Nails Inc · Nail Polish & Top Coat
Nails.INC Apricot Crush 4-Piece Nail Polish Set
Avoid without Nails Inc PFAS disclosure or independent testing.
Nails Inc does not disclose whether this four-piece set contains PFAS. Some nail polishes use fluorinated compounds for shine and durability, though formulas differ widely across the industry.
The better-graded swap
Piggy Paint
Piggy Paint 4-Piece Nail Polish Set
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 (resin, pigment, solvent base)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
Aqua Pure
3M Aqua-Pure AP802B Whole House Filter Housing
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Is Nails.INC Apricot Crush 4-Piece Nail non-toxic? What it is made of
Nail polish is a suspension of film-forming resins (typically nitrocellulose), plasticizers (dibutyl phthalate or alternatives), solvents (toluene, xylene, acetone), and colorant pigments in volatile solvent carriers. The Apricot Crush set uses standard lacquer chemistry. Once dry, the cured film is relatively inert on nails, but uncured polish releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during application and drying, and pigment composition varies by formulation. The presence and type of heavy metals in pigments (iron oxides, titanium dioxide, synthetic colorants) is not disclosed by Nails Inc.
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.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from solvents
Standard nail polish formulations contain toluene, xylene, and acetone, which evaporate during and after application. Exposure risk is highest during application in poorly ventilated spaces; chronic inhalation may cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
Phthalates
Nails Inc does not disclose whether dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is used in this formula. If present, DBP is a known endocrine disruptor with particular concern for pregnant individuals and children. Absorption through intact nails is minimal, but inhalation of aerosolized polish during application is the primary exposure route.
Source, ATSDR ↗Lead
Iron oxide reds, yellows, and synthetic azo pigments used in colored nail lacquers may contain trace lead, cadmium, or chromium compounds depending on pigment source. Nails Inc does not test or disclose pigment purity. Risk is low with intact nails but increases if polish is ingested (nail biters) or abraded.
Source, ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some nail polish formulations use formaldehyde-releasing resins to harden the film. Nails Inc does not confirm formaldehyde-free status. Exposure during application is via fume inhalation; individuals with formaldehyde sensitivity may experience allergic contact dermatitis or respiratory symptoms.
Source, ATSDR ↗Allergens from fragrance or colorants
The 'Apricot Crush' product name suggests fragrance addition, but ingredient transparency is absent. Nail polish fragrances can trigger contact allergic reactions on the nail fold or sensitization over repeated applications, particularly in individuals with existing dermatitis.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Nails Inc does not publish ingredient lists, heavy metal testing results, or PFAS content on its product pages or sustainability materials. The brand makes no certified claims about phthalate-free, formaldehyde-free, or toxin-free formulations, and has not engaged in third-party certification programs such as 7-Free or non-toxic cosmetic standards. This silence on chemical composition is standard for many mainstream nail brands but limits consumer ability to assess safety margins.
How it compares in its category
Mainstream nail polish brands (Essie, OPI, Sally Hansen) typically match Nails Inc's disclosure profile, with some exceptions offering 5-Free, 7-Free, or 10-Free formulations that exclude phthalates, toluene, formaldehyde, and other chemicals. Indie and green brands (Ella+Mila, Zoya, Sundays) routinely publish full ingredient transparency and third-party testing. Nails Inc occupies the mid-market luxury segment and does not differentiate on chemical safety, making it neither worse nor better than comparable prestige lines but inferior to transparency-focused competitors.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated space (open window, fan, or nail salon with air extraction) to minimize inhalation of VOCs during application and drying. Patch test on one nail first if you have sensitive skin or respiratory sensitivity, as formulations vary and pigment reactions are unpredictable. Remove polish with acetone-based remover after 7-10 days to prevent prolonged solvent contact with nail bed; continuous wear can weaken nails. Store unopened sets in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight to prevent resin degradation and separation.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Nails Inc has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Nail Polish & Top Coat
Piggy Paint
Basecoat & Sealer Nail Polish
- Water-based organic pigments and plant-derived resins
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
3 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Piggy Paint
Nail Polish Piggy Paint
- water-based pigmented lacquer
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from resins and solvents
3 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Piggy Paint
Showstopper Nail Polish Set
- organic pigments, plant-based resins, water-based lacquer
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
2 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
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.