Many of us are welcoming warmer weather and celebrating the blossoming, vibrant hues, of spring after a long winter season. Cue the seasonally shaded nail polish on your perfectly buffed twinkle-toes.
At the same time, many of us are gearing up for a spring refresh as we take pride in our appearances. This may include regularly scheduled manicure and pedicure appointments, hair coloring or blowouts, lash fills, etc. While these activities seem innocuous, we could inadvertently expose and harm ourselves with toxins over time.
The Toxic Polish
When it comes to your polished appearance (no pun), it’s important to stay informed and safe with how you go about your beauty regimens and the products you choose. Whether you prefer subtle neutral hues, sparkly unicorn colors, or a classic fire engine red, there is nothing wrong with expressing yourself through nail polish. Just ensure you understand the risks when choosing certain brands and formulas, and instead opt for ones that won’t add to your toxic load.
There are many different toxic ingredients found in popular nail polish brands. It is important to choose nail polishes that are free of these toxic ingredients to protect your health.
Here, we outline the top 12 chemicals linked to various health concerns, including cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) & Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT): endocrine disruptors affecting the liver, kidneys, and thyroid, as well as possible carcinogens
Camphor: a chemical that can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): a plasticizer that has been linked to reproductive harm
Ethyl Tosylamide: a chemical that can disrupt the endocrine system and has been linked to antibiotic resistance
Formaldehyde: a carcinogenic gas that is used as a preservative and hardening agent
Formaldehyde resin: a derivative of formaldehyde that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation
Lead: a heavy metal that can accumulate in the body and cause developmental and neurological problems
Parabens: preservatives that can cause skin irritation and have been linked to breast cancer
Toluene: a solvent that can cause dizziness, headaches, and reproductive harm
Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP): a chemical that can disrupt hormone function and has been linked to reproductive and developmental problems
Xylene: a solvent that can cause headaches, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
The Clean Polish
To reduce your exposure to these toxic ingredients, look for nail polishes that are labeled as “10-free,” “16-free,” or “20-free” or above. These labels may indicate the formula is free of the 10, 16, or 20 most toxic ingredients. Unfortunately, these labeling practices remain unregulated by the FDA so being able to easily identify potentially harmful ingredients while scanning the label can help you feel confident about making safer choices every day.
It is also important to follow safe nail polish application and removal practices, such as using a well-ventilated area and avoiding prolonged skin contact.
Here are some of our favorite nail polish brands that have safer formulas of at least 16-free so you can color yourself galore.
- BKind – 21-Free nail polish and 77% plant-based
- Ella + Mila – 17-Free nail polish
- Londontown Lakur Enhanced Colour – 21-Free nail polish
- Nailtopia Nail Lacquer – All-Free, Non-toxic, 100% Vegan & Leaping Bunny Approved
- Nailtural– 16-Free, Bio-sourced, Vegan, and Cruelty-free
- Pacifica – 16-Free, Bio-sourced, Vegan, and Cruelty-free
Remember, the right decision is the one that’s best for you right now. So go on and paint yourself pretty!
Stay safe, and stay polished.