8 Best Pregnancy-safe Nail Polishes for Expecting Mothers

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 15, 2024
Best Pregnancy-safe Nail Polishes
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When it comes to the beauty regime of pregnant/post-partum moms, the equation is quite concerning when the ingredients are not right! While nail polishes are an integral part of it, as a makeup editor and an enthusiast, I browsed through many products to shortlist the best pregnancy-safe nail polishes that to-be moms or new moms can trust! Now, as I'm aware of how the nail polish industry heavily relies on toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde, toluene, paraben, perfume, acetone, and other toxic chemicals just to deliver customers the perfect outcome just like nail salons, there are still brands that promise a safe formula that won’t cause any allergic reaction. So, without looking further, I've dug out the nail polishes that can make a difference in your makeup routine.

Drawing from my experience, these nail polishes, preferred by nail technicians, give you stronger and brighter nails without causing any bacterial infection and deforming the nails during pregnancy. And, in several cases, the nail polishes were cruelty-free and vegan-friendly and can be applied on even artificial nails. So, without delaying further, let's dig deep into it. And let's get started with the recommendations—

8 Best Pregnancy-safe Nail Polishes

The best part I like about Sally Hansen is that it is one of the nail polish brands that offers safe beauty to its users! The good kind pure range of the brand is the safest option for expecting mothers to keep the beauty quotient in check without compromising their health. This vegan nail polish is formulated without any infused formaldehyde, which further solidifies it as a cautious brand. Not only that, you can also get fortified, stronger, and nourished nails as you use it, thanks to the safe ingredients that take care of your nailbeds!

Pros
  • Easily lasts for a week
  • No animal-derived ingredients
  • Makes nails feel nourished
  • Ergonomically tapered brush
  • Plant-based brush bristles
  • Paraben-free
Cons
  • Has an unsettling odor
  • Most Nourishing Nail Product

    ZOYA Women's Starter Manicure Kit

    ZOYA Women's Starter Manicure Kit
  • Zoya's starter manicure kit could be your safest option to start with for post-partum or to-be moms, owing to the non-toxic and nourishing formulations of each enclosed item. This manicure set consists of a base nail polish and a top-coat nail polish in addition to two pregnancy-safe nail polishes in the shades pink and white that provide a natural-looking finish. My favorite part — these formulations are infused with the goodness of panthenol, red algae extracts, ginkgo biloba, and essential amino acids, which replenish the nails, boost nail health, and smoothen their texture.

    Pros
    • Neutralizes discoloration
    • Fills pits and cracks
    • Strengthens the nails
    • Smoothes out sharp ridges
    • Gives a glossy finish
    • Sophisticated and chic
    Cons
    • Bad customer support
  • Best Mineral-Pigmented Formula

    Tophany Non-toxic Nail Polish Set

    Tophany Non-toxic Nail Polish Set
  • Tophany comes with a set of 10 pregnancy-safe nail polishes and the color options range from nudes to reds to cater to different needs. These lacquers are non-toxic and phthalates-free, which makes them ideal options for someone about to enter their motherhood journey. You will also be amazed just how I know that nail polishes are made of eco-friendly ingredients and are devoid of foul, chemical-like odors that are common among other nail polishes. So, to-be-moms who are sensitive to smells must certainly try these out!

    Pros
    • Free of harmful contents
    • Easy-to-peel off
    • Quick-dry formula
    • Mineral-based pigments
    • Child-friendly
    • No need for UV curation
    Cons
    • Could be long-lasting
  • Best Hypoallergenic Formula

    Sophi Non-Toxic Nail Polish

    Sophi Non-Toxic Nail Polish
  • Sophi comes to my mind when I talk about non-toxic nail polishes specifically! Why? Because the chemical-free nail polish comes without formaldehyde, toluene, and unpleasant odor that could harm your health or your baby's health. Plus, this vegan-friendly formula is mindfully curated for conscientious beauty lovers, along with pregnant or nursing ladies. You can apply a prime, shine, and seal system to solidify a durable finish that lasts long! Time to embrace the cute colored hands.

    Pros
    • Non-toxic
    • Water-based formula
    • Cruelty-free
    • Fragrance-free
    • No dibutyl phthalate
    • Hypoallergenic
    Cons
    • Not chip-resistant
  • Best for Stronger Nails

    Orly Breathable Treatment Plus Color

    Orly Breathable Treatment Plus Color
  • If you love subtle glam, this shimmery nail polish is exactly what you should get. Do you know what intrigues me the most about Orly nail polishes? Well, it's the longevity they offer! It not only ensures pregnancy-safe ingredients but also an animal product-free formula that gives them an extra brownie point. By leveraging the goodness of infused vitamin C, the breathable nail polish further promises a healthy nail bed and fights free radical damage, while beautifying your nails.

    Pros
    • Chip-resistant
    • Infused with argan oil
    • Ensures stronger nails
    • Prevents drying out the nails
    • Promises healthy-looking nails
    • Easy applicator
    Cons
    • Not durable packaging
  • Gluten-free

    butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer

    butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer
  • The chip-resistant formula of the nail lacquer comes with a polymer technology that ensures a long-lasting effect when applied correctly. Furthermore, the gel-like finish promises an unwavering shine as you use it to decorate your nails. The cruelty-free formula is also free of harmful components like formaldehyde and resin which makes it an excellent choice for pregnant and lactating mothers. What's more? Well, the nail polish bestows you with an easy application thanks to the curved applicator brush.

