Common Animal-Derived Nail Polish Ingredients | Alternatives
The Most Common Animal-Based Nail Polish Ingredients
The Most Common Animal-Derived Nail Polish Ingredients and Plant-Based Alternatives
Although nail polish is an indispensable part of our beauty routine, many brands use animal-derived ingredients. If you prefer vegan or cruelty-free cosmetics, it’s helpful to know which animal-derived ingredients are commonly found in nail polish and what their plant-based alternatives are. Unfortunately, most nail polish and nail care products produced today contain animal-derived ingredients. Since these products are definitely not preferred by vegans and vegetarians, vegan nail polish alternatives are being produced. However, even if most nail polishes are vegan, they are not sold with labels or certifications indicating this, which poses a problem for vegans.
Animal-Derived Nail Polish Ingredients
The three most common animal-derived ingredients in nail polish are as follows. 1. Guanine: Also known as natural pearl extract or CI 75170, this is a shimmering substance obtained by processing fish scales. It is produced by scraping the scales off dead fish, including species such as herring and sardines.
🔹Alternative: Mica mineral or plant-based pearlescent pigments
2. Carmine: Also known as crimson lake, Natural Red 4, or CI 75470, this is a red pigment obtained by drying and grinding scale insects commonly found on cactus farms in South and Central America. It is a dye that gives nail polishes red and pink tones.
🔹Alternative: Beets, red cabbage, or synthetic vegan pigments can be used.
3. Keratin: An animal-derived protein obtained from mammals such as cattle, horses, pigs, rabbits, and others; it is used in cosmetic products because it strengthens hair, nails, and even damaged skin surfaces.
🔹Alternative: Plant-based proteins, such as soy or wheat protein.
4. Shellac: This ingredient, used in nail polish formulations to enhance shine and durability, is derived from the female lac bug.
🔹Alternative: Plant-based resins and natural polymers.
5. Stearic Acid: Stearic acid, used as a thickener and stabilizer in nail polishes, is typically derived from animal fats.
🔹Alternative: Stearic acid derived from coconut oil or plant-based oils.
If the nail polishes you use contain guanine, carmine, shellac, stearic acid, or keratin, they are not vegan and cannot be certified as vegan.
Nanocert Certification Organization continues to provide services under Vegan Cosmetics Analysis and Certification. We also provide services related to the Cruelty-Free Certification.
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21 Mart 2023