What Does 3-Free, 5-Free & 10-Free Mean?
đź’… What Does 3-Free & 5-Free Mean?
You’ve probably seen terms like 3-Free or 5-Free when browsing indie nail polishes—but what do they really mean?
These labels refer to how many potentially harmful or controversial chemicals are excluded from a polish formula, helping customers make more conscious choices.
3-Free: Free from formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)—three historically common ingredients once used in nail polish.
5-Free: Builds on 3-Free, also excluding formaldehyde resin and camphor for an extra layer of caution.
đźš« What About 10-Free?
Let’s be transparent: “10-Free” is mostly a marketing term and not a formal or regulated standard.
Some of the ingredients often listed under 10-Free, like parabens, have never been part of nail polish formulas because they’re used in water-based products—not solvent-based lacquers.
At Indies Down Under, we value honesty over greenwashing. Our makers focus on crafting high-quality, cruelty-free, small-batch polishes using cosmetic-grade, solvent-resistant, and non-toxic glitters, pigments, and micas—without pushing misleading labels.
✨ Bottom line: We believe in fabulous, creative nail polish made responsibly and with care—without deceptive claims.