Committing to using cosmetics that don’t contain a lot of harsh ingredients is easier than ever, thanks to the growing list of beauty companies that strive to meet consumer demand for safer products. However, anyone who loves freshly painted nails has likely experienced the frustrations often associated with toxin-free nail polish, like fewer color options, boring finishes, and unimpressive wear that can make your manicure seem like a waste of time.

The good news in nails is that you can have gorgeous fingertips without swiping on chemical-laden polish. That’s because Butter London nail polishes have the same qualities as traditional formulas, like chip-resistant wear and edgy colors, without potentially toxic additives.

Our buying guide has everything you need to know when shopping for Butter London nail polish, including more about the beautifully pigmented hues and striking finishes the brand has to offer. For our five favorite Butter London lacquers, see the matrix above.

Not only do Butter London nail polishes meet the 3-free standard – which means they don’t contain toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), or formaldehyde – but there are numerous other chemical and artificial ingredients that the company doesn’t use. In fact, Butter London nail polish is considered 8-free as it’s made without formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, TPHP, DBP, xylene, toluene, or ethyl tosylamide, all common ingredients in traditional nail polishes.

Butter London nail polish comes in a range of formulas to meet your lacquer needs.

• Standard: The brand’s standard formula comes in the most shades and finishes and is the most popular with consumers.
• Patent Shine 10X: These nail polishes are great for consumers who like a high-shine appearance to their nails. If you love that wet, just-polished look, the Patent Shine 10X nail polishes are for you.
• Base coat and top coat: If you want to do a complete manicure at home, it’s a great idea to pair your favorite Butter London nail color with the brand’s base coat and top coat for the longest wear.
• Peel-off glitter: These sparkling polishes add glitter to your bare nails or favorite polish colors, and they are easy to peel off so you don’t have to use nail polish remover.
• PureCure: Similar to gel nail polish, Butter London’s PureCure line is set with an LED light for a professional, long-lasting finish. But unlike most gel polishes, PureCure polishes aren’t difficult to remove. Simply peel them off when you are ready to try a new shade.
• Nail treatments: In addition to nail polishes, Butter London also offers a collection of treatments that strengthen nails, fill in ridges, moisturize cuticles, and more.
• Minis: Would you like to try a variety of Butter London polishes? The company offers mini-size polishes that are great for sampling and perfect for travel.

If you think boring or dull when you think of toxin-free nail polish, Butter London will surprise you. The brand understands the desire to have many highly pigmented color options at your fingertips. Butter London nail polishes come in a wide range of shades, everything from pale neutrals to dramatic jewel tones. You’ll also find trendy shades in Butter London’s extensive color selection.

Just because you don’t want to use nail polish that contains harsh chemicals doesn’t mean you have to give up on wearing elaborate lacquers. Butter London makes many colors with classic cream finishes, but the brand also offers fun finishes, including glitter, metallic, and high gloss.

Butter London nail polish is pricier than most drugstore brands but worth the cost considering the toxin-free formula and long-lasting performance. Expect to pay $15 to $18 for your favorite Butter London nail polish or treatment and about $12 for peel-off glitter and mini sizes.

Q. I’m excited about Butter London’s toxin-free nail polishes, but do the chemical ingredients found in other brands offer any benefits?
A. Some harsh chemicals are added to nail polish to give longer staying power and strengthen nails. However, Butter London’s clean nail polish is formulated with ingredients that aren’t toxic but provide similar benefits.
 

Q. Do I need to use Butter London’s base coat and top coat when using the brand’s nail polish?
A. Using a base coat primes your nails so that your favorite lacquer goes on smoothly, while a top coat sets the polish in place and adds shine. Butter London’s base coat and top coat are formulated to work with the brand’s nail polish, so using them together will give you longer-lasting color that resists chips.