Nail polish, a beloved beauty staple for decades, offers a spectrum of colors and finishes to express individuality. From soft pastels to dazzling glitters, these tiny bottles promise to turn nails into miniature works of art. However, as we become more discerning about what we consume and apply to our skin, it’s equally crucial to scrutinize what we adorn our nails with. After all, what we put on our bodies can have a profound impact, much like what we put inside them.

The Hidden Toxins in Nail Polish

Beneath the alluring exterior of many nail polish brands lies a cocktail of chemicals, some potentially harmful to health. While not every brand or bottle contains these toxins, awareness empowers consumers to make informed choices.^[1]

Toluene:^[2]

Toluene, a volatile solvent, imparts a smooth finish and adhesion to nail polish. However, its prolonged exposure, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, can lead to various health issues, including:

• Neurological problems: Symptoms range from headaches and dizziness to severe impairments like cognitive dysfunction and motor deficits.
• Respiratory complications: Inhalation can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, shortness of breath, and exacerbating asthma.
• Potential congenital disabilities: Some studies link toluene exposure during pregnancy to developmental abnormalities in fetuses.
• Immune system issues: Chronic exposure can compromise the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP):^[3]

DBP acts as a plasticizer in nail polish, preventing brittleness and providing flexibility. However, its inclusion comes with alarming health risks:

• Hormonal disruptions: DBP disrupts endocrine function, potentially causing a range of health issues.
• Reproductive problems: Exposure to DBP is associated with fertility issues and developmental problems in unborn children.

Formaldehyde:^[4]

Often added as a hardener and preservative, formaldehyde enhances polish durability but poses health hazards:

• Respiratory problems: Breathing formaldehyde fumes can lead to immediate irritations like coughing, wheezing, and a sore throat, with exacerbated effects in those with respiratory conditions.
• Skin irritations: Direct contact can trigger allergic reactions, including skin redness, itchiness, and dermatitis.
• Potential carcinogen: Long-term exposure to formaldehyde is classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), particularly linked to nasal and sinus cancers.

The Environmental Impact

• Beyond personal health concerns, the widespread use and disposal of nail polish and associated products have significant environmental consequences:

• Pollution from nail polish removers: Acetone, commonly used in nail polish removers, contributes to air pollution when its vapors are released into the atmosphere,^[5] impacting air quality and human and animal health.

• Non-biodegradable bottles: Many nail polish bottles are challenging to recycle due to residual polish and chemicals. When discarded in landfills, they can take centuries to decompose, leading to prolonged environmental damage.

• Water contamination: Improper disposal of nail polish or its removers can result in chemicals seeping into groundwater, affecting aquatic life and human reliance on this water source.^[6]

• Effects on aquatic life: Certain nail polish chemicals, when introduced to water systems, can be toxic to aquatic organisms, disrupting ecosystems and food chains.

Choosing Healthier Alternatives

As consumers demand transparency in product ingredients, the beauty industry responds with healthier alternatives. Consumers can now find nail polishes that are less toxic and more eco-friendly.

• Understanding “Free” Labels: Brands advertise products as “3-Free,” “5-Free,” “7-Free,” etc., indicating the excluded toxic chemicals:
  • “3-Free” usually omits toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde.
  • “5-Free” typically excludes the above three plus formaldehyde resin and camphor.
  • “7-Free” goes further, excluding the five chemicals mentioned above along with ethyl tosylamide and xylene.
• Reading Ingredient Labels: Just as with food, it’s crucial to read nail polish ingredient lists. Brands may claim to be “natural” or “organic,” but without examining components, certainty is elusive.
• Recommendations: While listing every safe brand is beyond the article’s scope, researching trusted natural nail polish reviews can guide consumers to better choices. Some popular and respected natural nail polish brands include Zoya, Butter London, and Ella+Mila.

Safe Practices for Nail Care

Choosing healthier nail polish is a significant step, but adopting safer practices during application and removal further safeguards health and the environment.

• Ventilation is Key: Always apply nail polish in well-ventilated spaces to reduce inhaling harmful fumes.
• Minimize Use: Consider going polish-free occasionally to allow nails to breathe or limit nail polish applications’ frequency.
• Proper Disposal: Do not pour leftover nail polish or remover down drains to prevent water source contamination. Consider donating unused bottles or using community hazardous waste collection programs.

Summary

In a world where personal and environmental health are interconnected, daily choices hold profound significance. Nail polish, seemingly benign, illustrates how a small product can have far-reaching implications for health and the planet.

Armed with knowledge and making informed choices, we can enjoy our cherished beauty rituals without compromising our well-being or the environment. As consumers, our purchasing decisions shape a healthier, greener future.

 

References:

1. Turner, L. & Lupton, D. (2011). “Like putting a drop of poison into a person’s life: Exploring women’s perceptions of chemical exposure from beauty products.” Health, Risk & Society, 13(7-8), 637-654.
2. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2003). “Toluene.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
3. Yost, Erin E et al. (2019). “Hazards of diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) exposure: A systematic review of animal toxicology studies.” Environment international, 125, 579-594.
4. IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. (2006). “Formaldehyde, 2-butoxyethanol and 1-tert-butoxypropan-2-ol.” IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, 88, 1-478.
5. “Acetone.” DCCEEW, www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/npi/substances/fact-sheets/acetone.
6. Khalid, Madiha, and Mohammad Abdollahi. (2021). “Environmental Distribution of Personal Care Products and Their Effects on Human Health.” Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research, 20(1), 216-253.