Learn how to make this safe DIY nail polish for kids. With only three ingredients you can create your own natural nail polish that is safe for your child to use and doesn’t have harmful ingredients like some other nail polishes do.

No matter what brand of kid nail polish I buy it all seems to peel off immediately after I apply it to my little girls nails. Why? I know it has something to do with the formulation of the polish and keeping the ingredients safe. My frustration with this is that I find little bits of nail polish all over the house! It’s almost a game to my four year old. She paints her nails and then walks around the house peeling it off. Tell me I’m not alone! That’s when I decided that if she was going to use nail polish I was going to create my own DIY kid safe nail polish (also great for pregnant women looking to keep harmful ingredients away).

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What is natural nail polish?

Natural nail polish is a type of nail polish that is made from natural, non-toxic ingredients. Unlike conventional nail polish, which can contain harsh chemicals (and downright toxic chemicals) like formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates, natural nail polish is free from these chemicals and is considered safer for both the environment and human health.

Natural nail polish is typically made from ingredients like a water-based formula, plant-based oils, and natural pigments derived from fruits and vegetables like alkanet root. It may also contain minerals like mica and iron oxide for color and vitamin e. Natural nail polish is often marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional nail polishes and is becoming increasingly popular among consumers who are concerned about the impact of chemicals on their health and the environment.

Kid-safe nail polish is a growing trend in the beauty industry, with many companies now offering non-toxic and chemical-free options. Making your own natural nail polish at home is also becoming more popular, as it allows parents to control the ingredients.

Related post: if you decide you want to purchase kid safe nail polish instead of make your own we’ve got a great list of some of the highest rated kid friendly non-toxic nail polishes in this post!

I also put together a similar list of other eco friendly nail polishes from Amazon here!

My daughter loves all things girly, and I knew if she was going to continue to paint her own nails, I wanted it to stay on! I didn’t necessarily want her to use adult nail polish because, well, number 1, it can create a huge PERMANENT mess and number 2, it can be harmful to her (I wouldn’t put it past her to taste it). Not to mention that crazy strong odor! Even the top coat products are super smelly.

Understanding Kid Safe Nail Polish

Good news! Kid safe nail polish is a type of nail polish that is formulated with safe ingredients. This type of nail polish is designed to be gentle on young skin and nails while still providing vibrant nail colors and long-lasting wear.

Kid safe DIY nail polish is often formulated without the following harmful chemicals:

Formaldehyde: a known carcinogen that can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation
Toluene: a toxic chemical that can cause headaches, dizziness, and skin irritation
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): a plasticizer that can cause reproductive and developmental issues

Instead, Children’s nail polish is formulated with safe products such as water, natural pigments, and plant-based ingredients.

Kid safe nail polish is a great option for parents who want to provide their children with a fun and colorful way to express themselves without exposing them to harmful chemicals.

I’m happy to say my DIY kid safe nail polish was a huge success!

I can’t believe I haven’t tried this before now.

I can’t wait to show you how easy this is!

Let’s gather up our materials and get this party started!

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Materials for kid safe nail polish:

Old CLEANED nail polish bottle or new one
1 TSP dish soap (remember that anything other than clear will alter the color of your polish)
2 TBSP Elmers glue
Eye shadow of choice or Pigment powder: This provides the color of the nail polish. It is important to use pigments that are specifically labeled as safe for cosmetic use.
Funnell
Mixing Bowl

Preparation Steps

To make a kid-safe nail polish product, there are several preparation steps that need to be followed carefully. These steps include:

Gathering the Ingredients; It is important to ensure that all the ingredients are safe for kids and do not contain any harmful chemicals.
Mixing the Ingredients: Once all the ingredients are gathered, the next step is to mix them together. It is important to ensure that the mixture is smooth and free of any lumps.
Testing the Polish: After the ingredients are mixed, it is important to test the polish to make sure it is safe and suitable for kids. This can be done by applying a small amount of the polish to a test area and checking for any adverse reactions.
Adjusting the Consistency: If the polish is too thick or too thin, it may need to be adjusted. This can be done by adding a small amount of water to thin it out or more eyeshadow to thicken it.
Storing the Polish: Once the polish is ready, it should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It is important to label the polish with the date it was made and the ingredients used to avoid any confusion or potential safety issues.

Creating the Base

Choosing Colors

When creating a kid-safe nail polish, choosing the right colors is important. Not all pigments are safe for children, so it’s important to use non-toxic and natural colorants. Some good options include beet juice powder, spirulina powder, and mica powder if you choose not to use eyeshadow.

Mixing Ingredients

To make the base, start by mixing the dish soap and Elmers glue into the mixing bowl. Then, add the natural colorants and glitter (if using) and mix well. Be sure to mix thoroughly to ensure the color is evenly distributed. Once you’re happy with the color, the base is ready to use.

Pouring into the nail polish bottle

Once the nail polish base is mixed together, use the funnel to pour the base into the nail polish bottle.

Applying the Polish

Prepping Nails

Before applying the kid-safe nail polish, it is important to prepare the nails properly. First, remove any old polish using an acetone-free nail polish remover. Next, file the nails to the desired length and shape, making sure to file in one direction to prevent splitting. Then, gently push back the cuticles using a cuticle pusher or wooden stick. Finally, wash the hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them completely.

Application Process

First, shake the bottle well to mix the polish thoroughly. Then, apply a base coat to each nail, making sure to cover the entire nail surface. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Next, apply the desired color of kid-safe nail polish. Start at the base of the nail and gently brush the polish up towards the tip, making sure to stay within the edges of the nail. Apply a second coat if necessary, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Helpful tips

Use clear dish soap will be easier to get the desired color
Make sure you choose a nail polish bottle with a “mouth” big enough for the funnel to fit through
Play around with different eye shadow colors until you get your desired color

Want to know the best part about creating my own polish? I don’t have to use Acetone to remove it! Yep, in my video above I shared how easy it was to remove the nail polish with a paper towel and water.

After all, we all know how harmful Acetone can be. After all, we all know how harmful Acetone can be.