Piggy Paint Water-Based Nail Polish

Piggy Paint is a water-based nail polish designed for low-exposure manicures, especially for those who want to avoid the strong fumes associated with traditional lacquer. Instead of a solvent-heavy base, this formula leans on a simple water-based system that’s made to dry to a hard finish when you apply thin coats and let it cure fully.

This is one of the easiest brands to stand behind for a “lowest exposure over performance” nail section, because the ingredient approach is short and the brand is very clear about why they made it.

Ingredients

Piggy Paint’s nail polish base formula is: water, acrylates copolymer, and neem oil. Pigments vary by shade and can include colorants like iron oxides, titanium dioxide, mica, ultramarines, and certain red or yellow pigments.

What This Brand Avoids and Why That Matters

Piggy Paint states it is free from six commonly flagged conventional nail polish ingredients: formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), ethyl acetate, and acetone.

Why that matters in low-tox terms:
Traditional nail polish exposure is often more about what you inhale during application than what sits on the nail. These are ingredients people frequently avoid because they’re tied to strong solvent fumes and older “avoid lists” in conventional polish. A water-based formula that skips these is typically a more comfortable option for home use, especially around children or for anyone sensitive to nail polish odor.

What I Like

I appreciate that this is a low-exposure option that still looks like real polish once it dries.

The base formula is simple and easy to understand, making it a great fit for families and anyone looking to simplify their swaps.

This is also one of the better choices when you want a polish you can use at home without that lingering chemical smell in the room.

Things to Keep in Mind

Water-based polish usually performs best when applied in thin coats and allowed to cure fully. It can feel dry to the touch quickly, but still needs a little time to harden.

For optimal wear, pairing it with a compatible base and top coat system helps significantly. Skipping those steps can mean more chipping, especially if you’re hard on your hands.

Even with a low-odor formula, basic ventilation during application is still a good habit.