Nail care products, including nail polish, can contain potentially harmful ingredients, but they are allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed. The following are some common ingredients found in nail products:
Positive ingredients or materials:
- Calcium Pantothenate: used as a base ingredient in nail dip manicure.
- Ethyl acetate: a solvent-extender that keeps nail polish in liquid form.
- Iron oxides, color lakes, mica, and other FDA-approved colorants: pigments that provide color.
- Nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate: film formers that ensure nail polishes dry hard and shiny.
- Tosylamide/epoxy resin: a resin that improves adhesion, hardening, and gloss.
Negative ingredients or materials:
- Benzophenone-1: a UV stabilizer that prevents colors from fading. It is a concern because it can be absorbed by the body.
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, and toluene: known as the "toxic trio," these chemicals are often excluded from "non-toxic" nail polishes.
- Phenyl bis (2,4,6-Trimethylbenzoyl) -phosphine oxide: a positive ingredient in nail dip manicure, but it can cause sensitization.
- Toluene sulfonamide/formaldehyde resin (TSFR): used in some nail polishes to make the coating tough and resilient. It can cause allergic reactions in some people.
It is important to use nail products safely, following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements. Nail products are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and must be safe for consumers when used according to directions on the label. If you have concerns about specific ingredients, you can look them up on the Cosmetic Ingredient Review website.
