Awesome Nails is a nail salon and spa that does not use any product containing MMA (Methyl-methacrylate), a product proven to be unsafe in the use of nail products by the FDA. When it comes to nail polish, there are many non-toxic brands available that are free of harmful chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, and DPB. Here are some details on nail polish brands and their ingredients:
Non-Toxic Nail Polish Brands:
- Ella + Mila: Free of 12 harmful toxins that other nail polishes use. Chip-resistant and safe for kids. Cruelty-free. At $11 a bottle, this is a great value for a low-toxic polish.
- NCLA: 7-free (making it free of Toluene, Camphor, and 5 other harmful chemicals). Water-based (top or base coat needed) .
Nail Polish Brands to Avoid:
- OPI: Although it does not contain the toxic trio (toluene, formaldehyde, and DPB), it has other ingredients that are not safe.
- Revlon: The EWG Skin Deep Cosmetic database gives Revlon a score of 3 and 6, which is in the moderately hazardous category. It contains ingredients like aluminum powder, which is not safe.
Chemicals Found in Nail Salon Products: Products used in nail salons can contain many chemicals that can have serious health effects. Some of these chemicals and their effects include:
- Acetone (nail polish remover): headaches; dizziness; and irritated eyes, skin, and throat.
- Ethyl methacrylate (EMA), (artificial nail liquid): asthma; irritated eyes, skin, nose, and mouth; difficulty concentrating. Exposures while pregnant may affect your child.
- Formaldehyde (nail polish, nail hardener): difficulty breathing, including coughing, asthma-like attacks, and wheezing; allergic reactions; irritated eyes, skin, and throat. Formaldehyde can cause cancer.
It is important to note that not all companies comply with reporting requirements, and the database may not contain all cosmetic products that should be reported under the Safe Cosmetics Act. Therefore, it is important to research the ingredients in the products you use and choose non-toxic options whenever possible.
