Nail polish is a cosmetic product that is applied to the nails to add color and shine. Here are some details about nail polish products, both positive and negative:
Positive:
- Many nail polish brands are now marketed as "non-toxic" or "safer" and are formulated without certain harmful chemicals. For example, "10-free" polishes are free of 10 of the most harmful leading polish ingredients.
- Some nail polish brands are vegan and cruelty-free, and are formulated with ingredients derived from natural sources like sugar cane, manioc, wheat, potatoes, corn, and clay.
- Nail polish can be a fun way to express oneself and add a pop of color to ones appearance.
Negative:
- Many nail polish products contain potentially harmful ingredients, such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) .
- Some people may become allergic to certain nail polish ingredients, such as toluene sulfonamide/formaldehyde resin (TSFR) .
- Nail polish fumes can be harmful if inhaled, so it is important to use nail products in a well-ventilated area.
Ingredients or materials:
- Nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate are film formers that ensure nail polish dries hard and shiny.
- Triphenyl phosphate, trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate, camphor, and dibutyl phthalate are plasticizers that provide flexibility and adhesion.
- Tosylamide/formaldehyde resin, tosylamide/epoxy resin, formalin, methylene glycol, and tolunesulfonamide/formaldehyde resin are resins that improve adhesion, hardening, and gloss.
- Ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, butyl acetate, and toluene are solvent-extenders that keep nail polish in liquid form.
- Iron oxides, color lakes, mica, and other FDA-approved colorants are pigments that provide color.
- Stearalkonium hectorite and bentonite are suspending agents that keep ingredients evenly distributed.
- Benzophenone-1 is a UV stabilizer that prevents colors from fading.
It is important to note that the safety of nail polish ingredients is still a topic of debate and research, and some ingredients may be harmful in certain amounts or under certain conditions. It is always a good idea to read the labels of nail polish products and do research on the ingredients before using them.
