Nail Care

The Ultimate Guide to Cruelty-Free Nail Polish Brands

The Ultimate Guide to Cruelty-Free Nail Polish Brands

When I first switched to using all vegan beauty and household products, I was really surprised at how easy it was to find vegan nail polish. There are a lot of cruelty-free brands that offer a lot of vegan options and there are also a lot of brands that offer vegan nail polish too. A lot of people have seemed really surprised when they learn that all nail polish isn’t vegan.

People know about animal testing and what brands to avoid because of that, but not about animal ingredients that polish can contain. The short story is that a lot of brands test on animals, but a lot of nail polish also contains animal ingredients. Read more about what makes nail polish vegan and learn what these animal ingredients are.

Below are brands that are not only cruelty-free but also offer vegan nail polishes.

Cruelty-Free Nail Polish Brands:

Cruelty-Free Gel Polish Brands:

The following cruelty-free brands also make cruelty-free gel polish.

Cruelty-Free Builder Gel Polish Brands:

Cruelty-Free Builder Dip Powder Brands:

Cruelty-Free Poly Gel Polish Brands:

Cruelty-Free Drugstore Nail Polish Brands:

The following are cruelty-free nail polish brands that can be found in the drugstore:

Nail Polish Brands that are NOT Cruelty-Free:

The following brands are not cruelty-free and also make nail polish. This is not a full list but just includes the most popular brands out there.

  • Creative Nail Design (CND)
  • Essie
  • Formula X
  • L’Oreal
  • Max Factor
  • Maybelline
  • Revlon
  • Rimmel
  • Sally Hansen
  • Sinful Colors

Do you know of other cruelty-free nail polish brands? Please comment and let me know! I’d love to keep expanding this list to include more options!

Editor’s Note: By using the affiliate links in this post you are supporting Logical Harmony! How does it work? When you purchase a product through one of these links Logical Harmony gets a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a very large part of what keeps Logical Harmony running – Thank you!

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Monday - November 5, 2018

Hi! I created Logical Harmony years ago when I could not find the cruelty-free resources I was looking for. Some of my favorite things are good skin serums, nude nail polish, and popcorn. I live and work with my best friend and our four cats, Penny, Bagheera, Juniper, and Applesauce.

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77 Comments

  • Reply Victoria Wednesday - December 12, 2018 at 6:42 pm

    Essence has a few shades of nail polish. I know they are on the Cruelty-free makeup list, but I was wondering why they weren’t on the nail polish list. Do they use ingredients tested on animals for the polishes?

    • Reply Tashina Combs Monday - December 17, 2018 at 1:15 pm

      Hi Victoria! Essence is actually on the Grey Area list and I am not comfortable calling them cruelty-free based on what they have shared with me. This is why they aren’t on this list. I hope this helps!

  • Reply Kittie Wednesday - November 14, 2018 at 5:26 pm

    Hi Tashina,

    I love the way you have a specific list just for nail polish! I was so glad to hear there are Cruelty Free nail gels as well. When I go to NYC, to visit my old stomping grounds, I always try to stop in the Elf Store. I can get Elf cosmetics here in PA, but going to a store dedicated to their products gives so much variety.

  • Reply Valerie Monday - November 14, 2016 at 7:54 pm

    Hi Tashina, thanks for all of your hard work. Have you heard anything about Madam Glam? I believe they are vegan and 5-free.

  • Reply Ashley Edwards Tuesday - December 8, 2015 at 6:34 am

    Are all orly polishes still vegan? Thank you! Your site is absolutely amazing btw, so helpful! 🙂 <3

    • Reply Tashina Combs Sunday - December 20, 2015 at 2:09 pm

      Hi Ashley,

      Their polishes are, but not the treatments. 🙂

  • Reply Pauline Wednesday - December 2, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    I just read your post about Zoya’s nail polish remover, that I ant to buy, but are all of their nail polish vegan?

