Mega Pigment Nail Lacquer vs Nail Polish: which is safer?

Julep Nail Polish is the clear pick. China Glaze Mega Pigment Nail Lacquer carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.

China Glaze

Mega Pigment Nail Lacquer

PFAS grade

D 65/100

Overall grade

F 35/100

Verdict

Skip

Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

nitrocellulose lacquer base, pigments, solvents

Confidence

35%

LikelyVolatile organic solvents (inhalation risk)

PossiblePhthalates (dibutyl phthalate / DBP)

PossibleHeavy metals in pigments (lead, cadmium, antimony)

Why this grade

Our pick

Julep

Nail Polish

PFAS grade

A 100/100

Overall grade

A 96/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 1

Material

nitrocellulose, resins, pigments

Confidence

78%

PossiblePhthalate plasticizers (skin absorption during wear)

Why this gradeBuy

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More cosmetic color products: see the full ranking