Finding a nail polish that is long-lasting, trendy, and chip-resistant is usually what we aim for when going to nail salons. After all, nail polish, for some, is a crucial part of personal style. We sometimes like to match it with our outfits and when we have special events, we tend to go the extra mile by going for decorative nails.
But in our desire for beautiful nails, we sometimes don’t think about how it could put our health at risk. Nail polish is known for its strong scent, which is probably an indicator that the product is filled with harmful chemicals. What are these chemicals?
Studies suggest that nail product ingredients like formaldehyde might expose us to certain types of cancer. This chemical is known for strengthening our nail polish. Toluene is also a hazardous ingredient that could affect our central nervous system, though it creates a smooth finish to our nail polish. Dibutyl phthalate is mainly used for improving nail polish durability and is linked to being toxic to the reproductive system. These three may raise concerns for a lot of salon workers (and customers) because they are the most commonly found toxic ingredients in nail polishes.
But Triphenyl Phosphate, also known as TPHP, has a more serious reaction to our bodies. A 2015 study by researchers at Duke University and Environmental Working Group (EGW) has gathered evidence that this chemical actually enters the human body. TPHP is “used in plastics manufacturing and as a fire retardant in foam furniture,” and when applied in nail polish, the levels of a biomarker of that chemical in a woman’s urine increases, as noted by the study. “Results are troubling because a growing body of scientific data from other studies indicates that TPHP causes endocrine disruption, meaning that it interferes with normal hormone functioning.” The researchers also tested 10 nail polishes to detect TPHP and found it in eight of them, but what happened is two of the brands did not reveal its presence in the labels.
How do we find a nail polish that leaves out these chemicals?
According to Jessica Mingala of Prevention, one easy way to know if a brand has toxic chemicals is to look at EGW’s Skin Deep Database, which “verifies that the polish doesn’t contain ingredients of concern.” From there, we can find out which brands use safe chemicals for their products. “[This] advice is always to be educated about the products we bring into our homes and not have any false assumptions that just because they are on store shelves that they have met rigorous levels of safety testing,” says Nneka Leiba, Vice President for the EWG. “Frequently in personal care products including nail polish, there can be ingredients of concern and reading the labels and becoming educated is important.” This is why brands should be transparent about the toxic chemicals they put in their products.
Harmful chemicals may also enter our bodies if we are always exposed to the smell of nail polish. According to EnviroKlenz, “As you begin the process of painting your nails, a buildup of odors will develop within the airspace of the indoor environment and flood throughout the entire area. These chemical fumes from nail polish are considered toxic, as they are made up of chemicals including phthalates that are known to be dangerous to the human body.” EWG suggests applying nail polish in a well-ventilated room to avoid this.
But it doesn’t have to be that way especially now that we have the means to detect chemicals in the brands. We also have the option to buy vegan products, which is similar to buying skincare products that won’t cause our skin harm.
I rounded up a list of nail polish brands that are eco-friendly. Here are six non-toxic nail brands that won’t break your nails:
Zoya
Zoya has an amazing color selection and uses a no-chip formula. It is also vegan-friendly and comes with a 10-free formula, making it safe for pregnant women, nursing moms, and even kids. No wonder why it’s considered one of the best nail polish brands! You could find them anywhere, even in local salons.
Available on BeautyMNL.
Suncoat
In 2002, Suncoat’s founder and chemist Yingchun Liu created a nail polish formula that is harmless and uses mineral ingredients. Today, Suncoat is known for its water-based nail polish products. This is probably why Suncoat is also famous among kids, thanks to its non-toxic, non-irritating ingredients.
Available on their website.
LVX
Aside from its high quality, LVX is also vegan. What makes this brand different from others is that they combine quality and eco-friendliness by basing their colors on high fashion trends and making it sustainable. You can be able to achieve a sophisticated manicure that’s free from toxic chemicals.
Available on their website.
Happy Skin
Happy Skin is known for using natural ingredients in its skincare products, but they also have non-toxic nail polishes. Happy Skin Nail Polish is a vegan product enriched with hydrolized keratin and almond oil. It’s free from 10 harmful toxins; plus, it’s much more affordable compared to other brands with prices ranging from P249-299. They also have a cute rounded fan-type brush that makes it easier to paint your nails.
Available at Greenbelt.
Ella + Mila
Also one of my personal favorites, Ella + Mila is a vegan brand that’s free from seven toxic chemicals. I use this brand for my go-to manicure, which is rounded nails with color “Beach Resort Blue.” They have a variety of shades to choose from and they’re all quite easy to apply. Aside from nail polishes, Ella + Milla also released a new line of liquid lipsticks that are also free of toxic chemicals.
Available on BeautyMNL.
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color
Want to enjoy a gel manicure that’s totally non-toxic? Deborah Lippman is an environmentally-friendly brand that gives you the benefits of a gel mani without damaging your cuticles. It doesn’t test on animals and also gives a high gloss.
Available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source.
Photo by Pexels
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