Ella+Mila · Nail Polish & Top Coat
ella +mila Jelly Collection Vegan Quick-Dry Nail Polish
Lower concern; vegan formulas typically avoid Teflon-family coating.
This vegan quick-dry polish likely avoids Teflon-type coating and Teflon-family coating coatings. Ella+Mila makes no PFAS claim, and proprietary resin blends remain unverified.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
organic pigments, resins, solvents in vegan nail lacquer
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Volatile organic solvent inhalation (toluene, xylene, or replacements)
Quick-dry nail polish formulas rely on higher-volatility solvents to accelerate evaporation. Acute inhalation during application can cause dizziness, headache, and respiratory irritation, especially in unventilated spaces. Chronic exposure in frequent users or poorly ventilated salons is associated with reproductive and neurological effects, though domestic use is lower-risk.
Lead
Organic pigments in jelly and translucent formulas may contain trace heavy metals as residuals from synthesis or as intentional pigment components. Ella+Mila does not publish heavy-metal testing for this line. Risk is primarily dermal (on the nail surface) rather than systemic, but repeated application and accidental ingestion (hand-to-mouth) pose minor exposure pathways.
Source: ATSDR ↗Phthalates
Vegan resins and plasticizers used to achieve flexibility and sheen may include phthalates (DEP, DBP) or alternative plasticizers not disclosed on packaging. The brand does not confirm phthalate-free status. Dermal absorption from nail polish is minimal; inhalation of solvent-borne plasticizers is the primary concern.
Source: ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public disclosure or reports of formaldehyde in Ella+Mila's vegan polish line. However, cosmetic-grade nail lacquers occasionally include formaldehyde as a hardening agent; the absence of brand confirmation does not rule it out. Inhalation of formaldehyde during application is associated with respiratory irritation and sensitization.
Source: ATSDR ↗Microplastic shedding from gel topcoats or additives
This product is a traditional lacquer, not a gel system, so microplastic shedding is not a documented risk. However, if used as a base for gel topcoats or over time as flakes, environmental persistence is a concern; dispose in regular waste, not drains.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Ella+Mila's Jelly Collection uses organic pigments, plant-derived resins, and volatile organic solvents typical of vegan nail lacquers. The 'vegan' designation means no animal-derived ingredients (shellac, carmine) but does not reduce solvent exposure or exclude synthetic organics. Jelly finishes rely on translucent resins and colorants that must dissolve in solvents like toluene, xylene, or their replacements to achieve consistency and dry time. The quick-dry claim typically indicates higher solvent volatility, which increases inhalation exposure during application.
The brand's record and disclosure
Ella+Mila markets itself as a clean-beauty brand with emphasis on vegan and cruelty-free positioning, but the brand does not publicly disclose full ingredient lists, solvent composition, or third-party safety certifications on major retail platforms. No major product recalls or toxicant violations are on public record for this line. The brand's silence on PFAS, phthalates, and heavy metals in pigments reflects the broader industry norm of minimal transparency; cosmetic-grade nail polish is not FDA-regulated for these substances.
How it compares in its category
Vegan nail polishes like this one have lower PFAS prevalence than conventional formulas, since Teflon-family coating (used in long-wear topcoats) are rare in plant-based systems. However, solvent profiles and heavy-metal pigment risk are comparable to non-vegan alternatives. Ella+Mila's quick-dry claim places it in the higher-volatility segment; low-solvent or water-based polishes (rare) would pose less inhalation risk. Transparency remains below brands that publish solvent and heavy-metal testing (also uncommon in this category).
If you buy it
Apply in well-ventilated spaces (open window or fan) to minimize solvent inhalation, especially during the 5-10 minute application window. Avoid prolonged skin contact with the liquid; wash hands immediately after use. Replace the bottle if the formula thickens or separates, which indicates solvent evaporation and may alter dry time. Store upright in a cool, dark place away from heat sources to preserve solvent composition and reduce off-gassing in confined spaces like bathrooms.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Ella+Mila has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More nail polish & top coat grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.