Explained: 3-Free, 5-Free & 10-Free

WHAT IS 3-FREE, 5-FREE & 10-FREE?

Alright, nail aficionados and polish enthusiasts, gather 'round! Today, we're diving into the colourful cosmos of nail polish ingredients. You might have heard the terms 3-Free, 5-Free, and 10-Free floating around like glitter at a craft party, but what do they actually mean? Buckle up, because we’re about to get our science hats on (and maybe a little polish on our noses too)!

First up, let’s tackle the infamous 3-Free. This term means that your nail polish is free from three of the most notorious nasties: formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Think of these ingredients as the party crashers of the nail world—nobody wants them hanging around! So, when you see 3-Free on a bottle, it’s like a little badge of honour saying, “Hey, I’m a safe bet for your fabulous fingers!”

Now, if you’re feeling fancy and want to level up your polish game, enter the 5-Free club! This exclusive group adds two more troublemakers to the “no thanks” list: formaldehyde resin and camphor. So, 5-Free polishes are like the VIP section of nail polish—no unwanted guests allowed! It’s all about keeping those nails looking glam without the chemical drama.

But wait, there’s more! The 10-Free polishes are the crème de la crème of the nail polish universe. They kick it up a notch by excluding a whopping ten toxic ingredients, including the ones mentioned above plus a few more like ethyl tosylamide and xylene. It’s like a nail polish spa day, where your nails get pampered without any of the harsh chemicals. Who knew being good to your nails could feel so luxurious?

So, why should you care about these free-from formulas? Well, aside from the obvious reason of wanting to keep your nails healthy and happy, many folks are becoming more ingredient-conscious these days. It’s like going to a restaurant and asking for the secret menu—everyone wants to know what’s really in their food (or in this case, their polish). Plus, with all the fabulous colours and finishes available, you can have your cake and eat it too (or, you know, paint your nails and keep them safe)!

In conclusion, whether you’re rocking a 3-Free, 5-Free, or 10-Free polish, you’re making a choice that’s not just about looking good but feeling good too. So, next time you’re perusing the polish aisle, remember: the more “free” in your polish, the more fabulous your nails can be! Now go forth and paint those nails like the dazzling diva you are!

Our base lacquer is also considered 10-Free, excluding the above plus Xylene, EthylTosylamide, Paraben, Fragrance, or animal products.

Our glitters
, pigments, and micas are cosmetic grade, solvent-resistant & nontoxic.

Shades of Phoenix is proud to be Vegan and Cruelty-Free.