Kid Licks seem to have a reputation as being made from fruits and vegetables, but if you look at the ingredients list, they’re mostly made of alcohol and confectioner’s glaze, which is made of shellac (purified lac resin). Raw lac resin contains around 25% insect matter, making shellac unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans, and also putting paid to Kid Licks’ claim that their polishes are cruelty-free.
Kid Licks ‘Edible’ Nail Polish
Highlights: Best option for kid-safe nail polish. One of the least toxic nail polishes around. Removable with alcohol, followed by a rinse with soap and water, so no need for toxic nail polish remover.
Kid Licks ‘Edible’ Nail Polish at a glance:
| Country of Origin: | USA |
| Ingredients: | Alcohol (evaporates when applied), confectioner’s glaze. May contain: titanium dioxide, blue 1 lake, blue 2 lake, red 3, red 40 lake, yellow 5 lake and yellow 6 lake |
| Certifications: | Cruelty Free |
Table of Contents
Overview
All this said, the only other ingredients in Kid Licks nail polish are the colors. These include titanium dioxide, blue 1 lake, blue 2 lake, red 3, red 40 lake, yellow 5 lake, and yellow 6 lake, meaning this polish is not free of FD&C colors.
However, even though some FD&C colors are problematic, the ones listed above don’t seem to pose any health concerns, with the possible exception of red 3. Given that these polishes are described as edible, I’d want a little more assurance over the ingredients before painting them on my child’s nails. That said, they’re certainly one of the least toxic nail polishes around and likely your best bet for kid-safe polish.
Because the Kid Licks polishes are simply alcohol (which evaporates) and resin, with some colorants, they won’t last long on nails. Indeed, they can be removed just using alcohol, followed by a rinse with soap and water.