History
Zoya USA was founded in 1986 in Cleveland, Ohio, by Zoya and Michael Reyzis, immigrant refugees from the USSR. Initially offering a natural nail salon, the founders quickly transitioned into product development, introducing patents like a fast-drying topcoat and the first long-wear, toxin-free polish.
By 1989, Zoya USA launched the first Big3‑Free polish, and by 2007, advanced its formula to Big10‑Free, removing formaldehyde, DBP, toluene, parabens, xylene, camphor, and more. Their innovation established them as a leader in clean beauty polish, later expanding to over 600+ shades in breathable, vegan formulas.
Products & Services
Zoya USA offers a layered polish ecosystem and nail care tools:
- Classic Nail Lacquer: 400+ shades, Big10‑Free, vegan friendly, breathable and long-wear.
- Naked Manicure Treatments: A multi-step system including Naked Base, Gelie‑Cure™ Demi‑Gel, and Protect + Shine, designed to rebuild and maintain natural nails.
- Color-Lock & Top Coats: Tools like Armor Top Coat, Hydrate & Heal, Rescue & Repair, and fast‑dry drops support finish and durability.
- Seasonal and Glitter Collections: Over 600 shades including textured “pixie dust”, holographics, and vegan‑glitters in recyclable packaging.
All products are professional-grade, often featured in spas and salons rather than discount stores.
Quality Standards
Clean Formulation & Safety
Zoya USA remains committed to Big10‑Free ingredients: no formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, camphor, parabens, xylene, lead, etc. All shades are vegan and cruelty-free, reflecting consumer demand for safer polish.
Durability & Performance
Independent panels have recognized Zoya USA as one of the longest-wearing natural polishes (Women’s Health). On average testers report 5–7 days of wear without chipping; glitter and textured formulas last even longer.
Formula & Application
Zoya USA polish is slightly thicker, offering pigment-rich application. While some neon or duochrome shades may require three coats, most deliver even full coverage in two coats. Reviewers highlight the wide, precise brush for ease of use.
Nail Health Systems
Zoya’s Naked Base Coat is enriched with proteins and amino acids to repair brittle nails. Used alone or under polish, it improves strength and reduces peeling in just two weeks.
Customer Reviews
Consumer Review Summary
- From Kim Bedene review site:“The first obvious thing is how long this polish stays on… you get a good 5–7 days wear depending on shade”.
- On Reddit (r/MUAontheCheap):“Polishes are thin but pigmented and non-gunky… I can get 10-day wear with the 2‑10‑2 system using Gelie Cure”.
- On Zoya Art of Beauty site for Marina (ZP571):“Great color – slow to dry but looks professional.” And others praise Marina as a stylish slate-blue shimmer with smooth, flawless application.
- For Sailor shade (ZP696):“Most beautiful navy blue ever! Almost a one‑coater. Rich color that stays weeks.”.
- On Amazon for Sawyer shade:“Bright orange color, easy to apply, stays over 10 days without chipping.”.
Customer Reviews Recap
| Platform | Sentiment | Representative Quotes |
|---|---|---|
| Kim Bedene Review | Positive | “5–7 days wear depending on shade” |
| Positive | “Thin pigmented formula… 10‑day wear with treatment system” | |
| Zoya site (Marina) | Mostly Positive | “Great color… takes long to dry” |
| Zoya site (Sailor) | Very Positive | “Beautiful navy… almost one-coater… wears for weeks” |
| Amazon | Positive | “Stays over 10 days, bright, easy to apply” |
Reasons Why Salons Should Choose Zoya USA
- Clean, Health-Driven Formula
Big10‑Free polish that aligns with clean beauty and pregnancy-safe standards—ideal for health-conscious clients. - Longevity Without Acrylics or Gel Tools
Natural nail polish that outlasts many conventional brands—even on hands prone to chipping. - Shore of Shade Variety
Over 600 shades and finishes let salons rotate seasonally, match fashion trends, and attract repeat customers. - Supplemental Nail Treatment Systems
Treatments like Naked Base and Gelie‑Cure help salons upsell and support natural nail health for clients recovering from wear. - Premium Positioning Meets Accessibility
Though priced salon-grade (~$10–12 USD), Zoya’s quality and name recognition justify pricing beyond drugstore polish. - Strong Brand Loyalty & Reputation
Zoya is widely praised in beauty media (Byrdie, Allure, Women’s Health) as a benchmark in non-toxic polish.
Summary
Zoya (USA) has built its reputation on innovating long-wear, toxin-free nail polish that caters to clients who care about both beauty and nail health. From humble salon origins in Cleveland by Zoya and Michael Reyzis, the brand has evolved into a leading polish choice for professionals—driven by its Big10‑Free formula, durable wear, and extensive shade library.
Customer feedback confirms Zoya’s performance, with consistent praise for longevity (5–7+ days without chips), richly pigmented shades, smooth application, and nail-strengthening treatment systems. While some shades dry slowly or need multiple coats, the overall quality remains high.
For salons, Zoya USA offers a winning formula: align with clean beauty trends, offer polish that outperforms typical natural lacquers, and provide retail opportunities with loyal followers. Its brand prestige, coupled with treatment systems for damaged nails, positions Zoya as a partner in both style and nail wellness.
In short: Zoya delivers healthy, vibrant, and reliable polish—trusted by salons, praised by clients, and recognized by beauty authorities worldwide.
