What makes nail polish vegan?

When shopping for nail polish, you might come across the terms "vegan" and "cruelty-free" and wonder what they really mean. Simply put, vegan nail polish means that it contains no animal-derived ingredients, while cruelty-free means the product has not been tested on animals. Here at Olive Ave Polish, our nail polishes are both—vegan and certified cruelty-free—so you can feel good about using products that align with your values.

Aren't all nail polishes vegan?

Many traditional nail polishes include animal-derived ingredients like carmine (a red dye made from crushed beetles), guanine (a shimmer agent from fish scales), keratin (a protein often sourced from animal hooves or hair), and beeswax (used to thicken formulas). At Olive Ave Polish, we’ve removed all of these ingredients, replacing them with plant-based or synthetic alternatives to deliver high-quality, vibrant color without compromising your ethical standards.

Are vegan nail polishes always cruelty-free? 

If you’re ever confused about the difference between vegan and cruelty-free, remember that while both are about being kind to animals, they serve different purposes. Vegan means there are no animal by-products in the formula, and cruelty-free ensures no animals were harmed during the testing process. So when you choose Olive Ave Polish, you’re making a conscious choice that’s both animal-friendly and good for the planet!