Water-based nail polish is a type of nail polish that uses water as a base instead of oil or some other type of chemical solvent. This polish is supposed to be a safer, chemical-free version of conventional nail polish, which might include hazardous substances such as formaldehyde and phthalates. Water-based polish may also contain non-toxic colorants, which are typically no more harmful than what is used in most children's paint sets. This type of nail polish can often be found at most stores selling all-natural products as well as online. Some types of water-based polish may come with a chemical-free remover.
This type of nail polish may be much safer for a person to wear and have less of a negative impact on the environment, but some people believe that it doesn't work quite as well as other types of nail polish. It could take more coats to get the desired color, which means that one bottle may not last long before it needs replacing. It may also be more likely to chip off after it has been applied. Another possible downside is that most types of water-based nail polish are slow to dry. It may also be slightly more expensive than other types, but this will largely depend on the brand and where it is purchased.
Even though there are some disadvantages to water-based nail polish, the advantages may outweigh them. Many people like the fact that there is normally no overwhelming chemical smell when opening a bottle of water-based polish. It is also typically safe for children to use and apply themselves, which is not the case with other types of polish. In most cases, a non-toxic clear top coat can be applied over the top of water-based polish to keep it from chipping or peeling off. People who are very interested in purchasing all-natural, chemical-free products tend to believe that, despite any disadvantages, the lack of chemicals and the polish's functionality make it worthwhile to use.
If a brand of water-based nail polish does not come with its own chemical-free remover, it can usually be taken off with rubbing alcohol. Some brands make polishes that can be peeled off after they are dry. Even though water-based nail polish brands are normally considered safe for children to use, it is a good idea for a parent to supervise a child while he or she is using it.