Health Risks of Toxic Nail Polish and Natural Polish Alternatives
Whether it be to express yourself, look more put together in a professional setting, or simply to relax at the salon, people love wearing nail polish for a variety of reasons.
However, although many people enjoy painting their nails, we rarely pause to consider what is actually in our product and how it may affect our skin and bodies.
In this article, I will discuss the different types of nail polish that are currently on the market, the associated health risks of these products, and provide some alternative, non-toxic nail polish suggestions you can try instead.
What Types of Nail Polishes Are Available Today?
There are four different kinds of nail polishes on the market today and each come with its own set of pros and cons.
These nail polish varieties include:
Traditional
Traditional Nail Polish (TNP) is composed of polymers dissolved in a solvent. TNP is painted onto nails and then allowed to air dry. As the polymer dries, the solvent evaporates and the polymer hardens, leaving you with a shiny, smooth polish that is typical of most common nail polish applications.
TNP is known for being very easy and quick to remove with the use of nail polish remover. Although the ease of removal results in less damage to the nail plate and its surrounding skin, traditional polish and nail polish remover can both contain harsh chemicals which can be harsh on your body.
Additionally, some traditional nail polish colors can stain nails non-permanently, particularly if you’re using darker shade.
In general, TNP is deemed generally safe by most medical professionals. However, taking breaks from painting your nails and keeping your hands moisturized will prevent weak nails, irritated cuticles and skin, and help to prevent nail breakage.
Gel
Gel polish is painted on the nail and then allowed to dry beneath a light where it quickly hardens and cures.
The only positive of using gel polish is non-health related, and that is its durability. The polish stays on well for weeks — far longer than its traditional counterpart, which makes it a more economic option. However, its downsides in terms of health far outweigh its economic benefits.
First, gel polish is dried under UV light. In case you did not know, exposure to UV light has been proven to increase the risk of certain skin cancers.
All that risk for a fresh coat of nail polish? No thanks, I’ll pass. In addition, removing gel polish can damage your nails. This is because your nails must sit in acetone– a harsh chemical that dries the skin surrounding your nail — for an extended amount of time. Sometimes, it is necessary to peel the polish off, which can scrape and further damage your nails. If you use gel polish regularly, the damage becomes worse. However, occasional use will not cause long-term damage.
Powder
Powder Nail Polish is a powder that is applied to your nails with the use of a super glue-like chemical. Once the powder is applied, the chemicals in this adhesive glue react with the powder and form a smooth, hardened polish.
In some ways, powder is safer than gel because it does not require UV light to dry. However, this kind of nail polish may put you at other risks.
The containers that store nail powders in salons are shared and used repeatedly among different customers. In other words, the brush used to apply your nail polish is dipped in a powder that has already been used by someone else ( actually, this also happens with traditional nail polish bottles in the salon ). This cross-contamination raises the risk of bacteria and fungus and infection spreading amongst clients. In addition, removing powder nail polish can be harsh on your nails and the surrounding skin . And, like gel polish, if you use this form of nail polish regularly, it can weaken and damage the nail.
So, unless it is a special occasion, it is best to avoid powder nail polish altogether.
“Non-Toxic” Nail Polish
Which, though labeled “non-toxic”,, does not necessarily mean it is actually free from toxins. This is because, per United States law, manufacturers are not required to list every single ingredient included in their products. This means that products advertised as “non-toxic” can still contain toxic ingredients, they are just not visible to the consumer’s eye because they are intentionally left off from the label.
Generally speaking, nail polishes labeled as “non-toxic” are free of some ingredients known to be the most toxic and harshest on the skin. These ingredients include dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, toluene, and formaldehyde resin. I will get back to what makes these ingredients so harmful in a later section.
Essentially, the main positive of using a “non-toxic” nail polish is that you’re not at risk of getting any of the above ingredients onto your skin. However, there is not enough evidence to say whether “non-toxic” is actually safer than traditional nail polish.
Nail Polish Regulations
The production and manufacturing of nail polish is not as regulated as you may think (or hope for).
According to the Food and Drug Administration, nail polish is categorized as a cosmetic product. Because it is not ingested, inhaled, or absorbed into the body (Do you think so?). The FDA does not hold nail polish to the same testing standards or regulations as it does foods or digestible products.
Also, remember those five ingredients that are known to be toxic? The FDA allows some amounts of them to be in the product.
For example, up to half of a nail polish concoction can include the toxic substance toluene. Ten percent of that same nail polish makeup can consist of phthalates. Lastly, although it can only be a minuscule amount, formaldehyde is fully permitted to be in nail polish.
