Let’s talk nails.  We tend to forget that that they are porous, affixed to our skin, and extensions of our bodies. So obviously, they are absorbing whatever we use to make them look glamourous.  What are they absorbing, exactly?  I’m glad you asked!

• Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): a plasticizer.  This is one of the phthalates banned in Europe.  It has been shown in studies to be an endocrine disruptor that causes underdeveloped genitals in male fetuses.  Cosmetic companies in the US are not required to list the amounts of chemicals in their products; many say the amount in nail polish is minimal.  I’m not taking any chances.
• Toluene: this makes the polish brush on smoothly, but it is also widely banned and restricted in other countries.  Why?  Oh, I don’t know, maybe because it’s a toxin that is believed to increase the risk of spontaneous abortion.  Also, benzene, which is derived from toluene, is a bone marrow poison  related in some studies to leukemia.  Comforting?
• Formaldehyde: a hardener.  This chemical is a known carcinogen to humans, linked to various types of cancer, causes immune system toxicity and liver problems.  Why it is allowed in anything we use is beyond me.
• Formaldehyde Resin: a strengthener.  This is also a known skin irritant and allergen and especially toxic if you bite your nails.
• Camphor: an emulsifying oil.  This ingredient is toxic when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed in large amounts.  Fun (not really) fact: it’s also used in Vicks VapoRub.

Don’t worry, not all nail polishes contain this junk.  There are plenty of Clean nail care lines out there that do not disappoint.  While I am thinking of it, let me dispel a common beauty myth: Clean nail polishes last just as long as the brands you are used to.  In fact, many of our favorite nail care lines are changing their formulas to make them free of these five awful ingredients.  Why?  Because when the consumer demands a change, she gets it.  Voting with your wallet works.

Some of my favorite brands that don’t contain the fearsome-five ingredients:

KURE BAZAAR

Shown in Cherie.  Cost: about $16 for .4 oz.  Purchase it here.  (Kure Bazaar also makes a great base and top coat.)

ACQUARELLA

Shown in Star Spangled.  Cost: about $18 for .4 oz.  Purchase it here.

PRITI NYC

Shown in Carnation, one of my personal favorites.  Cost: about $14 for .27 oz.  Purchase it here.

VAPOUR ORGANIC BEAUTY

Shown in Scandal, another fave.  Cost: about $12 for .25 oz.  Purchase it here.

SCOTCH NATURALS

Shown in Highland Fling.  Cost: about $15 for .35 oz.  Purchase it here.

CHANEL

Shown in Black Satin.  Cost: about $27.  Purchase it here.

TEN OVER TEN

Shown in Delancey.  Cost: about $18 for .5 oz.  Purchase it here.  (BTW: This is probably my favorite nail salon of all time.)

Since I know you are going to ask 🙂 : NEW bottles of OPI and Essie are free of Formaldehyde, DBP and Toluene, but they do contain Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor.

Questions?

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