A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous. – Coco Chanel
Part of the fun of life can be found in the celebration of happy events like birthdays, weddings, and promotions. Despite my best efforts to remove toxins from my life, no perfectly clean nail polish exists…yet. BUT, there does seem to be a lot of movement towards less-toxic options for embellished nails.
Nail polish and artificial nail enhancements like acrylic and gel nails are popular beauty products used by millions of people worldwide. While they can help enhance one’s appearance, they often contain various chemicals that raise concerns about potential health risks. It’s crucial for consumers to be aware of the dangers associated with these chemicals to make informed choices.
One common chemical found in many nail polishes is Ethyl Tosylamide. This chemical is used to improve the durability of the polish and adhesion to the nail. However, it has been associated with concerns over its potential endocrine-disrupting properties. Ethyl Tosylamide has the potential to interfere with hormonal systems, which can lead to adverse health effects, particularly for pregnant women or individuals with hormone-related conditions.
Xylene is another chemical commonly found in nail polish. It’s used as a solvent to help the polish maintain its consistency. Exposure to xylene can lead to various health issues, including headaches, dizziness, and skin irritation. Long-term exposure can result in more severe health problems, affecting the central nervous system, respiratory system, and kidneys.
Formaldehyde is a well-known preservative and hardening agent often found in nail polish and nail products. It’s notorious for its potential carcinogenic properties and has been linked to cancer. Prolonged and repeated exposure to formaldehyde can pose significant health risks, such as an increased risk of developing cancer, respiratory issues, and skin irritation. One study focused on workers in the cosmetics industry concluded “Furthermore, the study pointed to the negative impact of formaldehyde as a cause of oxidative stress and suspicious carcinogen.” (PMID:25193344)
Toluene is yet another common ingredient in nail polish, acting as a solvent to keep the pigments evenly distributed. However, inhalation or skin contact with toluene can lead to severe health problems. Short-term exposure can cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea, while long-term exposure has been linked to more severe issues like damage to the central nervous system, reproductive problems, and developmental harm in pregnant women.
To address the concerns about some of these chemicals, nail polish brands have introduced products labeled as “Triphenyl Phosphate Free.” Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP) is another potential endocrine disruptor that was commonly used in nail products. While TPHP-free products are intended to be safer, it’s essential to read ingredient labels to ensure that the products you choose do not contain other harmful chemicals in their place.
Camphor is used in nail polish as a plasticizer to give the polish its flexible and glossy finish. However, exposure to camphor can lead to a range of health issues, including skin irritation, nausea, and dizziness. In more severe cases, it can affect the central nervous system, leading to seizures and liver damage.
In conclusion, while nail polish and artificial nail enhancements like acrylic and gel nails can be fun and fashionable, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers associated with the chemicals they may contain. Ethyl Tosylamide, Xylene, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Triphenyl Phosphate, and Camphor are just a few of the chemicals that have raised concerns about their potential health risks. To protect your health, consider using nail products that are free from these harmful ingredients and always ensure proper ventilation when applying nail products to minimize exposure to harmful fumes. Staying informed and making safer choices can help you enjoy beautiful nails without compromising your well-being.
One of the brands embracing safer products is Mineral Fusion. It’s free of the above-listed chemicals. The company also states this polish is cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free. I’m sporting the color Cashmere on my toes this week as we transition away from the brighter colors of summer. You can find it here:
You’ll probably want the Base Coat and Top Coat, too. (NOTE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) My favorite gold Olukai sandals are here.