That said, the FDA does require products to list any potential risks that could occur if any given product is used incorrectly. In addition, the FDA prohibits the manufacture of nail polish to occur if it contains any non-tested or unsafe coloring dyes.
Health Risks
The United States Food and Drug Administration does not have much to say about the dangers of nail polish being inhaled or absorbed into the body.
However, if you have ever been near an open bottle of nail polish, you know the characteristic smell, which is produced by volatile chemicals that can be accidentally inhaled during application. Not only can you certainly breathe in nail polish accidentally, but the chemicals can absolutely be absorbed into your skin too.
Although the amount of chemicals your body is exposed to through contact with nail polish is small, the chemicals are still contacting your skin, and this should not be overlooked.
Also, as stated previously, they contains ingredients that are considered toxic.
Triphenyl Phosphate (TPP or TPhP)
Now let me explain why those nail polish ingredients are not the best for your health:
Phthalates disrupt endocrine levels in the body and are associated with issues like diabetes and thyroid and hormonal imbalances.
Toluene causes a vast variety of problems, ranging from irritation of the eyes to harm to the kidneys and nervous system.
Formaldehyde (and Formaldehyde resin) are known carcinogens, which means they have the potential to cause cancer. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde resin also can both cause dermatitis.
Lastly, Triphenyl phosphate (TPP or TPhP) – Studies on the toxic effects of TPhP in humans are limited, but exposure to TPhP has been linked to cardiotoxicity, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, metabolic disruption, and endocrine disruption in mice, rats, and zebrafish ( study I , Study II, Study III )
So when applying nail polish, be aware that all of these substances (even if in small amounts) are also making their way onto your nails and skin.
Safer NP Alternatives
Luckily, while there may not be entirely non-toxic nail polishes on the market yet, some nail polishes are safer than others. Here are four alternative, natural nail polishes to try out.
This website is not receiving any commission for the products listed below.
Price: $7.00
This Ella’s Pick nail polish by Ella + Mini. It is not only labeled free from those top five most toxic ingredients, but it is free from 17 other commonly used toxic nail polish additives including: acetone, Animal-Derived Ingredients, Bisphenol-A, Camphor, Ethyl Tosylamide, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Gluten, Glycol Ether of Series E (Glycol ethers derived from ethylene oxide), Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, Parabens, Phthalates (including DBP), Styrene, Sulfate, Toluene, Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP/TPP), or Xylene. Beyond all that, it is also vegan, animal cruelty free, quick-dry, chip-resistant, and made and tested in the United States. For nail polish, it is about as safe as you can get.
2- New Moon – Non Toxic Nail Polish
Price: $15.00
This New Moon Non Toxic Nail Polish by Kapa Nui Nails is proof that less is more. The product is composed of only 3 toxin-free ingredients with no other hidden chemicals. The ingredients are water, acrylates emulsion, and mineral pigments. And you do not have to worry about that typical, strong nail polish scent because Kapa Niu Nails’ polish is odorless. If that is not enough, it’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and planet safe. Lastly, it is made in Hawai’i by trusted medical professionals.
It is important to note, however, that in order for this polish to work its best, it is recommended to also purchase Kapa Nui Nails Base and Top Coat Sealer.
Price: $9.00
Olive & June is labeled free from seven of the most common toxic nail polish chemicals: Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Ethyl tosylamide, or Xylene. It is also labeled as vegan and cruelty-free, and you can view all of the ingredients in this nail polish on Olive & June’s website. There are many other colors available on their website as well. And, with over 200 raving reviews, you can surely expect a fabulous, long-lasting, and safe manicure while using this nail polish.
4- Nail Polish Nutrition- Nail Strengthener
Price: $16.00
Last but not least, is Nail Polish Nutrition and Nail Strengthener by B Kind. Like my other suggestions, this B Kind goes above and beyond by making a polish that is vegan and free from 10 common toxic ingredients: formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, camphor, DPB, xylene and paraben, perfumes, and animal products from its list of ingredients. Instead, the polish contains avocado oil (which is rich in potassium and vitamin E), apricot oil (which has nourishing elements), and castor oil (which is rich in Omega 9 and Vitamin E). Because it helps to replenish your nails, this nail polish is a gift that keeps on giving.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! Now that we know about the health risks of certain types of common nail polishes and the nasty ingredients they can contain, we can make more informed decisions about what polishes to buy in the future. I hope that you check out my alternative, safer nail polish suggestions and find this information useful too. Choosing healthier, non-toxic beauty products, be they for your skin, hair or nails, is always a great decision, both for your beauty and your health.
If you want to learn more about natural, holistic living, please subscribe to my blog and check out my other posts!
.
.
