Nail care products can contain potentially harmful ingredients, but are allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed. It is important to use nail products safely, following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements. Here are some common nail product ingredients that people often ask about, or that raise special safety concerns:
- Acetonitrile in Artificial Nail Removers
- Toluene Sulfonamide/Formaldehyde Resin (TSFR) in Some Nail Polishes
- Acetone in Nail Polish Remover
- Acetonitrile in Fingernail Glue Remover
- Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) in Some Nail Polishes
- Formaldehyde in Some Nail Hardeners and Nail Polishes
- Methacrylate Compounds in Artificial Nail Products
Some of these ingredients can cause health problems such as headaches, dizziness, and irritated eyes, skin, and throat. Others can be carcinogenic or toxic to the reproductive system. However, nail products for both home and salon use are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must provide information on the packaging or in printed materials delivered with the product, such as safety data sheets.
When choosing nail products, it is important to read labels and choose products with the least hazardous chemicals in them. Some non-toxic nail polish brands include:
- Zoya
- Butter London
- Ella + Mila
- Pacifica
- Mineral Fusion
On the other hand, some nail polish brands to avoid include:
- OPI
- Essie
- Revlon
These brands may contain ingredients that are not the safest, such as camphor, which can cause nausea and dizziness if inhaled, and benzophenone 1, which may negatively affect the endocrine system.
It is important to note that the information on nail product ingredients and safety is constantly evolving, and it is always a good idea to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest research and recommendations.
