Côte Non-toxic Nail Polish

Something I'm starting to dabble in this year is learning more and investing more in non-toxic, all natural beauty and skin care. Since I've started listening to more podcasts (on my drives to and from school) I've been more interested in understanding what goes in the products I put on my face, body, nail etc. Listening to one of my favorite beauty podcasts behind the beauty created and hosted by Serein Wu an episode was devoted to interviewing one of the founders of Côte.  An all natural nail polish and beauty company founded in Los Angles, California. Within the episode they describe what happens when toxic nail polish is put on the nails and emphasize the importance of seeking out more all natural options. Basically, in short the toxins in nail polish enter directly into your blood stream via nail cuticles. 

I've made my mission to start living my life more intentionally. I'm passionate about choosing cleaner options for myself. Atleast, the best I can with the information that's available to me. During my cleaning last week I decided to get rid of a big portion of my nail polish collection. I had way too many bottles of polish that I just wasn't using, they weren't making me happy anymore. I would say I downsized from a good fifty bottles to ten. I've kept a few of my favorite colors and polishes until I kind find dupes for those. 


Côte is a brand that I truly connected with. The podcast is definitely a reason I decided to give it a chance. You have the opportunity to learn about the background of a company, their inspiration, their values, and their future goals. I love being able to support a company run and created by women and products that are manufactured here in the US. Their products in general are fairly expensive at a price point of $18 per bottle. I'm looking for quality over quantity. I'm okay at this stage of my life having a handful of polishes I reach for and absolutely love. 

There are other brands that offer nontoxic options at a bit lower price points such as Essie and Zoya. It's really important to do your research before purchasing and understand that not all non-toxic options are the same. They have a range some called "3-Free, 5-Free, 7-Free etc." The number before "free" means that it is free of that number of common chemicals in toxins found in mainstream nail polish. Zoya is a 5-Free brand while Côte is a 7-Free brand.  The list of chemicals in mainstream nail polishes is incredibly long but here are the top three most harmful: Dibutyl phthalate-which has been linked to reproductive health/complications, Toluene-- which has been linked to negative affects on central nervous system, and Formaldehyde--which has been linked to allergic reactions and asthma. If you'd like to know more here is a link from a Huffing post article, How toxic is your nail polish really? 

From Côte, I purchased their Nude 6-Piece Travelers Set which comes with 6 travel sized nail polishes priced at $42. 

Nude 6-Piece Travelers Set (Left to Right): no.13 (always radiant rose gold), no.41(cool cappuccino cream), no.49 (adobe clay), no.12 (pearlized camel colored lacquer), and no.4 (balanced beige sheer)

I also purchased a base coat/nail treatment called Growth with Garlic (because I'm always looking for ways to get my nails strong and long) priced at $18. 

Growth with Garlic Nail Treatment

*For the record I used this nail treatment as a base and top coat (because why not)! 

I'm really excited about this brand. I love love their packaging, and the colors. The only thing is I wish their polishes had names. They do have identifying numbers, and if you click on them on the website they offer a color description and have beautiful photos. The first polish I chose to go for no. 49 which is described as "adobe clay". The polish applied smoothly with two coats and I've worn it for 2-3 days with minimal chipping, and overall feel very satiated. So if your interest has been peaked I encourage you to give some non-toxic brands a go! You don't have to do what I did and get rid of almost all your nail polish and start changing your habits, just start incorporating nail polish from brands you know have non-toxic values and goals in the future and maybe just maybe you'll find a polish you love.

no.49 (adobe clay) swatch