For the nail-obsessed, the holiday season is a prime time to showcase an array of colorful polishes at festive outings. But what if you could achieve your dream manicure moment without the harsh odors and toxic ingredients you’ve come to begrudgingly accept? Fortunately, there are a handful of forward-thinking brands that have made non-toxicity a top priority.
One brand leading the way is Pear Nova, a Chicago-based brand that’s “five free” (meaning devoid of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, toluene, and dibutyl Phthalate DBP). The line contains both gel and lacquer polishes in delicious colors like Pineapple Skies and Biscuits & Honey. Founder Rachel James opened a lofty Pear Nova nail studio in August 2019 in Chicago’s West Loop, aiming to create a space “that not only makes our guests feel relaxed but also safe,” James says. “Like they just stepped into their favorite homegirl’s house.”
The new non-toxic nail brands are out to do more than protect consumers with safer ingredients: OROSA launched in August 2019 ”to create a palette of offbeat color combinations that you’d never think to put together, but look great anyway,” says Marissa Neave, the brand’s creative director. Their new Winter collectsion consists of three quick-drying colors: inky Onyx, pink nude Dusk, and the clear glittery Prism.
And you can’t step out with a next-level nail look without strengthening them first. Referred to as the “green juice for your nails,” Tenoverten’s newest Celery Oil, infused with celery seed extract, is the perfect pick-me-up for brittle nails in need of extra strength and nourishment. So whether you’re turning over a new leaf and opting out of harsh chemicals in the new year, or looking to help a nail-obsessed friend detoxify their polish collectsion, here are 7 brands that will get the party started.
