Nail products can contain potentially harmful ingredients, but they 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. Here are some common ingredients found in nail products:
Nail Polish Ingredients:
- Film formers: nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate
- Plasticizers: triphenyl phosphate, trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate, camphor, dibutyl phthalate
- Resin: tosylamide/formaldehyde resin, tosylamide/epoxy resin, formalin, methylene glycol, tolunesulfonamide/formaldehyde resin
- Solvent-extender: ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, butyl acetate, toluene
- Pigments: iron oxides, color lakes, mica, other FDA-approved colorants
- Suspending agents: stearalkonium hectorite, bentonite
- UV stabilizer: benzophenone-1
Artificial Nails Ingredients:
- Acrylic polymers: ethyl methacrylate monomer, acrylic monomers
- Glue: cyanoacrylate
Some ingredients can be harmful if swallowed, so these products should never be consumed by any person or pet. Some nail products can catch fire easily, so they should not be exposed to flames or heat sources. Some nail products can injure your eyes, so you should avoid this exposure. Some ingredients can be harmful if inhaled, so these products should only be used in areas with good air circulation.
It is important to note that some ingredients found in nail products have been identified as harmful, leading to several adverse reactions. For example, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a plasticizer found in some nail polishes that has been linked to changes in the endocrine system. Formaldehyde, which can be found in some nail hardeners and nail polishes, can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. Acrylics, used in some artificial nails and sometimes in nail polishes, can cause allergic reactions.
It is important to use nail products safely, following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements. If you have a reaction to a nail product, it is recommended to report it to the FDA.