    • Reply Tashina Combs Sunday - December 20, 2015 at 1:23 pm

      I have been told that their polishes are all vegan, but not all items they make are vegan. 🙂

  • Reply Gemma Sunday - September 20, 2015 at 8:56 am

    Rimmel London don’t test on animals and their “60 seconds super shine” nail polish definitely contains no animal products. I don’t know about there other nail polishes but pretty sure that one is clean! 🙂

    • Reply Tashina Combs Sunday - February 14, 2016 at 2:29 pm

      Sadly, Rimmel does test on animals. 🙁

  • Reply Yojana Wednesday - April 29, 2015 at 10:51 pm

    Mineral Fusion.

  • Reply Kalyn Saturday - April 25, 2015 at 7:01 am

    Butter London?

    • Reply Tashina Combs Tuesday - May 12, 2015 at 7:17 am

      Hi Kalyn,

      Butter London was removed from this list because not all of their nail polishes are vegan anymore. 🙁

  • Reply janet beck Monday - March 23, 2015 at 9:29 pm

    I thought I saw Wet n wild on here a while back. Are their polishes no longer vegan?

    • Reply Tashina Combs Monday - July 6, 2015 at 12:27 pm

      Hi Janet,

      Wet’n’Wild did used to be on this list. I removed them because not all polish shades are vegan, which is really confusing for a lot of people. So I decided to make this a list where people can pick from brands where they don’t have to worry about checking ingredients in each shade.

  • Reply Monique Monday - March 16, 2015 at 7:08 am

    Palate Polish is the BEST vegan nail polish

    • Reply Tashina Combs Monday - July 6, 2015 at 12:18 pm

      Hi Monqiue,

      I’m not familiar with the brand, but have reached out to them. Hopefully they can be added to the list soon!

  • Reply Amy Monday - March 2, 2015 at 7:09 pm

    Mineral Fusion has awesome nail polish that’s cruelty free and vegan.

    http://mineralfusion.com/index.php/shop/nail-color-and-care/nail-polish/nail-polish

    • Reply Tashina Combs Saturday - June 20, 2015 at 6:30 pm

      I completely forgot about them. Thanks for the reminder, Amy! 🙂

  • Reply Lisa R. Friday - February 20, 2015 at 10:16 pm

    Pacifica Beauty is also vegan and 100% cruelty free.
    http://www.pacificabeauty.com/makeup/nail-polish

  • Reply Elise Monday - February 16, 2015 at 8:47 pm

    Ginger and Liz is vegan

    • Reply Tashina Combs Wednesday - February 18, 2015 at 8:27 pm

      Hi Elise,

      Thanks for suggesting this brand! I haven’t looked into them before, which is why they don’t appear on the list. I’ve just sent them an inquiry and have added them to the pending brands list. Please check back in the future to see what list they are on. This will depend on how fast I hear back from them.

  • Reply 007Bunny Saturday - February 14, 2015 at 8:30 pm

    Serum No.5 is both Cruelty Free and Vegan. The polishes are handmade too. I’m a big fan of this new found brand in IG.

    • Reply Tashina Combs Sunday - April 19, 2015 at 8:05 pm

      Thanks for suggesting Serum No. 5! We have reached out to them and they will be added to the Pending Brands list. Please check back for future weekly update posts about the brands list. These updates are posted every Sunday. 🙂 Have a great day!

      • Reply Stephanie Sunday - April 19, 2015 at 9:10 pm

        Hi Tashina,

        Did you ever follow up with Kester Black? They are by far the best vegan brand in Australia and the only company to have CCF, Leaping Bunny and Vegan Society accreditations.

