that everyone can look AND feel fantastic. Part of accomplishing this goal is by supporting other non-toxic nail brands in the industry so that non-toxic becomes the default way nail products are formulated.
We understand the importance of quality, safety, and individual preferences when it comes to nail care. These recommendations encompass a diverse range of categories, including traditional, gel, acrylic, breathable, polygel, dip powder, builder gel, and hard gel nail polishes, allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your unique needs.
Amy’s Tips When Choosing a Nail Polish
Don’t be daunted by all of the choices of nail polishes. There are several important factors to consider to help you sort through the available options and choose the best nail polish brands for your needs and preferences.
What to Consider When Choosing Nail Polish:
- The Formula: look for nail polishes that are free from harmful chemicals and high quality.
- The Equipment: understand what tools or additional products may be necessary.
- The Application: evaluate the techniques and time required to apply the nail product.
- The Removal: learn about the process used to remove the product.
- The Maintenance: consider how often you will need to perform touch-ups.
10 Ingredients to Avoid in Nail Polish:
- Dibutyl phthalate
- Triphenyl phosphate
- Tert-butyl hydroperoxide
- Formaldehyde
- Formaldehyde Resin
- Ethyl Tosylamide
- Camphor
- Toluene
- Xylene
- Parabens
You can also look for polishes that are fragrance-free, gluten-free, vegan and cruelty-free.
Summary
Whether you’re on the hunt for your next at-home manicure shade, or picking out a color at your local salon, keeping a short list of the best nail polish brands at the ready definitely comes in handy (pun intended!). We believe that non-toxic nail products are the best options for everyone and every type of manicure, from traditional to gel to acrylic.