    Pros
    • Gives gel-like finish
    • Resists color-fading
    • Xylene-free
    • Contains nourishing botanicals
    • Resilient formula
    • Brightens the appearance of nails
    Cons
    • Overpriced
  • Best for UV Protection

    JINsoon Quintessential Collection Nail Lacquer

    JINsoon Quintessential Collection Nail Lacquer
  • The best thing that won my heart about the Jinsoon nail lacquer is the built-in UV protector that promises to shield the nail against fading and yellowing! Its vegan-friendly formula gives a long-lasting shine with an unparalleled glossy finish. Plus, the packaging gives a beautiful premium vibe that will definitely elevate your mood as you use it. In short, the gorgeous and sophisticated nail color can be your ultimate buddy while you are pregnant!

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Protects the fading of the color
    • Truly long-lasting
    • Provides UV protection
    • Doesn't fade
    • Compact applicator
    Cons
    • Thick consistency
  • Best Acetone-free Formula

    ella+mila Nail Polish

    ella+mila Nail Polish
  • Ella+Mila comes with this mommy&me set that consists of two beautiful pastel tones, perfect to spruce the at-home manicure sessions for you and your tot! The product is safe for use as it is acetone-free, plus it dries quickly so that to-be-moms don't have to test their patience. Addedly, the non-toxic nail polish for pregnancy is free of gluten, toluene, paraben, styrene, xylene, and animal-derived ingredients for an even safer result! And oh, this is also approved by PETA, what you need more!

    Pros
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Alluring colors
    • Chip-resistant
    • Gives a glossy finish
    • Formaldehyde-free
    Cons
    • Less quantity

    Now that you have already checked out the products, take a closer look at how you should choose the best one among them.

    How to Choose the Right Pregnancy-Safe Nail Polish?

    Below are the parameters to consider:

    a) Ingredients to Avoid: I have been stressing the ingredients that need to be avoided to ensure complete safety. Ingredients such as formaldehyde, toluene, acetone, paraben, etc. are any day harmful to anyone, let alone pregnant mothers. Thus, these ingredients need to be cut down at any cost.

    b) Consistency: Most of the safe formulas are water-based, you need to ensure that the consistency is not too thinner for better application and vibrancy.

    c) Formula: For new mothers who are mindful beauty lovers, they need to be ensured that the products they are using are vegan-friendly and do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Plus, for those who are sensitive to smell, make sure to get a fragrance-free formula. A hypoallergenic formula also works excellent for people with sensitive skin.

    Now that you have already gone through the product recommendations and buying, take a quick look at how to apply it safely—

    Steps for Applying Pregnancy-safe Nail Polish:

    Step 1: First things first, remove any existing product residue from your nails with a pregnancy-safe remover.

    Step 2: Next, take your base coat of nail polish or a nail primer, and apply it on your nails to ensure further safety.

    Step 3:  Let the lacquer dry for 3-5 minutes before you take a nail polish of your preferred color. Apply the nail polish evenly for an even, streak-free finish.

    Step 4: Always remember to let the first coat dry before applying a second coat.

    Step 5: Next, seal it with a preferred top coat, matte, or gloss for that perfect finish. And voila, you are ready to go!

    Conclusion

    Well, there you go! You now have the list of the best pregnancy-safe nail polishes that can be used by not only moms but also lactating mothers, even babies. According to my experience, if you want a gorgeous professional-looking finish with safe ingredients, Sally Hansen is good. kind. pure. Nail Polish is a good choice. Orly Breathable Treatment Plus Color is safe for people who deal with brittle nails. Lastly, ella+mila Nail Polish is a good choice for people who are looking for a value-for-money set. I hope you liked my product recommendations. Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    Are water-based nail polishes safe during pregnancy?
    Water-based nail polishes are completely safe for pregnant ladies, lactating mothers, and even babies.
    Can I still get professional-looking results with pregnancy-safe nail polishes?
    Yes, you can definitely get a gorgeous outcome out of your pregnancy-safe nail polishes. Make sure the nail polish offers a chip-resistant and fade-proof formula to ensure better longevity.
    How can I safely remove pregnancy-safe nail polish?
    You can use a pregnancy-safe nail polish remover to remove the nail polishes. A non-toxic and unscented formula would work the best.
    Can I still get vibrant colors and finishes with pregnancy-safe options?
    Yes, you can definitely get a vibrant outcome and a gorgeous finish out of your pregnancy-safe nail polish, if it promises to give you a fade-proof and chip-resistant formula.
    Are there specific brands known for their commitment to safe and natural ingredients?
    Yes, a few of the brands are Orly, Sally Hansen, and ella+mila.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our in-house makeup expert, Sayantani Deb, is aware of how pregnant mothers are not likely to compromise on the ingredients when it comes to beauty and makeup. While nail polish is an integral part of the makeup and beauty segment, this time she curated a list of the best pregnancy-safe nail polishes that pregnant mothers can safely use to beautify their nails. She mostly stressed on the toxin-free ingredients, other than that, she also added value by browsing through the formula, finishes, texture, and every other parameter that should be considered before buying a nail polish. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More