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Nail polish comes in and out of my life. Over the past decade it’s pretty much been out. Pre-kids it was a different story. Enjoying an occasional mani/pedi was something I truly looked forward to when I was practicing law. It was an escape from the office. There was a cute nail salon just a few short blocks away. On occasion I would treat myself to a new color and a few moments of “me time”.
As much as I loved the pampering, I remember walking into the salon and being overwhelmed by the smell. As most of us know, nail polish has a very distinct smell that’s impossible to ignore. After a few years of regular nail salon visits I started to question what was causing that smell and the safety of the nail polish I was putting on my fingers and toes. A little bit of research caused me to go cold turkey. I decided that the chemicals in the polish didn’t belong on my body. No more nail polish for me.
Problem with conventional nail polish
Nail polish often includes this “toxic trio”:
- Toulene– Toluene is added to gasoline, and used as a solvent. Inhaling toulene has been found to cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, sore throat, dizziness, and headaches.
- Formaldehyde– Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that has been classified as a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) [2].
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) -This chemical is banned in Europe. Phthalates [3] have been shown to disrupt hormone activity, reduce sperm counts and some preliminary studies show that they may be causing a slow and steady demasculinizing of men. Other studies have linked phthalates to liver cancer and breast cancer.
- Other assorted toxic chemicals.
There are safer, toxin free nail polish options on the market.
Not only are these safer nail polishes made without the 3 common chemicals found in nail polishes (Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde), but they are also free from 2 other very dangerous chemicals (Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor).
Now I’m back. My fingers are for the most part still au natural, but an occasional pedicure is back in the mix .
Here are a few of the nail polish brands I feel comfortable using:
- Zoya Nail Polish [4]
– My local nail salon uses Zoya Nail Polish [5]
- Acquarella Nail Polish [6]
– Acquarella Nail Polish [6]
- Piggy Paint Nail Polish [8]
– Piggy Paint Nail Polish [8]
- Scotch Naturals Non-Toxic Nail Polish [10]
– Scotch Naturals Non-Toxic Nail Polish [10]
got it right with their polish. Both water based polishes are safe polish that actually lasts. They come in very cool, eco-chic colors and there is no chemical smell!
- Suncoat Non-Toxic Nail Polish Gift Set [12]
– Suncoat’s [12] motto is “We believe beauty and toxic chemicals don’t belong in the same sentence.” Their polish is water-based and free of toluene, formaldehyde, phthalate plasticizers (BDP etc) and alcohol, and also free of acetates and toxic preservatives such as parabens and methylisothiazolinone (Neolone 950). It’s colored with mineral pigments and natural colorants. The coolest feature: it peels off! No remover needed
Don’t forget to find a safe nail polish remover
Many nail polish removers and artificial nail products contain a host of toxic chemicals [13] known or suspected to cause cancer, reproductive harm, asthma and other negative health effects. If you’re looking for a safe nail polish remover take a look HERE [13].
What’s your favorite nail polish brand?
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