        • Reply Tashina Combs Sunday - August 2, 2015 at 8:58 am

          Hi Stephanie,

          They are now on the Cruelty Free section of the list! 🙂

  • Reply Mik Monday - February 2, 2015 at 9:41 am

    Ginger + Liz polishes are vegan

    • Reply Tashina Combs Saturday - April 25, 2015 at 10:28 am

      Hi Mik,

      Ginger + Liz are currently on the Pending Brands section of the Cruelty Free & Vegan Brand List. Once I receive a reply from them, they may be added to this list. Thanks for suggesting them! 🙂

  • Reply Annie Wood Thursday - January 29, 2015 at 4:12 pm

    Julep offers vegan, 5 free and 4 free formulas.

    • Reply Tashina Combs Friday - May 8, 2015 at 12:07 pm

      I have reached out to Julep about their animal testing stance and use of animal ingredients many times, but have never received a response. Because of this, I don’t feel comfortable adding them to the list.

  • Reply redtearsblackwings Monday - January 26, 2015 at 7:50 am

    Furless Cosmetics do a heap of colours which are all vegan. They’re an Aussie brand who also do amazingly soft makeup brushes. I’ve not tried any of their polish because my nails peel and the colour peels off when the nail does. Tracking down a vegan nail treatment is tough, most have silk in them thus my nails still peel. I’m not sure if the nail polishes can be posted outside of Australia though, some can’t because they’re considered dangerous goods. But I know there are lots of Aussies who read your blog.

    • Reply Tashina Combs Friday - May 1, 2015 at 5:44 pm

      I completely forgot that they make nail polish! I’m adding them to the list now. 🙂

  • Reply Denise LeBlanc Monday - October 27, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    LACC!

  • Reply Charada Friday - October 17, 2014 at 6:38 am

    LimeCrime are a vegan brand that make nail varnishes 🙂

  • Reply Danae Thursday - September 18, 2014 at 8:03 am

    From what I knew Essence is 100% cruelty free and also vegan..not sure if you can find it in your country through(But from what I know it’s really,really possible)

  • Reply pinkcreamcake Friday - July 11, 2014 at 11:33 am

    I use a lot one brand named Mineral Fusion

  • Reply catheryn Thursday - May 29, 2014 at 12:24 am

    Color Secrets Nail Polish! It is a new line, but it is high quality vegan polish at very affordable prices. They also have huge color selections that include vegan glitter and shimmers. I just ordered from them again to stock up my nail salon….Can’t go wrong with the quality and pricing, with the vegan formula to top it off!! If you would like any product review or want more information how to work with Color Secrets or order any polishes, please feel free to respond / contact me!

    • Reply Tashina Combs Sunday - March 1, 2015 at 10:49 am

      Thanks for suggesting them, Catheryn! I’ve reached out and will add them to the appropriate list when I hear back. Have a great day! 🙂

  • Reply Pia Saturday - May 3, 2014 at 8:31 am

    Hello Tashina, so before I pop my question, let me just tell you that I have just recently come across your blog and YOU ARE DOING SUCH A GREAT JOB! Seriously, I appreciate all the work you put into it, in order to provide your readers with nothing but the most accurate information. So, thank you 🙂
    Now, onto my question. I’ve been doing a little research here and there and have even mailed a couple of companies myself, in an attempt to find as many vegan and cruelty-free nail polish brands as possible. I have also scrolled through a couple of other blogs and forums and it has been said that O.P.I, china glaze and NYX are also vegan and cruelty-free. Do you by any chance know if this is reliable, because those are brands (apart from Butter London and e.l.f) that would actually be available to me.
    Thanks in advance and keep it up!

    • Reply Tashina Combs Saturday - May 3, 2014 at 4:25 pm

      Hi Pia!

      Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it. 🙂

      Sadly, OPI is a “required by law” brand, so they are not cruelty free any longer. NYX is cruelty free with some vegan options. I have reached out to China Glaze several time and they have been unresponsive to me, so I am unable to state if they are cruelty free or not (by my standards). I just sent them another information request, so fingers crossed I hear back this time!

  • Reply M Friday - April 4, 2014 at 12:42 pm

    What about ORLY?

