Honeybee Gardens polish is another water-based nail polish that is vegan-friendly, certified cruelty-free by PETA, non-GMO, paraben-free, gluten-free, and free from: formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), xylene, camphor, benzophenone-1, and FD&C colors, as well as nitrocellulose resin, animal ingredients, and triphenyl phosphate. This makes it one of the least toxic nail polishes around and my top pick for Leaf Score. It’s also well rated by the Environmental Working Group, has rave reviews online, and is made in Pennsylvania, USA.
Our Rating: 4 / 5 (See: How Leaf Score is calculated)
Table of Contents
Product Highlights
- One of the least toxic nail polishes around
- Vegan-friendly and certified cruelty-free by PETA
- Polish is easily removable with rubbing alcohol (no need for nail polish remover)
| Country of Origin: | USA |
| Ingredients: | Water (Aqua), Acrylates copolymer. May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77490), Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ultramarine Blue (CI 77007) |
| Certifications: | Certified cruelty-free by PETA Feingold |
Overview
The polish typically contains mostly water, alongside acrylates copolymer. Depending on the color, the polish may also contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77490), Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ultramarine Blue (CI 77007), and other colorants.
Honeybee Gardens currently offer at least 26 colors on their website, including matt, iridescent, and shimmer options. These include the blue Oasis, deep black Abyss, fiery red Burlesque and my personal favorite, Hibiscus, described by the company as ‘Bright Orange-Pinky Coral with hints of Red’. Other colors include Island Orchid, Valentine, Glowing Ember, Hippie Chick, Sweater Weather, Fairy Dust, Legacy, Victorian Lace, Raspberry Sorbet, and Surf’s Up.
Honeybee Gardens also offer their ENDURE Primer/Sealer, which they say can extend the life of your manicure by 2-3 times. And, when you’re done with the polish, you can easily remove it with a dab of vodka or rubbing alcohol. No need for nail polish remover. Indeed, because this polish isn’t solvent-based, acetone removers won’t work.
Because it is water-based, the film formed by the polish becomes more difficult to dissolve with time. The company recommends you remove the polish at or before one week of wear.
Honeybee Gardens don’t test any of their products on animals and all products; their ’12-free’ polish has been reviewed by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, earning a score of 2 or lower. They are also Feingold certified.