Julep · Nail Polish & Top Coat
Julep Zodiac Collection Nail Polish
Avoid until Julep confirms PFAS status or submits to testing.
Julep does not reveal whether this nail polish contains PFAS or any related chemicals. Some polishes use fluorinated additives for water resistance, but Julep offers no clarity on their formula.
The better-graded swap
Piggy Paint
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100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
nail polish (formulation not disclosed)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Is Julep Zodiac Collection Nail Polish non-toxic? What it is made of
Julep does not publicly disclose the full formulation of this Zodiac Collection polish. Standard nail polish is a suspension of pigments and film-formers (typically nitrocellulose) in organic solvents. The specific presence or absence of the "toxic trio" (formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate) and other volatile organic compounds is unknown for this product without access to safety data sheets or third-party testing.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Julep does not disclose whether this Zodiac Collection contains formaldehyde or releasers (common film-formers in traditional polish). The brand's general transparency is limited; no third-party testing results are publicly available for this specific line.
Source, ATSDR ↗Toluene, xylene, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Standard nail polish formulas rely on toluene and xylene as solvents. Without ingredient disclosure, presence cannot be ruled out. Exposure during application and drying can cause headaches and respiratory irritation, especially without proper ventilation.
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and other plasticizers
DBP is used to improve flexibility in polish films. Julep has not confirmed its absence from this collection. Cumulative or occupational exposure to phthalates raises endocrine concern, though single-use consumer exposure is lower risk.
PFAS
Julep's PFAS grade of 65/100 reflects a middle-ground position. The brand has not confirmed PFAS-free status or submitted products for independent testing. Fluorinated compounds may be present as water-resistant or performance additives.
Source, ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
No recalls or testing reports documenting lead, cadmium, or other metal contaminants in Julep polishes are on record. However, cosmetic-grade pigments are not regulated as strictly as food colorants; Julep does not publish heavy metal testing for this line.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Julep has not made public commitments to PFAS-free formulations or published ingredient transparency beyond marketing claims. The brand markets some products as "free" of certain chemicals but does not consistently provide safety certifications (like Ecocert or toxicology reports) for all lines. No major recalls or regulatory actions specific to this collection are on record; however, ingredient disclosure remains limited.
How it compares in its category
Many mainstream nail polish brands (OPI, Essie, China Glaze) have begun listing full ingredients and phasing out the toxic trio; some carry third-party certifications. Julep positions itself in the mid-market segment but lags in transparency compared to indie or certified-clean brands. Without confirmed PFAS testing and full ingredient labels, this collection is less transparent than competitors offering certified formulations.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated space or near an open window to minimize inhalation of volatile compounds. Do not expose wet polish to prolonged heat sources (radiators, direct sunlight in sealed spaces). Replace polish every 2-3 years or if the formula becomes thick, separated, or develops an off odor, which indicates breakdown of solvents. Remove with acetone-free or gentler removers if concerned about repeated exposure to strong solvents.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Julep has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.