Benecos offer an 8-free nail polish made without methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, dimethicone, polymers, BHT, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrance, synthetic colors, mineral oil, petrolatum, triethanolamine, mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals. This also means no camphor, toluene, or phthalates, and Benecos polish is vegan and cruelty-free.
Benecos Nail Polish
Highlights: 8-free nail polish. Does not contain any of the major chemicals typically found in nail polish. Received the top (‘Good’) rating from OekoTest Magazine.
Benecos Nail Polish at a glance:
| Country of Origin: | Germany |
| Ingredients: | Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid / Neopentyl Glycol / Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, and Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate. It may also contain: Titanium Dioxide, Silica, Mica, Iron Oxides, Red 6, Red 34, Black 2, Barium Sulfate, Ferric Ferrocyanide, Tin Oxide, Yellow 5 |
| Certifications: | Cruelty Free Vegan |
Table of Contents
Overview
Made in Germany, Benecos nail polish was named a finalist for “Best Non-Toxic/Eco Beauty Product” for 2015 by the UK’S No. 1 Natural Beauty Blog “BeautyShortlist.com”, and made the shortlist for Natural Health Magazine’s 2014 Beauty Awards Best Nail Polish. They also received the top (‘Good’) rating from OekoTest Magazine.
So, what’s in this polish? A typical Benecos polish contains: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid / Neopentyl Glycol / Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, and Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate. It may also contain: Titanium Dioxide, Silica, Mica, Iron Oxides, Red 6, Red 34, Black 2, Barium Sulfate, Ferric Ferrocyanide, Tin Oxide, and Yellow 5.
As you can see, there are none of the major chemical concerns in that list. However, it would be nice if the formulas didn’t contain isopropyl alcohol, ferric ferrocyanide, or Red 34. Some of the other gnarly sounding chemicals, including Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate have a low (1) EWG rating and may actually help condition the nail as an emollient.
Some colors, including the Benecos Flamingo, contain nail conditioners such as biotin and avocado oil. These aren’t likely to really do much for the nail, though, and I can’t help but think that these are included to steer the eye away from the presence of styrene in this particular formula. So, as always, read the label for the specific color you’re considering buying.
Hi, Leigh!
Have you come across Kapa Nui nails yet? Would love to hear your thoughts on that brand.
Hi Cyd,
Thanks for the question. I just checked out Kapa Nui and while they make quite the song and dance about being non-toxic, toxin-free and such, they’re not all that transparent about what’s actually in each product. In particular, it seems like the polishes may contain lakes (pigments) which can have varying degrees of toxicity. It’s also not totally clear what they use in the glittery polishes, which makes me wonder if this is microplastic-based or involves mica (which can mean ethical mining issues).
All in all, I’d want to know quite a bit more about these products before recommending them! That said, they do seem a lot better than standard polishes riddled with toxic chemicals.
Hope this helps,
Leigh