When it comes to nail products, 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 common nail product ingredients that people often ask about, or that raise special safety concerns:
- Acetonitrile in Artificial Nail Removers
- Acrylic Polymers in Artificial Nails
- Toluene in Nail Polish and Nail Polish Removers
- Formaldehyde in Nail Hardeners, Nail Polishes, and Nail Glues
- Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) in Nail Polish and Nail Polish Hardeners
- Camphor in Nail Polish
Some nail products may contain chemicals that can affect worker health, and using these products can expose nail salon workers to chemicals.
When it comes to nail polish, there are non-toxic options available. The EWG Skin Deep Cosmetic database rates products based on factors calculated from nearly 60 integrated toxicity, regulatory, and study availability databases. Some of the best non-toxic nail polish brands include:
- Olive & June
- Zoya
- Ella + Mila
- Butter London
- Pacifica
On the other hand, there are some nail polish brands that contain toxic ingredients. For example, OPI Nail Polish contains trimethylpentanediyl dibenzoate, which is used instead of dibutyl phthalate, but may still pose health concerns. Revlon is another brand that has a moderately hazardous rating from the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetic database.
In summary, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients in nail products and use them safely. There are non-toxic nail polish options available, and it is important to be aware of the potential health concerns associated with certain ingredients.