    • Reply Tashina Combs Thursday - April 10, 2014 at 6:58 am

      Hi M,

      ORLY polishes are vegan! They had been removed from this list previously due to some internal miscommunication issues on their end. I must have forgotten to add them again. Thanks for the reminder!

  • Reply Steph Wednesday - April 2, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    Kester Black is also vegan!

    Unfortunately Butter London is not though. And they stole the leaping bunny logo, because they haven’t been able to gain accreditation because some of their colours aren’t vegan 🙁

    http://www.hotashi.com/jetaime/?p=7683

    • Reply Tashina Combs Wednesday - April 2, 2014 at 10:01 pm

      Hi Steph,

      The Leaping Bunny logo doesn’t verify if products are vegan or not, just cruelty free. I’ve never seen the Leaping Bunny used on any Butter London packaging myself. Regardless, I check with all brands listed on my Cruelty Free & Vegan Brand list and featured on Logical Harmony myself in great detail. Even brands who are certified by PETA or Leaping Bunny as being cruelty free.

      Butter London was able to answer all of my questions about animal testing and their use of ingredients in a way that makes me comfortable saying they are cruelty free. I have been assured by the brand that all of their nail polish shades are vegan, but not all of their products are as some cosmetic items contain beeswax and carmine. They are not a vegan brand and do not market themselves to be an all vegan brand. Just a cruelty free brand with vegan options, including their nail colors.

      I haven’t heard of Kester Black before. Thanks for the tip! I’ll look into them and see if I feel comfortable adding them to my cruelty free & vegan brand list!

      • Reply AnnMarie Friday - February 6, 2015 at 1:45 pm

        I looked at the ingredient list on Ulta for Butter London nail polishes and guanine is the last ingredient. Does this mean that their metallic and glittery shades aren’t vegan?

        • Reply Tashina Combs Thursday - February 26, 2015 at 7:10 pm

          Sadly, butter LONDON has started to use animal ingredients in their nail polishes. I have removed them from this list as a result.

  • Reply Maddy Tuesday - March 4, 2014 at 4:58 pm

    Hi! I have an indie polish line named Beyond the Nail. (Find us on Etsy!)
    Our polishes are vegan and are not tested on animals 🙂

  • Reply Ava Adams Monday - February 3, 2014 at 4:32 pm

    Why is Scotch Naturals not listed as 100% Vegan on your brand list? Or Zoya? O_o

    • Reply Tashina Tuesday - February 4, 2014 at 6:44 am

      Thanks for pointing out Scotch Naturals! That was an oversight on my part. Zoya is listed here because all of their polishes are vegan. However, not all of their treatment products are vegan. This is why they are not listed as 100% vegan on the brands list.

  • Reply Sarah Monday - November 18, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    noya polish is vegan.

  • Reply Kelly Thursday - November 7, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    Hello! I am interested in learning more… I must have missed it, but what animal ingredients are in nail polish? Can they be listed and explained, please? I didn’t see them listed on this post or others. Thanks!

  • Reply Ev Friday - October 11, 2013 at 11:18 pm

    I think Piggy Paint polishes can be included — they say they’re cruelty-free, have no animal by-products, and are odorless/eco-friendly.. what’s really cool is that they make polishes for dogs also *(*´??*)?

  • Reply Christina Thursday - October 10, 2013 at 5:46 pm

    Hi, Tashina!

    Thank you for such useful info updates!
    Sorry if it has been asked before, but what about OPI? It is not in the list so it is not vegan?

    Thank you!

    Christina

  • Reply Sandy Tuesday - September 10, 2013 at 8:36 pm

    Authority Cosmetics is another one. New line, coming out soon, October I think. You can pre-order now at http://www.AuthorityCosmetics.com.

  • Reply Francesca Monday - July 22, 2013 at 1:46 pm

    Ruby Wings color changing polish is also vegan.

  • Reply Rachel Thursday - July 18, 2013 at 9:30 pm

    Have you tried la couleur couture yet, and if so, what are your opinions on it?

