Ella+Mila · Nail Polish
Stuck on You | Vegan Quick-Dry Nail Polish | ella+mila
Lower concern for PFAS, but vegan nail polish formula details are not transparently disclosed.
Ella+mila's vegan quick-dry nail polish is not marketed with PFAS-free claims or third-party verification. Standard nail lacquers typically do not require Teflon-family coating coatings, and fast-dry formulations in modern cosmetics rarely rely on legacy PFAS.
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Vegan quick-dry nail lacquer (polymer film)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Ella+Mila Stuck on You is a solvent-based lacquer film using synthetic polymers instead of animal-derived resins (the vegan claim). Quick-dry formulas typically rely on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like toluene, xylene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) to achieve rapid evaporation and adhesion. The specific solvent blend for this product is not publicly detailed by the brand, making independent assessment of VOC content impossible. Vegan certification does not address chemical safety or toxicity; it only confirms no animal inputs.
The brand's record and disclosure
Ella+Mila markets itself as a cleaner beauty brand and has published some ingredient transparency, but does not provide a full chemical composition list (INCI declaration) for Stuck on You or specify solvent percentages. The brand has not publicly addressed PFAS, formaldehyde, or heavy metal testing. No major recalls or safety incidents are on public record for this product line. The company's vague stance on ingredient disclosure is typical for indie nail polish brands but limits consumer ability to verify hazard claims.
How it compares in its category
Most conventional and indie nail polishes contain similar solvent profiles (toluene, xylene, DBP) regardless of vegan status. Ella+Mila's quick-dry formula likely uses standard volatile compounds at concentrations similar to brands like Essie or OPI. Some brands (e.g., Zoya, Ella+Mila's own 'clean' line) explicitly exclude toluene, xylene, and DBP (the '3-free' standard), but Stuck on You does not claim this certification. Positioning as vegan is a marketing differentiation, not a safety advantage over conventional alternatives.
If you buy it
Apply in well-ventilated areas (open window, exhaust fan) to minimize inhalation of VOCs, especially during the wet phase. Do not apply near heat sources or use while cooking. Avoid skin contact with uncured polish; wash hands immediately if exposure occurs. Replace polish after 18-24 months or if the formula becomes thick, gummy, or separates, as degradation may alter evaporation safety and durability. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to prevent solvent loss and formula instability.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from solvents
Nail polish lacquers require solvents like toluene and xylene for application and quick drying. Ella+Mila does not disclose its solvent blend or list toluene/xylene exclusions, suggesting these are present. Acute inhalation effects (dizziness, headache) occur in unventilated spaces; chronic exposure links to reproductive and neurological concerns (established occupational data for nail technicians
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) plasticizer
DBP is standard in nail polish formulas to provide flexibility and chip resistance. No public statement from Ella+Mila confirms DBP exclusion. DBP is a suspected reproductive/developmental toxicant; exposure from occasional polish use is low, but chronic occupational exposure (technicians) carries documented risk. Vegan formulas do not automatically exclude phthalates.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers in resins
Some synthetic polymer resins in nail lacquers may contain trace formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Ella+Mila does not explicitly state formaldehyde absence. Exposure during application is minimal due to rapid volatilization, but sensitive individuals may experience respiratory irritation with poor ventilation.
Heavy metals in colorants (lead, cadmium, arsenic)
No recalls or public test results document heavy metal contamination in Ella+Mila products. The brand is not known for use of traditional mineral pigments that carry higher contamination risk. Risk from dermal contact with cured polish is negligible; concern is primarily for technicians during inhalation of uncured spray or dust.
Microplastic shedding or coating degradation
Nail polish is a thin film applied to keratinous surface (nail); it sheds naturally as nails grow but is not ingested or systemically absorbed in normal use. Environmental impact from disposal exists but is not a consumer health hazard during wear.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Nail Polish
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Lower concern; transparent brand with PFAS-free positioning, though third-party PFAS verification not independently confirmed.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Piggy Paint
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water-based nail lacquer, non-toxic pigments
Lower concern, water-based formula with explicit PFAS-free claim and third-party Made Safe verification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Piggy Paint
Kids' Non-Toxic Nail Polish Basecoat Glitter Topcoat Set
organic pigments, plant-based resins, water-based polish
Lower-concern kids' nail polish with transparent PFAS-free positioning and third-party seal.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More nail polish 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.