Most of us are too smitten by the various shades to double-check the ingredients.
Water-based nail polish is (unsurprisingly) formulated predominantly using water along with suspended color particles.
This has earned many of them significant popularity within the clean beauty movement.
Brands like Sophi andSuncoatare free from nearly all harmful ingredients (Sophi is also cruelty-free and vegan).
On the other hand (pun intended), we have oil-based polishes.
These paints use something other than water as a base.
Typically, it’s an oil or a solvent.
They have fewer chemicals, are usually safer, and have less of an odor.
They’re also more sustainable and eco-friendly thanks to their plastic resin-free formula.
Many water-based brands are vegan and cruelty-free too.
The downside of a water-based, gentle, and safe formula is that it won’t last as long.
Everyday activities, like showering and hand washing, can wear down your mani much faster.
Their higher concentration of pigments, binders, and solvents makes them stronger and with better adherence capabilities.
Water-based polishes usually dry faster, though.
Some of them are even marketed as quick-dry polishes, which set in as little as 10 minutes.
Oil-based products take longer to dry due to the thickness of the formula.
However, it’s easier to achieve an opaque and more even finish.
Oil-based polishes are another story, needing a little acetone to break down the paint resins.
Oil-based polishes are more widely available and affordable.
If you’re looking for toxin-free nail polish, hands down, water-based brands are the way to go.
Which one is better?
