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What does 21-Free mean?

Last updated on May 23, 2026

Our polishes are formulated to be “21-free,” meaning they are made without 21 commonly avoided chemicals found in traditional nail products. This includes ingredients often associated with strong odors, irritation, or harsh exposure.

We prioritize cleaner, higher-quality formulas that support both nail health and a more comfortable salon experience. At Botanist, we carefully choose products that align with our clean beauty standards and client care philosophy.

Every formula we create is free from these harmful 21 ingredients or ingredient categories:

  1. Formaldehyde

  2. Toluene

  3. Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

  4. Formaldehyde Resin

  5. Camphor

  6. Xylene

  7. Parabens

  8. Fragrance

  9. Ethyl Tosylamide

  10. Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP)

  11. Acetone

  12. Animal-Derived Ingredients

  13. Gluten

  14. Benzophenone-1

  15. Benzophenone-3

  16. Styrene

  17. Acrylates

  18. Phthalates

  19. MEHQ/HQ (Hydroquinone & Monomethyl Ether Hydroquinone)

  20. MIT (Methylisothiazolinone)

  21. Sulfates