One of the easiest ways to primp during pregnancy is to slap on a coat of pretty nail polish. However, you should avoid nail polishes that contain nasty chemicals such as the "Toxic Trio," which is commonly found in nail polish: toulene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formaldehyde, one of the latest chemicals added to the list of known carcinogens. These chemicals can seep through your system right to your developing baby. Below are seven safer and less toxic nail polishes to choose from. These choices are safe and lovely for use during pregnancy, and a great choice for your nails afterwards, too. Most of the companies below offer non-toxic nail polish remover, so be sure to pick some of that up as well!















Scotch Naturals

Scotch Naturals nail polishes are made by the same company who makes the ultra safe Hopscotch Kids WaterColors. There are many wonderful colors to choose from that offer long lasting, salon-quality results. Best of all, each pretty shade is 100% free from formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalates, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, nitrocellulose, acetone and heavy metals.

+ Scotch Naturals WaterColors $14.99

+ Scotch Naturals

Acquarella

Acquarella Nail Polish is vegan, never tested on animals, and is non-toxic and safe for use during pregnancy. This polish also helps hydrate your nails, which means less chipping, peeling and yellowing. Acquarella also offers many sophisticated, pretty and fun colors to choose from.



+ Acquarella Nail Polish $16.00

+ Acquarella Nail Polish

Honeybee Gardens

Honeybee Gardens WaterColors Non-Peel Off Polishes are odorless, non-toxic, earth-friendly and long wearing nail colors. This polish is totally water-based and free from formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalates and FD& C colors. New sophisticated colors for 2011 include Abyss (pure black), Oasis (sapphire blue), Renaissance (rich wine), Tease (purple) and Wild Fire (bright red).

+ Honeybee Gardens WaterColors Non-Peel Off Polish $9.99



+ Honeybee Gardens

Zoya

Zoya Nail Polish was recently awarded the honor of being the longest wearing natural nail polish by an independent panel in Women’s Health Magazine. This slick polish is free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor. Best of all, Zoya offers over 300 gorgeous polish colors to choose from, including seasonal collections of nail polish every year. Also, Zoya’s unique color spoons make ordering nail polish online almost totally risk free.

+ Zoya Nail Polish $8.00

+ Zoya

butter LONDON

butter LONDON is a 3 free company, meaning their products contain zero formaldehyde, toluene and DBP (the “Toxic Trio”). The butter LONDON product collection is also seriously focused on cutting edge fashion trends; the company spends time backstage at Fashion Week in New York and London each season, brushing up on what’s hot and not so they can bring you safe and trendy nail colors. If you’re not sure what fashionable colors to start with, check out the beautiful butter LONDON lacquer collections.

+ butter LONDON 3 Free Lacquers $14.99

+ butter LONDON

Priti NYC

Priti NYC polishes are all completely non-toxic and made without carcinogenic ingredients like toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DHB) and formaldehyde. These pretty luxury polishes are also fast drying, chip resistant, contain a UV inhibitor, and are extremely durable and glossy. Currently available in over 100 different shades including metallics, mattes, bright neons, rich darks, classic nudes, and more, meaning, you’re sure to find a favorite color or two.

+ Priti NYC Nail Polish $12.50

+ Priti NYC

Kaia House

Kaia House Organics Bio-Polish are a little annoying in that they’re using the term “Organics” although they’re not organic. However, labeling mistakes aside, these polishes are free from phthalates, toulene and formaldehyde, plus the company refuses to test its products on animals.

+ Kaia House Organics Bio-Polish $8.00

+ Kaia House

Lead image © Flickr user Kirstea