A manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands. It usually involves shaping, filing, and buffing the nails, as well as pushing back and trimming the cuticles. The nails can then be painted with nail polish, which comes in a variety of colors and finishes.
Positive aspects of manicure products:
- Nail polish can add color and style to the nails, making them look more attractive.
- Some nail products, such as those containing plasticizers, can make the nails more flexible and less prone to chipping.
Negative aspects of manicure products:
- Many nail products contain potentially harmful ingredients, such as toluene sulfonamide/formaldehyde resin (TSFR) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) . These ingredients have been linked to health concerns such as cancer, reproductive issues, and allergies.
- Nail technicians who work with nail products on a regular basis may be exposed to dust, vapors, and other ingredients at significant levels over extended periods, which can pose safety concerns.
Ingredients or materials used in manicure products:
- Nail polish typically consists of an organic polymer, solvents, film formers, plasticizers, UV absorbers/stabilizers, and colorants.
- Gel nail polish is formed of methacrylate compounds, photoinitiator compounds like benzoyl peroxide, and plasticizers.
- Some common nail product ingredients include nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate, triphenyl phosphate, camphor, tosylamide/formaldehyde resin, and formalin.
It is important to note that nail products are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must meet certain safety standards. However, some potentially harmful ingredients are still allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed. Consumers can check the list of ingredients on the label of nail products to make informed decisions about their use.
