The Guide > Personal Care > Beauty > Nail Care
Nail Care
In Australia, cosmetics must comply with safety standards, but there is no international consensus. Some chemicals banned in Europe and the US are still considered safe by Australian authorities. These include DBP in nail polish, BHA in lipsticks, lead acetate in hair colour, and coal tar in anti-dandruff shampoos.

Other chemicals, although safe in small amounts, do build up over time and this intensive long-term exposure does seem to present unnecessary health risks. These include mineral oil, DEA/TEA/MEA, D&C colours, aluminium, talc, and synthetic fragrances.
  • Avoid known toxins. Decode the chemical nasties with the Chemical Maze app and book. Chemical Maze
  • Check out the Skin Deep cosmetics database with over 88,000 different products and a safety assessment of ingredients (US). Skin Deep
Features: Cruelty free, vegan, palm oil free, toxic free, Australian owned and made
Julisa vegan nail polish is made on the Gold Coast in Australia, accredited cruelty free by PETA and Choose Cruelty Free, Certified Toxic Free by Safe Cosmetics Australia and accredited palm oil free by The Orangutan Project. Available online and from selected stores.
Manufacturer: Julisa
Features: Cruelty free and vegan
Sienna makes its non-toxic, cruelty-free and vegan nail polish in Byron Bay, Australia.
Manufacturer: Sienna Byron Bay
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