  • Reply Melanie Underwood Wednesday - June 26, 2013 at 12:36 pm

    LVX is another nail polish. Bought mine through Vegan Cuts!

  • Reply Emma Saturday - April 20, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    LOVE this list!

    I want to use nails inc in my home salon for polish although need to research who to use for gel polish. If you have any tips on the gel front I would be very interested in reading them 😀 Keep up the great blogs x

  • Reply Laura Toff Sunday - February 24, 2013 at 9:04 am

    Hi, love your post!! I’d like to add one for this list.
    Ruby White Tips, is Vegan nail polish!!!! Find it through the website or the Etsy shop!
    Thanks!!!

  • Reply Sarah Monday - January 7, 2013 at 12:56 am

    So glad that American Apparel nail polishes are vegan! Wow I love your blog hun x

  • Reply Sonia Martins Tuesday - October 9, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    Hi 🙂 Thank you very much for this post, it is good to know what is out there, but I have another one for your list, Illamasqua.

  • Reply Miri Wednesday - September 19, 2012 at 10:59 am

    All the nailpolishs of KIKO Cosmetics are vegan 🙂

  • Reply Sarah at Starlight Radiance Wednesday - July 11, 2012 at 10:03 am

    I believe Soulstice in vegan also!
    http://soulstice-spa.myshopify.com/pages/about-us

  • Reply Ibby Wednesday - June 27, 2012 at 10:53 am

    Thanks for Your mail darling
    Hope you find answers IN Denmark from tromborg

    Sorry about Info about o.p.i.

    Stay sweet and warmheartet

    Ibbe
    Denmark
    http://Www.ibbyheart.com

  • Reply Ibby Tuesday - June 26, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    Remember to check out Tromborg.com to find out of their nailpolish is vegan
    And what about O.P.I?
    Thanks honey

    Ibby from Denmark
    http://Www.ibbyheart.com

  • Reply Ibby Thursday - June 14, 2012 at 1:25 pm

    Sorry for late writing on my ipad…
    Zzzz

    Ibby
    Denmark

    And i can Spell pretty good, normally
    Zzzz

  • Reply Ibby Thursday - June 14, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    Tromborg
    http://Www.tromborg.com. ..????
    They Might be vegan

    O.p.i. Is Not?
    We are told IN Denmark
    Not good, …

    Thank you for ounce again maling a difference IN the World

    Ibby
    IN Denmark

    http://Www.ibbyheart.com

  • Reply Martine Monday - January 9, 2012 at 6:07 am

    Dazzle Dry nail polishes are vegan, cruelty-free. I tried them and they dry super-fast.

  • Reply Cait Friday - December 30, 2011 at 7:47 pm

    Hard Candy also says that their nail polishes are vegan.

  • Reply Kimmi @ The Plastic Diaries Friday - December 23, 2011 at 7:10 pm

    Brilliant post! I am bookmarking this one because I always find it hard to locate brands information on animal product use.

    hugs
    xox

    • Reply Tashina Friday - December 23, 2011 at 8:58 pm

      I’m glad that you found it so helpful! Also, thanks so much for sharing it with your Facebook fans! I really appreciate it. 🙂

  • Reply MarciaF (beauty info zone) Friday - December 23, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    I think Sante is vegan. I’ve tried several of their products and I know they are cruelty free at least.

    • Reply Tashina Friday - December 23, 2011 at 2:44 pm

      Thanks for the tip on Sante! I’m going to research them now! 🙂

  • Reply Morag Lee Friday - December 23, 2011 at 11:19 am

    Glad to see some brands I use on this list. Now I’m away to go research Barry M (the brand I use the most just to make sure!). xx

    • Reply Tashina Friday - December 23, 2011 at 2:44 pm

      Isn’t it great to see tons of brands you’d buy anyways on this list? I love that some brands are already on top of being animal friendly. 🙂

      Thanks for the tip on Barry M, I’m going to check out that brand too!

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