What is Vegan Nail Polish?

We’ve learned that nail polish enthusiasts are conscious consumers who invest their time in researching and supporting trustworthy brands. At Picture Polish, we are proud to offer high-quality, 100% vegan nail polish. What makes nail polish vegan is the absence of animal ingredients including animal products or by-products.

However, there is a hidden second component regarding animal cruelty in the beauty industry. Some brands that sell vegan nail polish still test on animals! Declaring a nail polish to be vegan yet continuing to test on animals behind the scenes, is inexcusable. Not only that, but it completely contradicts the idea behind having vegan nail polish in the first place!

We remain adamant that long-lasting nail polish doesn’t need to be harmful, especially to animals. That includes, but not limited to, being used as ingredients or as test subjects. We have invested in ongoing research and development to continually improve our formula while remaining true to our core values. Our formulas may change as science advances, but we will always be a vegan and cruelty-free brand.

Understanding Vegan Nail Polish?

So, what exactly is vegan nail polish?

For nail polish to be considered vegan, it cannot contain any animal ingredients. That includes animal products and by-products. It seems easy enough, right? Well, the reality is that animal products and by-products are inexpensive and readily available. To make matters even more confusing, they also have multiple names. Bookmark this post as your one-stop source for information about animal products and by-products found in many nail polishes. Once you know, you’ll be able to cut through the fog and make an informed decision.

Common Animal-Derived Ingredients in Nail Polish

Guanine – also known as Natural Pearl Essence or CI 75170, is produced by processing fish scales. This shimmering substance uses fish scales from herring, menhaden, and sardines, which are scraped off and ground up. Many pearlescent nail polishes obtain their shimmer from Guanine.

Carmine – also known as Crimson Lake, Natural Red 4, or CI 75470. In the EU, it’s known as E120. If you love red makeup, you likely have products made with Carmine. This bright red pigment comes from crushed cochineal beetles, commonly found in South and Central America. Carmine is frequently added to food and beverages as well, so it pops up virtually everywhere.

Shellac – also known as Shellolic Acid, is a resin secreted by the female lac bug. Found on trees in the forests of India and Thailand, the insects are processed and sold as dry flakes. When dissolved in alcohol, the flakes make liquid shellac. If you’re a fan of glossy nails, you’ve likely used polish with Shellac. Even if it was regular nail polish!

Animal-based Keratin – harvested from the hooves, horns, and hair of mammals such as cattle, horses, pigs, and rabbits. Through the process of hydrolysis, these materials transform into an enzyme or acid. Keratin is a widely used ingredient for its strengthening properties; however, any results are temporary. Once you remove the product or it wears off, so does the extra strength it provides.

Identifying Animal Ingredients

As you can see, it can be hard to decipher which ingredients come from animals, based on their names. If a label says “CI 75470” instead of Carmine, it’s easy to get confused. Having multiple names for the same ingredients is a deceptive business practice, one we have no part in.

A Commitment to Vegan Alternatives

While animal-based ingredients are inexpensive and readily available, we sought alternatives. Much to our delight, we found suppliers who aligned with our values. We are proud to say that none of these common animal-based ingredients are in our nail polish. Not only that, but we would argue that our polishes are brighter and last longer than most of our competitors. All without the use of any animal products! Completely vegan from bottle to brush and everything in between. Beauty without compromise is a tenet of Picture Polish, one that we remain dedicated to upholding.

Picture Polish: A Cruelty-Free Promise

Is Picture Polish Cruelty-Free?

Absolutely! Picture Polish is not only committed to being vegan but also to being cruelty-free. The beauty industry has long relied on animal testing, a practice that still exists today due to potential safety concerns with certain ingredients. While animal testing is often used to predict human reactions to harmful substances, this method has come under fire for ethical reasons. Despite some improvements in animal welfare, the practice continues, often due to manufacturing loopholes and varying regulations in different countries.

Why We Manufacture in Australia

At Picture Polish, we wanted to take a different approach. By choosing to manufacture our vegan nail polish in Australia, we maintain greater control over our production processes. This local approach allows us to ensure that our products are free from animal testing at every stage of development.

Our Commitment to Vegan and Non-Toxic Ingredients

Along with creating a vegan nail polish, we were adamant that we would never test on animals. Sourcing non-toxic and vegan ingredients may require more planning and organisation, but it’s one of our fundamental principles. Our vegan formula and firm stance against animal testing set us apart, and we’re proud to be different. 

What are the benefits of vegan nail polish?

At first glance, the health benefits of vegan nail polish may seem obvious. Using natural ingredients instead of animal products and by-products significantly reduces the harm associated with traditional polish. Both for yourself and for the environment. Even the most seasoned nail polish enthusiast will accidentally get polish on their skin. As such, it makes sense to be thoughtful about the ingredients used in our favourite products!

However, the benefits of choosing vegan nail polish extend far outside of the beauty industry. In our world, money talks, and where people spend their money is a form of activism. By supporting brands that are adamantly against animal testing, you’re contributing to a kinder world. With Picture Polish, you get vegan nail polish that’s long-lasting, super pigmented, and cruelty-free.

Not only are our polishes vegan, but we actively support animal rescue. Animal Welfare League Queensland receives $0.50 from every bottle sold. Yes, every single bottle! So while you’re painting your nails with your newest favourite colour, you’re also helping save animals in Australia. Talk about a win-win and beautiful decision!

Discover Your Perfect Vegan Nail Polish

Now that you know what makes a nail polish vegan and how to avoid commonly used animal ingredients, you can confidently maintain your ethical choices. When you’re flaunting a Picture Polish manicure, you’re staying true to yourself and your values. Being an animal lover has never looked so stylish!

Ready to make the switch? Explore our collection and shop vegan nail polish today to find the shades that speak to your heart and value.