Nail products can contain potentially harmful ingredients, but are allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed. By law, nail products sold in the United States must be safe for consumers when used according to directions on the label, or in the usual or customary way. It is important to use nail products safely, following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements. Here are some common ingredients found in nail products:
Positive:
- Nitrocellulose: a film former that ensures nail polishes dry hard and shiny.
- Iron oxides, color lakes, mica, and other FDA-approved colorants: pigments that provide color.
- Stearalkonium hectorite and bentonite: suspending agents that keep ingredients evenly distributed.
- Benzophenone-1: a UV stabilizer that prevents colors from fading.
Negative:
- Acetonitrile: a solvent found in artificial nail removers that can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
- Formaldehyde: a preservative and hardening agent that can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and cancer.
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): a plasticizer that can cause reproductive and developmental problems.
- Toluene: a solvent that can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
- Camphor: a plasticizer that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
It is important to note that nail polish ingredients have undergone review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, which uses peer-reviewed scientific literature to determine safety. However, 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.
