Polished, Not Poisoned: Choosing Non-Toxic Nail Care

At Exalte, we believe beauty rituals should be as nourishing and clean as the food you eat and the thoughts you think. While a fresh manicure may seem like a simple indulgence, the truth behind many conventional nail products is less than glossy.

The Hidden Toxins in Conventional Polish

Most traditional nail polishes contain a group of harmful chemicals sometimes referred to as the "Toxic Trio":

• Formaldehyde – a known carcinogen
  
• Toluene – can affect the nervous system
  
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) – a plasticizer linked to hormonal disruption
  
  

Many polishes also contain camphor, xylene, and formaldehyde resin, all of which can impact your respiratory health, skin, and internal systems, especially with repeated exposure.

When inhaled regularly or absorbed through the nail bed, these ingredients can accumulate over time, subtly affecting hormone balance, liver detoxification, and even fertility.

The Rise of “Free-From” Formulas

Thankfully, a growing number of brands are creating non-toxic, “5-free,” “7-free,” or even “10-free” polishes. These refer to how many harmful chemicals are removed from the formula.

Choosing these formulations means less toxicity on your nails, your skin, and in the air around you, especially important in enclosed spaces or for beauty professionals exposed daily.

Our Favourite Conscious Nail Polish Brands

At Exalte, we love brands that combine clean formulas with luxury finish. Some of our curated favourites include:

• Sienna Byron Bay – 100% vegan, breathable, and up to 12-free. Packaged beautifully and ethically made in Australia.
  
• Kester Black – Vegan, cruelty-free, B Corp-certified, and stylishly minimal with an extensive colour range.
  
• Habit Cosmetics – Sustainable packaging, infused with myrrh extract to strengthen nails.
  
• J. Hannah – Art-inspired shades with a chic, earthy palette and non-toxic formulation.
  
• Zoya – A longstanding pioneer in 10-free polish, with salon-quality durability.
  
  

Better Beauty Rituals

Non-toxic doesn’t mean compromising on performance or beauty. It means refining your rituals,  making space for beauty that honours your body and the environment.

Tips for a healthier manicure:

• Use a glass nail file (gentler on nails)
  
• Choose acetone-free remover or one with nourishing oils
  
• Let your nails breathe between polish changes
  
• Hydrate cuticles with jojoba or vitamin E oil
  
• Choose a nail salon that offers non-toxic products and ventilation
  

From the polish on your fingertips to the thoughts you feed your mind, everything you absorb becomes part of your internal landscape. Choosing non-toxic is an act of integrity, a way to honour your health while still enjoying the little pleasures of life.