Is Nail Polish Gluten-Free?

Celiac.com 09/08/2023 - We get a lot of questions about cosmetics and beauty products. We've recently gotten a bunch about nail polish. Is nail polish gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease? Some are and some are not. Here's a rundown and a handy list.

Gluten in Nail Polish?

Most people with celiac disease will not have an issue with nail polish, even if it contains gluten. However, some super sensitive people may want to still opt for a nail polish that is gluten-free. Medical experts say gluten protein is too large of a molecule to be absorbed through the skin or your fingernails, however, some people do often bite or lick their finger nails.

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Many nail polishes contain hydrolyzed wheat protein, which may contain trace amounts of gluten. This ingredient helps with nail hardening and to quickly moisturize soft, thin nails. There are, however, gluten-free and certified gluten-free options available.

The Center for Celiac Research director at the University of Maryland, Alessio Fasano, MD, recommends not using nail polish that might contain gluten if you bite your nails.

For those who don’t want to use any cosmetics that may contain gluten, I hope this list is helpful to you.

Nail Polishes Labeled Gluten-Free or Made Without Gluten Ingredients

Adesse New York
Adesse New York is also cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free. PETA and Leaping Bunny Certified and Made in the USA.

AILA
AILA’s products are free from Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, DBP, Toluene, Camphor, Ethyl Tosylamide, Xylene, or TPHP. All AILA nail lacquers are also Vegan, Cruelty-free, and Gluten-free.

Benecos
Benecos Happy Nails: Nail polish by Benecos are vegan friendly, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.

Deborah Lippmann
Deborah Lippmann's line of nail polish is gluten-free, formaldehyde-free, and toluene-free.

Freecoat
Freecoat nail polishes are gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.

Mineral Fusion
Mineral Fusion products are made to be quick-drying, long-lasting, and are very affordable. Plus, they are 100% vegan, cruelty free, and free from all toxic ingredients including toluene, camphor, DBP, and formaldehyde.

Londontown
Londontown nail polishes are free of harsh chemicals and 100% vegan. 

Habit Cosmetics
Habit offers Non-toxic nail polish that uses Myrrh, an extract that naturally strengthens nails! Made in the USA, they are “7-Free”, cruelty-free and vegan. I absolutely love their gorgeous on-trend colors and sustainable packing.

Honeybee Gardens
Honeybee Gardens offers certified gluten free, non-toxic, water-based nail polish. Their products are safe for kids to use and perfect for those with sensitivities. They are made in the USA, vegan and cruelty-free.

Karma Organic
All Karma Organic Nail polish is Gluten Free and 100% organic. Free of toxics, TPHP, TOLUENE, FORMALDEHYDE, or DBP.

LCN Nail Polish
LCN Nail Polish is all vegan, soy, and gluten-free. They have a pretty good range of colors to choose from.

OPI Nail Polish
OPI Nail Polish is gluten free.  However, OPI nail strengthener, Nail Envy, is NOT gluten free.

Piggy Paint
Piggy Paint nail polish is made from gluten-free natural mud, and designed to peel off a few days after application, leaving kids' nails clean and healthy.

Piriti NYC
Piriti NYC nail Polishes are vegan, cruelty-free & gluten-free.

Revlon Nail Enamel
Revlon does not add gluten to this line of nail polish.

SOPHi
SOPHi is Piggy Paint’s adult line of nail polish. SOPHi is gluten-free and non-toxic, with more sophisticated and longer-lasting colors.

Wet N Wild
Wet N Wild is a line of certified gluten-free, organic & paraben-free. Available online.

YAPA
YAPA is Non-toxic, Quick-drying, Hassle-free, and High-performance Professional Nail Lacquer. It’s 100% Vegan, Cruelty-free, Gluten-free, and Made in the USA.

Zoya
Zoya nail polish is known for gluten-free, ultra long-wearing, non-toxic. 

Remember, ingredients and formulations can change, so read labels carefully and avoid gluten ingredients. Have we missed a favorite brand of gluten-free nail polish? Be sure to share it in the comments below.