Nasty chemicals like DBP (dibutyl phthalate), toluene, and formaldehyde are in almost every nail polish on the market. From CareFair.com; Here are a few facts about these common toxic nail polish ingredients:
Toluene is a human reproductive and developmental toxin. It affects the nervous system with symptoms like tiredness, confusion, weakness, drunken-type actions, and memory loss. It is thought to cause liver damage and skin irritation. In high levels it may affect the kidneys. Toluene has been linked to birth defects.
Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and a common indoor air pollutant because its resins are used in many construction materials. Formaldehyde has caused cancer in the nose and throats of lab animals. Inhaling the fumes can result in watery eyes, headache, burning in the throat, and labored breathing.
Dibutyl Phthalates are used to soften plastic, and are known to affect hormone function. Studies have linked phthalates to early puberty in girls and low sperm counts in men. Environmental groups claim phthalate exposure may contribute to the rising number of uterine problems in women and testicular cancer in men. It could also be one of the contributing factors to a rise in infertility in both sexes. Repeated and heavy exposure to dibutyl phthalate may cause nausea and/or vomiting, tearing of the eyes, dizziness, and headache. Long-term exposures may cause damage to kidneys and the liver. Pregnant women must consider that dibutyl phthalate may harm the developing fetus and the male testes.
Any Girlie with half a brain cell can tell that the stuff is a carcinogenic from the smell alone, and the girls in this posse have sworn off commercial polishes entirely. Up until recently, that left us polish free and rocking a short and clean look… til the newest crop of totally eco friendly and safe polishes crept onto the scene! It’s really not that big a deal, just do your own nails (and save a bundle in mani/ pedi bills) or bring your own polish to your local spot and ask that they don’t use their remover. We get nauseous from even stepping foot in the average mani/ pedi spot these days, but there are alternatives like Green Manicures now available all across the USA. Try Recess or GreenBliss Eco Spa in LA, Valley in NYC, or search the Green Spa Network online for other States.
Sula Nail Polish ($10) is a vegan, scentless, water-based line of nail polish that peels off when you’re ready to remove it. No more headache inducing polish removers, no more brittle nails. There are currently only four colors in this line, but they are as perfect and vibrant as can be! See the line here.
Zoya Nail Polishes ($6) are free of toxic Toluene, Formaldehyde, and DBP and are the brainchild of Zoya Reyzis who, as a pregnant aesthetician and salon owner in 1984, realized the need for a healthier and more durable solution. Zoya polishes definitely offer the most incredible selection of colors are far as the more natural polishes are concerned. See them all here.
Peacekeeper Causemetics offers a non toxic polish which is incredibly well rated by the Environmental Working Group’s “skin deep” rating system. The polishes aren’t vegan because they contain carmine – a pigment derived from carminic acid from the scales of certain insects such as the cochineal – so vegan readers take note. They do, however, offer a natural and vegan polish remover which will make you sing hallelujah. We love this company because they are the first cosmetics line to give all of its after-tax distributable profits to women’s health advocacy and urgent human rights issues. Peacekeeper “builds a bridge between extraordinary women in the land-of-plenty with extraordinary women who just by chance of birth don’t have our resources or opportunities.” Check out their lovely eco range here.
This, like anything new, may take some time to get used to, but your innards will thank you for it. We promise.