There are three major toxic nail polish ingredients you should avoid; Formaldehyde, Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and Toluene. According to The National Cancer Institute, Formaldehyde is also considered a human carcinogen which is similar to tobacco.
DBP is a toxic reproductive and developmental chemical banned by the European Union in any cosmetics and personal care products. Finally, Toluene (this ingredient is sometimes called toluol or phenylmethane) is the same solvent found in the petrol you put in your car!
Another major toxic nail polish ingredient is triphenyl phosphate, also known as TPHP.
TPHP is used to make your nail polish more flexible and long lasting. Studies have shown that TPHP, which is also used to stop furniture from catching fire, can interfere with hormones. Researchers say that TPHP could affect hormones, metabolism, reproduction, and development.
All of this might sound scary but thankfully, some major nail polish brands have gone ahead to produce toxic free nail polish hues that are still as beautiful. So you don’t have to give up on those perfectly manicured nails just yet.
These nail polish brands are known to produce toxic-free ones:
(Photo: ZUMI Collage)
- Nars
- Zoya
- Essie
- Chanel Le Vernis
- Butter London
- Deborah Lippmann etc.