WELCOME TO

THE ONE-STOP-SHOP
FOR ALL OF YOUR ETHICAL
AND SUSTAINABLE NAIL NEEDS

Our nail polish bottles are 95% plastic-free, using recyclable glass and bamboo lids. The only single-use plastic part is the polish brush, which can be easily removed for recycling the bottles and caps.

We are verified, 100% vegan and cruelty-free through PETA's "Beauty Without Bunnies" program. Everything is tested and approved by our founders!

Proudly Australian and woman owned, we make sure you're getting the best quality and reliability when it comes to our products.

What does 12-free mean?

At SOMBAR “12-Free” isn’t just a label, it’s our commitment to your health and well-being. Our nail polish formulas are meticulously crafted without the 12 most harmful ingredients commonly found in commercial nail polishes.

Curious about what we’ve left out? These are the toxic culprits you’ll never find in our products.

Formaldehyde is primarily used in gel polish as a hardening agent. It is a known carcinogen and can lead to skin irritation, allergic responses, and has been associated with the development of nasal and lung cancers.

This compound plays a crucial role in ensuring the even distribution of colour pigments, resulting in a flawless finish upon application. However, Toluene’s exposure has been associated with adverse effects on the nervous system, including headaches, nausea, and eye irritation. Most significantly, it has been linked to the risk of birth defects.

DBP functions acts as both a plasticizer and solvent, enhancing flexibility and reducing the likelihood of chipping. However, absorption of this chemical through the skin has been associated with reproductive problems, birth defects, and fertility issues.

Synthetic camphor is used to achieve a highly glossy appearance, however prolonged exposure may result in symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches.

Formaldehyde Resin serves as a nail hardening agent. However, it may provoke skin irritation and pose toxicity risks to the immune system.

Xylene is utilized to thin nail polish, preventing it from becoming clumpy. It is commonly found in the production of cement and gasoline. Due to its potent fumes, excessive exposure or skin absorption can potentially harm the renal system, liver, and kidneys.

Parabens are used widely in the cosmetic industry as a preservative. Due to the estrogen mimicking effects it has been linked to hormonal abnormalities.

Fragrances typically consist of proprietary blends of various components, which may induce skin irritations like redness, itching, hives, and exacerbate eczema.

Phthalates are to impart flexibility to products, allowing them to bend in a desired manner. However, these chemicals have been associated with certain types of cancer.

Ethyl Tosylamide serves as a chemical, functioning as both a plasticizer and film-forming agent. Its role is to improve the polish’s flexibility and durability, thereby contributing to extended manicure longevity. It has been linked to skin irritation, photosensitivity and allergic reactions as well as potentially having endocrine-disruption effects.

Triphenyl Phosphate is commonly present in nail polish as both a plasticizer and flame retardant. While it can increase the flexibility of nail polish, It is linked to skin irritation and repeated exposure may damage the nerves causing weakness, “pins and needles,” and poor coordination in the arms and legs.

Hema is a commonly used ingredient in the nail polish industry and serves to provide adhesion and durability. Prolonged exposure to uncured HEMA products is linked to irritation and allergic reactions.

The birth of sombar

A Journey from Passion to Purpose

In the midst of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, SOMBAR emerged as a beacon of beauty and wellness. Originally named Soma Bar, our founder, Katherine, envisioned a unique space where customers could indulge in top-tier nail treatments either at our salon ‘bar’ or in the comfort of their own homes.

Katherine’s journey began at Tamarua Beauty Academy (TBA) in Melbourne, where she mastered the art and science of nail technology. Armed with this knowledge, she discovered the transformative power of vegan products, witnessing firsthand the incredible improvements in nail strength, length, and overall health among her clients.

Inspired by these results, Katherine was driven to create SOMBAR—a name that beautifully marries ‘Soma’ (meaning ‘body’ in Greek) and ‘Bar’, reflecting both the essence of the original salon and a commitment to holistic beauty.

Behind the name

AT SOMBAR

We’re more than a cosmetics brand—we’re pioneers in vegan, 12-free nail polish committed to sustainability and ethical practices. Our mission is to deliver beauty products that not only enhance your nails but also protect the planet.

Our nail polish bottles are thoughtfully designed to be 95% plastic-free, crafted from recyclable glass with eco-friendly bamboo lids. The only plastic component is the polish brush, which is secured with a pressure fit for easy removal. This design allows you to clean, reuse, or recycle the bottles and caps effortlessly.

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