Nail polish is one of the more chemically complex cosmetics, worn on fingernails and toenails for days at a time. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), an independent nonprofit, rates nail polishes in its Skin Deep® database. Very few nail polishes carry EWG VERIFIED® status — most are rated on EWG Skin Deep's 1–10 hazard scale. A score of 1–3 indicates low hazard in EWG's assessment. We've pulled together the best EWG Skin Deep-rated nail polishes for kids and adults, and explain what "7-free" and "10-free" actually mean versus EWG's ratings. NonToxicFinder is not affiliated with EWG.
Our Top Picks: Best EWG-Rated Nail Polishes
| Product | EWG Status | Best For | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piggy Paint Nail Polish (Kids) | EWG Skin Deep: Low Hazard | Kids, toddlers | Check price → |
| Ella+Mila Nail Polish (7-Free) | EWG Skin Deep: Low Hazard | Adults | Check price → |
| Zoya Nail Polish (10-Free) | EWG Skin Deep: Low Hazard | Adults — salon quality | Check price → |
| Suncoat Girl Water-Based Nail Polish (Kids) | EWG Skin Deep: Low Hazard | Kids — water-based, peelable | Check price → |
What EWG Skin Deep Looks for in Nail Polish (Score 1–3 Explained)
EWG Skin Deep rates nail polish ingredients against its hazard database. The ingredients most frequently flagged in conventional nail polish include: formaldehyde (a known sensitizer and carcinogen at high exposures), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (EWG rates as a reproductive toxicity concern), toluene (neurotoxicity concern in EWG's database), camphor (EWG flags at higher concentrations), and synthetic fragrance (undisclosed ingredient mixture). The "free" labeling in nail polish (5-free, 7-free, 10-free, 16-free) indicates which of these and other ingredients have been removed — higher numbers indicate more exclusions.
Best Non-Toxic Nail Polish for Kids (EWG Rated Low Hazard)
Piggy Paint Nail Polish — EWG Skin Deep Low Hazard
EWG Status: EWG Skin Deep: Low Hazard
Piggy Paint is the leading kids nail polish in the EWG Skin Deep-friendly category. Water-based formula, no formaldehyde, no DBP, no toluene, no acetone needed for removal (peels off or removes with water). The formula rates low hazard on EWG Skin Deep. Available in dozens of kid-friendly colors. At $6–10 per bottle, it's widely available on Amazon. Piggy Paint has not enrolled in EWG VERIFIED® — this is a Skin Deep-rated product.
Suncoat Girl Water-Based Nail Polish — EWG Skin Deep Low Hazard
EWG Status: EWG Skin Deep: Low Hazard
Suncoat Girl is another water-based kids nail polish with a favorable EWG Skin Deep score. No formaldehyde, no toluene, no DBP, no petrochemicals. The water-based formula peels off when kids inevitably pick at it. Available in a range of bright colors. Around $7–11 per bottle. A good alternative to Piggy Paint if certain colors aren't available or you want to try a different formula.
Best Non-Toxic Nail Polish for Adults (EWG Skin Deep Picks)
Ella+Mila Nail Polish (7-Free) — EWG Skin Deep Low Hazard
EWG Status: EWG Skin Deep: Low Hazard
Ella+Mila produces 7-free nail polish (free from formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, camphor, xylene, and TPHP) with a wide shade range. EWG Skin Deep rates their formulas in the low hazard range. Cruelty-free, vegan. Good color payoff and durability for a 7-free formula. Around $9–12 per bottle. Extensive color range covering mainstream and seasonal shades. One of the more accessible adult clean nail polish options on Amazon.
Zoya Nail Polish (10-Free) — EWG Skin Deep Low Hazard
EWG Status: EWG Skin Deep: Low Hazard
Zoya is a salon-quality nail polish that rates low hazard on EWG Skin Deep with a 10-free formula (eliminating an expanded list of concerning ingredients beyond the standard 7). Strong pigmentation, long wear, and 600+ shade options make it the premium adult pick on this list. Around $10–14 per bottle. Zoya has not enrolled in EWG VERIFIED®, but their consistently low Skin Deep scores and 10-free formulation make them a reference brand in clean nail polish. Wide availability on Amazon.
What "7-Free," "10-Free" Means vs. EWG Ratings
"Free" labels in nail polish indicate which specific ingredients have been removed. A 7-free polish has removed 7 chemicals (typically: formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene, camphor, xylene, and TPHP). 10-free removes 3 more. 16-free removes even more. These marketing labels are useful signals, but they don't map directly to an EWG Skin Deep score — a product can be 7-free and still contain other higher-concern ingredients EWG flags. The most reliable signal is checking the specific product on ewg.org/skindeep and reviewing its score. All products on this list rate low hazard in EWG's current assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any EWG VERIFIED® nail polish?
As of 2026, very few nail polishes carry EWG VERIFIED® status. The VERIFIED® program for nail polish is limited — most brands in the clean beauty space haven't enrolled. The products on this list are EWG Skin Deep-rated (low hazard), not VERIFIED®. Check ewg.org/ewgverified for any new nail polish brand enrollments.
What's the EWG Skin Deep score for Piggy Paint?
Piggy Paint rates in the low hazard range on EWG Skin Deep. Water-based formulas with minimal ingredients typically score well. Check ewg.org/skindeep for the most current score on your specific color variant, as scores can vary by formulation.
Are water-based nail polishes better per EWG?
Water-based nail polish formulas (like Piggy Paint and Suncoat Girl) typically have simpler ingredient lists that rate low hazard on EWG Skin Deep — they avoid the solvent-heavy ingredients in conventional polish. Tradeoff: shorter wear time and less color payoff compared to conventional formulas. For kids' use, the simpler formula and peelable removal are practical advantages.
Is conventional nail polish harmful?
EWG Skin Deep rates many conventional nail polishes in the moderate-to-high hazard range due to ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates. Whether those represent a risk to your health depends on frequency of use, ventilation, and other factors — EWG's ratings reflect hazard assessments, not clinical safety determinations. For infrequent use with good ventilation, the risk from these products is contextual. For children, lower-hazard options are the more straightforward choice.
The Bottom Line
For kids, Piggy Paint is the reference EWG Skin Deep-rated choice — water-based, low hazard, and in kid-friendly colors. Suncoat Girl is a comparable alternative. For adults wanting salon-quality clean nail polish, Zoya 10-Free is the premium pick with the strongest EWG Skin Deep profile. Ella+Mila 7-Free is the accessible mid-range choice. None of these carry EWG VERIFIED® — they are EWG Skin Deep-rated low hazard options. We earn a commission on purchases through our links. NonToxicFinder is not affiliated with EWG.
