Is your Nail Polish Toxic?

Did you know that nail polish was invented in China around 5,000 years ago. They used to be made of beeswax, gum arabic, egg whites, natural dyes and gelatin. The Egyptians were also coloring their nails by 3000 B.C. and Cleopatra, for one, was a big fan of henna for nail coloring. 

Today, nails have become a fashion statement, but the composition of nail polish is way different than the natural mixture used by in China and Egypt. The downside of many nail products on the market is its potential toxicty. Our hands are in contact with many parts of our body (particularly eyes and mouth) and skin (skin is the largest organ and absord everything even if you don't realize it).  So you have two options : never wear nail polish again (...Nah!) or be more careful about the products you use. 

Toxic ingredients include:

• Toluene is used as a solvent harmful to your nervous system and can cause light-headedness and nausea. It may also cause birth defects and developmental problems in children of pregnant women who have had extended exposure. 
• Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) is a commonly used plasticizer and has been linked to cancer.  It has been banned in Europe because of it can cause reproductive problems, especially in boys (if you are pregnant, you need to be even more careful).
• Formaldehyde (Formol) is commonly used in nail polish especially in strenghtening formula. This is the same chemical used to straighten hair. Formadehyde is an irritant but also human carcinogen (when used in laboratories, inhalation and skin contact are strictly forbidden). 
  
• Formaldehyde Resin is a derivative of the above formaldehyde. The resin is less toxic but still irritating.
• Camphor is a poison that can cause seizures and disorientation if used in large doses.  This chemical acts as a cover on your nails, depriving them of nutrients and causing yellow staining on your nails.

Now what? Do you need to start an investigation with a magnifying glass? Since I don't expect most of you to read the tiny labels and ingredients list, you can find below a list of safe brands :)

Big 3-Free brands (Toluene / DBP / Formol)

• China Glaze (black label)
• CND
• Essie (except the professional formula and some treatment)
• Inglot (+ no camphor) 
• Lancome (+ no formaldehyde resin)
• Nars (+ no formaldehyde resin)
• OPI
• YSL (+ no parabens)

5-Free brands (3 Big + Formaldehyde Resin / Camphor

• Chanel
• Dashing Diva
• Dior
• Givenchy
• Kure Bazaar
• L’Oreal
• Mavala
• Nail Spa
• Nubar
• Revlon
  
• Zoya
  
  

If you know any others 3-Big Free or 5-Free brands, please let me know. I will update the list accordingly ;)

Clean your vanity and spread the word to your friends & family!