Black-Owned Clean and Cruelty-Free Nail Polish Brands
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💅🏾 Kia Says: “Clean, Cute, and Completely Cruelty-Free”
Okay, let’s talk nails.
We all love a pop of color, but what’s actually in that polish? Turns out, some of our favorite shades come with toxic baggage — and sis, we don’t need that energy.
Luckily, Black-owned nail brands are stepping up in a major way — clean, vegan, cruelty-free, and chic. These are the polishes that make your hands look good and feel good.
Here are my top clean-beauty crushes you’ll want on your vanity, stat 👇🏾
đź’« Habit Cosmetics
Aja Frierson created this line for eco-glam girls who care. Every bottle is packed with plant-based goodness like myrrh extract to strengthen your nails — plus the packaging is just as sustainable as it is stunning.
💅🏾 Kia loves: that “Earthy Rose” shade for a soft, grounded vibe.
đź’ś 9th & Maxwell
Wellness meets self-expression with this brand. Their non-toxic lacquers are made for your mood — whether you’re in your “main character” era or your “quiet luxury” one.
💅🏾 Kia loves: their vibe — confidence in a bottle.
🎨 People of Color Beauty
Founder Jacqueline Carrington built a brand that finally gives brown skin the range it deserves. These shades hit — richly pigmented, long-lasting, and made to complement melanin in every undertone.
💅🏾 Kia loves: the “Cocoa Season” set. It’s giving fall, forever.
✨ Mischo Beauty
A chemist turned beauty boss, Kitiya Mischo King said, “Why not both?” — as in, luxury and clean ingredients. Her 10-free formulas are salon quality without the fumes or guilt.
💅🏾 Kia loves: “Front Row” — because that glossy finish? Chef’s kiss.
đź–¤ Pear Nova
Born in Chicago by Rachel James, this brand is minimalism meets melanin. Vegan, 10-free, and straight-up fashion-forward — these bottles belong next to your perfume and your playlist.
💅🏾 Kia loves: “Mood for Nude” — neutral but never boring.
đź’Ą Cracked Polish
Bold, artistic, and a little rebellious. If you’re into daring shades and clever names, this indie favorite will have your nails screaming main character energy.
💅🏾 Kia loves: switching it up — go bright, go bold, go you.
🤎 Mented Cosmetics
We’ve all been searching for the perfect nude — Mented said, “We got you.” Their vegan, cruelty-free collection nails every skin tone beautifully.
💅🏾 Kia loves: “Brown & Bougie.” Because obviously.
🌸 Janet & Jo.
Karen Young built this brand with heart, heritage, and clean ingredients. Every shade tells a story, every polish feels intentional.
💅🏾 Kia loves: that each color feels like a little piece of home.
🧴 The Takeaway
These brands are redefining what beauty looks like — bold, ethical, and unapologetically Black.
Your manicure can be both a flex and a statement of self-care.
💅🏾 Kia says: “Your nails are your business card, babe. Make sure they say something beautiful.”