Is Your Nail Polish Filled With Toxic Chemicals?

Is your Nail Polish filled with toxic chemicals?

 

We all know that getting a fresh mani or pedi can be a mood and even confidence booster, but do you know what ingredients are in that nail polish that you love so much? Most nail polishes are filled with toxic chemicals that you probably aren't aware of. Ever get completely nauseated by the smell of a nail salon or even just painting your own nails in your room? Well, that has a lot to do with these harmful ingredients. 


Well, we are here to break it down for you and tell you the main chemicals to steer clear of and why.

Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Resin

You've probably heard of formaldehyde before. It is used in a lot of nail polishes as a hardener and preservative, but also is found in fertilizer and used in embalming fluids. In some countries, formaldehyde is actually banned from being used in all personal care products due to the fact that it's classified as a carcinogen. Formaldehyde Resin, on the other hand, doesn't have research to conclude it is a carcinogen, but it can irritate your skin and is toxic to your immune system.

Toluene

Toluene is used in nail polish to give it that desirable smooth finish. It is commonly found in nail polish, glue, and even gasoline. Although it may not be officially classified as a carcinogen like formaldehyde, over exposure can cause neurological damage and can be a danger if you're pregnant due to being linked to causing birth defects and developmental problems in children. Over exposure can also cause anemia, a lowered blood cell count, and even liver or kidney damage.

Camphor

Have you ever gotten a little dizzy, nauseous, or have a headache after leaving your nail salon? Well, camphor is a huge cause of that. The main purpose for it is to give your nail polish that nice glossy finish. Camphor is also often used in fireworks, embalming, and as a rust protector. 

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

DBP also is used to give your nails that shiny finish, as well as to make your polish last longer. Although those two positives seem great, the negatives certainly outweigh them. DBP is an endocrine disruptor, which means it can cause fertility issues and interferes with your normal hormonal functions. It is actually so harmful, that the European Union has banned it. 

Xylene

Unlike the other chemicals, where a lot of health issues are due to extended exposure, low level exposure to xylene can cause headaches and dizziness. The long-term, high exposure, can start to affect your kidneys and respiratory system. This toxic chemical is also found in petroleum products and paint thinner. The purpose of it in nail polish is to thin it out, so it doesn't get lumpy.

Ethyl Tosylamide

Again, this is another chemical used to increase the longevity of your polish and helps it dry more quickly once applied. This is another chemical that has been banned in Europe (only from certain personal care products), due to it possessing antibiotic properties which may cause resistance to antibiotics.
 

Paraben

Parabens are probably one of the most recognized out of all of these chemicals. They are basically a group of different ingredients used as preservatives so you don't have bacteria or mold growing in your polish. If they enter your bloodstream, from being absorbed into your skin, they can interfere with hormone function because they can imitate the functioning of estrogen, which will ultimately disrupt your body's overall health.

Acetone

Acetone isn't among the most harmful of these chemicals, but it will irritate or even burn your skin. It will also remove the natural oils from your skin, causing it to turn a whiteish color if too much acetone has gotten in contact with your skin... Think about if you have an open cut and you get some nail polish remover in it and how badly that hurts. 

Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP)

TPHP, or also know as TPP, is used so your nail polish is flexible and durable. It is very harmful due to causing issues with hormone regulation, your reproductive system, and your metabolism. This is another ingredient that is linked to endocrine and reproductive issues. 


Now are you starting to rethink your choices of nail polish? We definitely are. That's why Nanacoco has developed all of our nail lacquers to use a 10-Free Formula, which means that none of those toxic chemicals listed above are in our polish. They are also all completely vegan and cruelty-free. 

                                        Shop Nanacoco Professional 10-free formula and cruelty free nail lacquer

                     

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