Learn more about – How to Switch to Non-Toxic Skincare Here
Resources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29533568/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30509357/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6256209/
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/nail-care-products
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1438463920306337
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1578219018301653
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1438463920305769
Durwin says
Thanks for some other magnificent post. The place
else may just anybody get that kind of information in such an ideal way
of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m at the look for
such information.
soho1009.ooi.kr says
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s
the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
รูป pg says
Hi everyone, it’s my first pay a visit at this
site, and paragraph is really fruitful for me, keep up
posting these content.
slot gp says
I want to to thank you for this wonderful read!! I absolutely
loved every little bit of it. I’ve got you saved as a favorite to look at new things you post…
รูป slot says
Good information. Lucky me I found your website by chance (stumbleupon).
I have bookmarked it for later!
pg slot background says
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words
in your article seem to be running off the screen in Opera.
I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I thought I’d post
to let you know. The design and style look great though! Hope you
get the issue resolved soon. Kudos
Kash says
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what
all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours
would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very
web smart so I’m not 100% sure. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Appreciate it
메이저사이트 says
This excellent website really has all of the information I wanted about
this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
bitcoin down says
The marquee program was the first Internetwide payment system anyone can mine once more restoring decentralization and
independence. So are you share your Cash on investment into blockchain and cryptocurrency-associated
companies.
slot gp says
Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored to death at work so
I decided to browse your blog on my iphone during lunch break.
I enjoy the knowledge you present here and can’t
wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, good site!
handelshuysgoudinkoop.nl says
Omdat veel handelaren geloven dat de koers niet onder
deze minimumwaarde zal zakken, wordt er op dit niveau weer veel
bijgekocht. Zilver is iets minder edel en verbind zich langzaam met zuurstof.
penis enlargement method that actually works says
We are already planning to send a couple of veteran production scouts to Idaho to make contacts, and after the suspect was arrested, we’ve
had a couple of top-level meetings to start mapping out the project.
바카라안전사이트 says
Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a
few months of hard work due to no backup.
Do you have any methods to prevent hackers?
건마 says
I believe people who wrote this needs true loving because it’s a blessing.
So let me give back and give my hidden information on change your life and if you want
to seriously get to hear I will share info about how to find good
hackers for good price Don’t forget.. I am always here for yall.
Bless yall!
오피가이드75 says
Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to
check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy
the info you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, very good site!
dksak says
Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your article
seem to be running off the screen in Firefox.
I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser
compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know.
The layout look great though! Hope you get the issue fixed soon. Cheers
오피 says
After exploring a handful of the blog posts on your website,
I seriously appreciate your technique of writing a blog.
I book marked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back
in the near future. Please visit my web site too and tell me what you think.
payday loan says
Thus, a reliable and strong connection is a must for VoIP to operate seamlessly.
Will 3rd parties be able to make and sell their own add-ons?
bitcoin bill gates says
Less often, she was somebody living in the city who was born of non-Athenian parents.
Researchers at Oxford University have been monitoring
43 Kenyan prostitutes consistently exposed to HIV who had not been infected.
bitcoin elon musk says
In the event you get the title mortgage, you won’t
get your automobile title again till you repay the quantity you borrowed,
plus the lender’s finance cost and any other charges.
bitcoin richard branson says
” Since you don’t should go wherever to get your money, our service is likely to be an ideal choice for you. Instead, they use your current and upcoming revenue as a major think about determining your eligibility.
Ongann_maKa says
Bluehost: It is one of the most popular hosting providers, recommended by WordPress. They offer a user-friendly interface, excellent uptime, and 24/7 customer support.
HostGator: HostGator is known for its affordable plans and reliable performance. They offer unlimited storage and bandwidth, a variety of hosting options, and excellent customer support. [url=http://webward.pw/]http://webward.pw/[/url].
vorbelutr ioperbir says
My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on several websites for about a year and am anxious about switching to another platform. I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it? Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!
tlovertonet says
I think this internet site contains some really good info for everyone :D. “A friend might well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.” by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Superior Paint tallahassee says
Fantastic site. Lots of useful information here. I’m sending it to a few pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you in your sweat!
GMB SEO says
Keep working ,great job!
cbd outdoor says
I believe this internet site has got some real superb info for everyone. “The human spirit needs to accomplish, to achieve, to triumph to be happy.” by Ben Stein.
Boostaro says
Enjoyed reading through this, very good stuff, thankyou.
Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic says
You are my inspiration , I possess few blogs and occasionally run out from to post .
Boostaro says
I am glad that I found this weblog, exactly the right information that I was searching for! .
Herpesyl says
Well I truly enjoyed studying it. This information provided by you is very effective for proper planning.
sugar defender drops review says
Excellent blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol