Nail products are widely used, but it is important to use them safely, following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements. Many nail products contain potentially harmful ingredients, but are allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed. Here are some details about famous nail products:
OPI Nail Polish Ingredients
- Solvents: Ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, and nitrocellulose are used as solvents in OPI nail polish.
- Film formers: Nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate are used as film formers in OPI nail polish.
- Plasticizers: Trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate, triphenyl phosphate, camphor, and dibutyl phthalate are used as plasticizers in OPI nail polish.
- Resin: Tosylamide/formaldehyde resin, tosylamide/epoxy resin, formalin, methylene glycol, and tolunesulfonamide/formaldehyde resin are used as resin in OPI nail polish.
- Colorants: Organic pigments/dyes derived from petrochemicals and inorganic mineral pigments such as iron oxides are used as colorants in OPI nail polish.
Ingredients in Nail Polishes
- Film formers: Nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate are used as film formers in nail polishes.
- Plasticizers: Triphenyl phosphate, trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate, camphor, and dibutyl phthalate are used as plasticizers in nail polishes.
- Resin: Tosylamide/formaldehyde resin, tosylamide/epoxy resin, formalin, methylene glycol, and tolunesulfonamide/formaldehyde resin are used as resin in nail polishes.
- Solvent-extender: Ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, butyl acetate, and toluene are used as solvent-extender in nail polishes.
- Pigments: Iron oxides, color lakes, mica, and other FDA-approved colorants are used as pigments in nail polishes.
- Suspending agents: Stearalkonium hectorite and bentonite are used as suspending agents in nail polishes.
- UV stabilizer: Benzophenone-1 is used as a UV stabilizer in nail polishes.
Positive aspects of nail products
- Nail products can enhance the appearance of nails, making them look more attractive.
- Some nail products are formulated to strengthen nails and prevent breakage.
Negative aspects of nail products
- Many nail products contain potentially harmful ingredients that can cause health problems if used improperly or in large quantities.
- Nail technicians working in nail salons are exposed to dust, vapors, and other nail product ingredients at significant levels over extended periods, which can cause health problems.
Ingredients to avoid
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
- Formaldehyde
- Toluene
- Formaldehyde resin
- Camphor
- Parabens
- Ethyl tosylamide
It is important to note that nail polish formulation is tricky, and sometimes the packaging or marketing around a formula can be misleading. Therefore, it is important to read the ingredients list and look for products that are "9-free" or "non-toxic".
