Treating yourself to a home manicure is a great way to practice self-care. Unfortunately, not all nail polishes are created equal. Some cosmetics companies still pay for unnecessary and inhumane tests on animals, which involve dripping substances into their eyes, smearing products onto their shaved or scraped skin, or forcing them to ingest or inhale huge quantities of chemicals. After the tests are done, the animals are usually killed. The rabbits, mice, rats, and others simply want to live without being subjected to cruel experiments.
Luckily, having cute nails without supporting tests on animals is easier than ever. Just look for these PETA-approved brands, which are widely available—some even in drugstores!
Holo Taco
Cristine Rotenberg of Simply Nailogical is the queen of natural nail care, so it makes sense that she would have her own line of shimmery top coats and nail-care essentials.
wet n wild
One of the most widely available and affordable cosmetics lines, wet n wild’s nail polish selection is a no-brainer.
YAPA
These professional nail lacquers are nontoxic, with none of the 16 harmful chemicals commonly found in nail polish.
786 Cosmetics
This 13-free halal nail polish is inspired by beautiful countries around the world, so there’s a perfect shade for every skin tone.
L.A. Girl
Gel-like vegan nail polish at Rite Aid that can look like this?! Who can teach us how to do this?
NCLA
Luxury nail lacquers that are vegan and not tested on animals!
Pacifica
Be still, our compassionate hearts. Vegan everything.
100% Pure
“Sugar and spice and everything nice”—100% Pure does it right by focusing on natural ingredients, even in its nail polish.
Beauty Without Cruelty
This nail polish line may be called Attitude, but it’s still vegan.
LVX
Clean. Sustainable. Vegan. Gluten-free. Clearly made of unicorn magic.
Ella+Mila
This company is dedicated entirely to nail polish—vegan nail polish. That’s it. No more. Nothing else.
Gabriel Cosmetics, Inc.
Originally just an organic skincare company, Gabriel Cosmetics has evolved to include vegan cosmetics—and nail polish!
L.A. Colors
The name may say, “Colors,” but this line can knock out some softer tones.
Milani Cosmetics
Not just polish—from eyeliner and lipstick to blush, Milani has your cosmetics needs covered. And a ton of its stuff is vegan to boot!
Mineral Fusion
This company offers an artful fusion of pretty with cruelty-free in a perfectly balanced way.
MO Nails
Create amazing nail art with MO Nails‘ long-lasting Gel Polishes.
HOOPLA
HOOPLA nail polishes create a luxurious manicure experience. All its products are 10-free, safe for all ages, and made in the USA.
By purchasing cosmetics from companies that don’t test on animals, you’ll demonstrate that there’s a demand for these types of products. Until all cosmetics companies stop animal testing, vote with your dollars. To find out whether your favorite brands test on animals, check out our full database.
