Manicure and pedicure products are designed to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize hands and feet. They may contain a large variety of ingredients, and many products have multiple functions and may fall into more than one category. Some common materials and products used in pedicures include:
Materials:
- Nail rasp
- Toe separators
- Toenail clippers
Products:
- Soaks: Designed to cleanse and soften skin and nails in preparation for the rest of the manicure or pedicure service. Soaks may be sold as liquid concentrates or as crystals, both of which are added to water to make the soak solution.
- Scrubs: Designed to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. They may contain ingredients such as sugar, salt, or pumice.
- Masks: Designed to moisturize and soothe skin. They are typically composed of clays or other minerals infused with moisturizing ingredients, essential oils, menthol, and/or herbal extracts.
- Pedicure lotions and creams: Designed to moisturize and soothe skin. They may contain humectants such as propylene glycol or glycerin, along with antioxidant vitamins or other product enhancing ingredients.
- Callus softeners: Designed to soften and remove calluses on the feet.
It is important to use nail products safely, following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements. Some nail products contain potentially harmful ingredients, but are allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed. For example, some nail polishes and hardeners contain dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which has been found to be harmful in high doses. However, in FDAs latest survey of phthalates in cosmetics, conducted in 2010, DBP was found in only a few nail polishes, while other phthalates were not found in any of the products tested.
Employers and workers can take steps to protect health when working with products that contain potentially hazardous chemicals. Whenever possible, use products with the least hazardous chemicals in them. Some products now claim to be made without the "toxic trio" (toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate), and are called "3-free" products. For any product used in a salon, it is important to be aware of the health effects it may cause and how to prevent overexposure.
