Nail care products, including nail polish, nail polish removers, and artificial nails, may contain potentially harmful ingredients. Here are some of the ingredients that may be found in nail care products:
Nail Polish:
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Resin: The tough material that holds polish together, resin is a type of polymer, meaning it is made of large molecules that string smaller molecules together. Nail polish traditionally requires two types of resin: film-forming and adhesive. The film-forming resin gives the dried polish a shiny texture, while the adhesive polymer adds flexibility, so the lacquer is less brittle.
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Solvent: Solvents are used to dissolve the resin and other ingredients in nail polish. Common solvents include butyl acetate or ethyl acetate.
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Plasticizers: These are added to keep the resin flexible once it’s dry, which helps your manicure last longer. Examples of plasticizers include trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate, triphenyl phosphate, camphor, and ethyl tosylamide.
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Dyes and Pigments: These are used to give nail polish its color. Dyes are soluble, while pigments are not soluble in the solvents used. Examples of dyes and pigments include chromium oxide greens, chromium hydroxide, ferric ferrocyanide, stannic oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, carmine, ultramarine, and manganese violet.
Nail Polish Remover:
- Acetonitrile: This is the primary ingredient in artificial nail removers. Child-resistant packaging is required for all liquid household glue removers containing more than 500 milligrams of acetonitrile in a single container.
Artificial Nails:
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Acrylic Polymers: Artificial nails are composed primarily of acrylic polymers and are made by reacting together acrylic monomers, such as ethyl methacrylate monomer, with acrylic polymers, such as polymethylmethacrylate.
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Toluene Sulfonamide Formaldehyde Resin (TSFR): This is used in some nail polishes to make the coating tough and resilient. TSFR also helps the polish adhere to the nail, adds gloss, and helps the product flow well when applied. However, there is evidence that some people may become allergic to TSFR.
It is important to note that many non-toxic nail polish brands are available that do not contain potentially harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate. Additionally, nail salon workers should take precautions to protect themselves from exposure to harmful chemicals.
