Chemicals In Nail Polish

Find out about the nail polish ingredients
you are using

Chemicals in nail polish can cause many nail and health problems, so it is always a good idea to check the chemistry of nail polish, you are using.

If you love wearing nail polish, as many of us do. There are some great brands on the market which are all natural. You can get hypoallergenic nail polish and organic. There are plenty of choices when it comes to using a healthy nail polish.

Many companies now a days, have signed up with the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. Ensuring you and I can buy safely.

Another great resource, to help you make a conscious decision, is to check with 'skin deep' (cosmetic safely database).

It is a resource to help you find out what chemicals in nail polish and cosmetics you need to avoid. I regularly check this website for products I am not sure about.

You can even make nail polish yourself, if you have the time and inclination.

An allergy can appear somewhere on your body, and you may not even realize it has to do with the chemicals in nail polish.

Some studies suggest other health problems can happen from the chemistry of nail polish, and this also goes for the chemicals used in cosmetics.

Today many of the makers of nail polish, are under pressure to produce chemical free, yet we are a long way off from all polishes being that.

As you and I the consumer, are becoming a lot more aware of what we are putting onto our bodies, the smart companies who are tailoring products to that demand, will and are the winners.

If you continue to use a healthy, natural polish, free of harmful chemicals, your nails will be strong, and in need of little maintenance.

Nail Polish Ingredients to Avoid

FORMALDEHYDE
Usually found in nail hardeners and not nail polish, it is a carcinogen (a substance capable of causing cancer), also used for indoor air pollutants.

Inhaling the fumes from formaldehyde can cause headaches, burning in throat and watery eyes.

TOLUENE
This is most common in paint thinners and is a neurotoxin, (substance which can interfere with the functions of neurons). Neurons are cells found throughout the brain and nervous system, these cells help with swallowing and other high level brain functioning. So, you don't want to destroy any of your neurons.

Short term problems can be fatigue, nausea, confusion, weakness, and long term exposure can cause serious nervous disorders.

DIBUTYL PHTHALATE (DBP)
This is listed as a teratogen, this chemical may cause birth defect, pregnancy complications or loss of pregnancy.

Also found in some perfume and hair spray. It is mainly used as a plasticizer in PVC, which is used to make, hoses, tubing, wires, cables, sheeting etc.

This chemical like all chemicals, is quite dangerous, and is suspected of being able to accelerate puberty in girls, and cause genital abnormalities in newborn boys.

Many European countries, have banned the use of this chemical. With many others following suit, because of its health concerns.

CAMPHOR
Scientifically known as C10H160, it is a waxy substance which contains turpentine oil.

Research has shown it can cause seizures, headaches, stomachaches, skin irritations and is toxic to children.
The purpose of all these chemicals, is to help the polish, bind to your nails, and stay on.

How would you know, if you suffered a health problem that it could be connected to your beautiful fingernails, because of the nail polish ingredients.

Another problem with hazardous nail polish ingredients, is the fact, they can leach these chemicals into the soil.

The 'household hazardous waste department' list the chemicals in nail polish, as being right up there with the worst of them, such as insecticides.

The chemicals in your nail polish need not be so confusing, and the long term effects of these chemicals, is not worth it.

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