What is Big-4 and Big-5 Free Nail Polish?

Long time back I did a blog on best three free nail polish brands which are aimed to provide toxic free nail polishes. With so many chemicals getting into our body everyday, it is good to see some of them free of toxic elements. Along with 3-free nail polishes, Big-4 and Big-5 Free nail polishes are also our favorites. Let's know more about them!



Big-4 nail polishes are those that do not have one of the following chemicals, while big-5 free will have neither: 

Formaldehyde Resin (Tosylamide/TSFR) – A polymer (synthetic resin) used as a plasticizer or suspending agent.

Uses – Ensures nail polish adhesion, adds depth, gloss, hardness and durability.

Safety – According to GoodGuide it does not pose any health concern, but others list it as a toxin. Health concerns may include allergic reaction and it can be an irritant.

Camphor – A waxy substance from certain trees that smells good and is used as a plasticizer.

Uses – Embalmer, explosives, culinary ingredient, nail polish plasticizer – making it more flexible and last longer, medicinal uses, and even used in religious ceremonies.

Safety – Highly flammable. Health concerns include dizziness, headaches, and nausea. In high amounts (not found in polish) it can be poisonous, an irritant, cause seizures and even unconsciousness.

Other Common Chemicals In Nail Polish


  • Benzophenone – Used as a stabilizer to resist color changes when exposed to light.
  • Butyl Acetate – An organic solvent used to make everything mix together (flammable).
  • Dyes and pigments
  • Ethyl Acetate – An organic solvent used to make everything mix together.
  • Isopropyl Alcohol – Also known as “rubbing alcohol”.
  • Nitrocellulose – Type of lacquer used because it is inexpensive, dries quickly, and it is not damaging to the skin (flammable).


Opalescent pigments


  • Aluminum Powder
  • Mica – Ground up natural minerals.
  • Pearls

Stearalkonium Hectorite – A natural mineral in powder form used as a thickening agent, for suspension, and to keep ingredients together.

“5 FREE” NAIL POLISHES basically do not have Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, and Camphor. 




5 Free Nail polish brands

  • Catrice
  • Chanel
  • Dashing Diva
  • Dazzle Dry
  • Dior
  • Essence
  • Givenchy
  • Helen E
  • Hopscotch Kids
  • L’Oreal
  • Lippmann
  • Mavala
  • No Miss
  • Nubar
  • Obsessive Compulsive
  • Revlon
  • RGB Cosmetics
  • Sante
  • Scotch Naturals
  • Uslu Airlines
  • Zoya

Apart from these, there are 7 free as well but we will talk about them some other time. Do tell me which 4 free and 5 free brands you have in your vanity?

Lots of Love!!!
XOXO

Comments