Today, it seems as though everyone is on a health kick. Which is great! Being conscious about the food we are consuming to the products we put in and on our bodies is important for our overall health. Did you know that there are healthier options when it comes selecting nail polish? On your next manicure trip to the nail salon bring your own 10-free nail polish.
What does “free” mean?
Free is a term used in the beauty community that means a nail polish is free of a certain amount of toxic chemical ingredients.
There are a variety of free nail polishes each with their own benefits. In certain nail polish brands you may find 3- free, 5- free, 7-free, 9-free or 10-free. 10-free is considered the purest of all free nail polishes.
Our Nude Nail Collection consists of three nail lacquers that are now 10-free (previously 7)! They are created without 10 of the most common chemicals found in nail polishes: Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Ethyl Tosylamide, Xylene, parabens, animal by-products, and fragrance.
1. Toluene
You know that strong scent that comes out once you open a nail polish bottle? Well that smell my friends is commonly due to toluene. Toluene is a toxic liquid used as a solvent which suspends the nail color and forms a smooth finish across the nail. Toluene has been listed as a known human respiratory toxicant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Inhalation or exposure to your skin can cause skin irritation, light headedness, and nausea. It is also advised that pregnant women should not be exposed to toluene for long periods of time, as it may cause birth defects and development issues in children.
2. Dibutyl Phthalate
Also, known as DBP, is commonly used as a solvent for dyes or as a plasticizer that prevents nail polishes from becoming brittle. This toxic chemical has also been linked to birth defects, delays in child development, and cancer. If DBP is absorbed through the skin, it can enhance the capacity of other chemicals to cause a genetic mutation, which leads to developmental defects, problems in reproducing, and malformations of an embryo.
3. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is used as a nail hardening agent and disinfectant for nail care tools. Seems normal, right? Well, not quite. This chemical is also used to preserve corpses of animals and sometimes humans. Using low levels of formaldehyde has been found to cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Formaldehyde is known for being a trigger to individuals who suffer from asthma and is an agent known for being directly related to causing cancer, such as Leukemia.
4. Formaldehyde Resin
Think of this one to be like Formaldehyde’s younger sibling. Unlike Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin has not been linked to cancer but has been known for causing skin allergies such as dermatitis. Formaldehyde Resin is a soft material that makes nails tough, shiny and durable. Usually, Formaldehyde Resin is used in the production of paint and adhesives. Some side effects to look out for are skin outbreaks and respiratory problems.
5. Camphor
Thank camphor for leaving that annoying yellow stain left on your nails after removing certain polishes. This chemical acts as a barrier on your nails which deprives your nails of natural nutrients. It has been known for causing nausea, dizziness, headaches, seizures, and liver damage when inhaled or consumed.
6. Ethyl Tosylamide
A plasticizer and film former that helps polish dry in minutes. It is also known for preventing polish from chipping and wearing off too quickly. That all sounds great to us! Unfortunately, this chemical has been banned in the continent of Europe due to concerns over antibiotic resistance.
7. Xylene
Found in lacquers and nail polish, it is also listed as Xytol or Dimethylbenzene and it's used as a solvent. This powerful chemical is known for being colorless and has been used in products such as paint, nail polish, rubber cement, and gasoline! This chemical damages the central nervous system and cause headaches, skin, eye, nose, and throat irritation, memory problems, gastrointestinal discomfort, and can potentially affect the kidney and liver. Knowing what you know now, please keep a look out for this ingredient and steer clear!
8. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives widely used in cosmetics. They prevent the growth of bacterias in creams, lotions and other milks. When applied to the skin, they are absorbed by the body and enter the bloodstream. Parabens are suspected of interfering with hormone function.
9. Animal by-products
10. Fragrance
Our Nude Nail Collection is a trio of deeply pigmented high shine nail lacquers. Our nail lacquers are 10-free, vegan, cruelty free, and proudly made in the USA.
From Left to Right: Pinkish, Yes We Tan, and Brown & Bougie
(Nude Nail Trio, $15. Individuals, $8)
If you are spooked out just as we are about most of this information, you may want to start looking into your own stash of nail polishes and lacquers, read the bottle on each of them, and start eliminating the ones with the most harmful toxins. If you want gorgeous nails without the cost of your health, get your own Nude Nail Collection today. Say goodbye to nail products with toxic chemicals and hello to healthy natural nails.
Source: Avrilorganice.com
