Nail care products contain various ingredients that can have positive or negative effects on health and the environment. Some common ingredients found in nail products include:
- Film formers : These are used to provide a durable and smooth finish to the nail polish. Examples include nitrocellulose and polyester resin
- Plasticizers : These ingredients help make the product more flexible and pliable. Examples include dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and other phthalates
- Pigments : These are used to give nail polish its color. Commonly used pigments include coal tar dyes, which are listed on ingredient lists as "CI" followed by 5 numbers
- Solvents : These are used to help the product flow well and adhere to the nail. Commonly used solvents include ethyl alcohol, acetone, and N-butyl acetate
- Resins : Some nail polishes contain resins that form a strong coating on the nails, such as toluene sulfonamide/formaldehyde resin (TSFR). TSFR helps the polish adhere to the nail, adds gloss, and helps the product flow well when applied
Some nail products may contain potentially hazardous chemicals, such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
. These chemicals can cause adverse effects, and some people may become allergic to them
. To minimize potential health risks, it is essential to use nail products safely, follow labeled directions, and pay attention to any warning statements
. Additionally, choosing products with the least hazardous chemicals and using proper ventilation and protective equipment can help reduce exposure to potentially toxic substances
