Nail polish is a cosmetic product that is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . Nail polishes often include a combination of ingredients such as film formers, plasticizers, resin, solvent-extender, pigments, and suspending agents. These ingredients have undergone review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, which uses peer-reviewed scientific literature to determine safety. However, some nail products contain potentially harmful ingredients, but are allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed.
There are some safety concerns for nail technicians working in nail salons who are exposed to dust, vapors, and other nail product ingredients at significant levels over extended periods. However, these safety concerns do not extend to people using nail polish in a typical manner.
Some nail polishes are marketed as “free-from” or “non-toxic” that omit specific ingredients such as formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. These ingredients are commonly found in mainstream nail polish brands. However, it is important to note that the term “non-toxic” can be difficult to decipher when it comes to cosmetics.
In general, the exact amount of absorption of nail polish ingredients into the body, and whether it is enough to have negative health effects, are not well established. However, it is recommended to use nail products safely, following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements. Good ventilation is also important when using nail products.
Pros and cons of some non-toxic nail polish brands are listed below:
- 100% Pure Safer Nail Polishes: 10-free of the top 10 most common toxic polish ingredients, creamy formula, marketed as safe for kids, vegan and cruelty-free, $14 a bottle
- Poofy Organics Nail Polish: scored a 2 in EWG, low EWG rating, vegan and cruelty-free, $12.50 a bottle
- OPI Nail Polish: “9-free,” contains fewer chemicals that can cause contact dermatitis, key ingredients include solvents, film formers, plasticizers, UV absorbers/stabilizers, and colorants
- Aila: vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, free of 13 harmful chemicals, helps improve the condition of nails, priced lower than some non-toxic brands
