In the world of nail care and beauty, the spotlight has been increasingly focused on the ingredients used in nail polishes. Consumers are becoming more aware of the potential risks associated with certain chemicals commonly found in many mainstream nail polish brands. As advocates for safer, non-toxic beauty products, we’re here to shed light on some of the most concerning ingredients you might find in other nail polishes.
Certain chemicals in nail polish have been linked to serious health issues, including brain and kidney damage. Our 21-free nail polish line is designed with your health in mind, free from harmful chemicals, and crafted with integrity and sustainability at the forefront.
The Dirty Dozen and Beyond: Toxic Chemicals to Avoid
Our commitment to non-toxic beauty means excluding a wide range of harmful ingredients that are unfortunately still prevalent in many conventional nail polish formulations. Here’s a closer look at some of the most egregious offenders:
Toluene
What is it? Toluene is a solvent that helps nail polish go on smoothly and adhere evenly.
Why we don't use it: Exposure to toluene can cause headaches, dizziness, and eye irritation. It’s also linked to more severe health issues like nervous system damage and reproductive harm. Toluene exposure during pregnancy can also have adverse effects on fetal development, including congenital disabilities and developmental delays. Chronic exposure to toluene is also associated with neurological damage, memory loss, and cognitive impairment.
Formaldehyde
What is it? Formaldehyde is used as a hardening agent in nail polish.
Why we don't use it: It is a known carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer. Additionally, it can trigger allergic reactions and irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Formaldehyde exposure can lead to chronic respiratory issues and has been linked to nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. It can also exacerbate asthma symptoms and other respiratory conditions, making it particularly hazardous for individuals with pre-existing health issues.
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
What is it? DBP is used to prevent nail polish from becoming brittle.
Why we don't use it: It’s a potential endocrine disruptor and can interfere with hormone function. DBP has also been linked to reproductive and developmental issues. Phthalates like DBP can mimic estrogen in the body, leading to hormonal imbalances. This can result in a wide range of health problems, including infertility, developmental defects in children, and an increased risk of breast cancer.
Camphor
What is it? Camphor is added to nail polish to give it a glossy finish and a plastic-like film.
Why we don't use it: Inhaling camphor can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. High exposure levels can be toxic and lead to seizures. Camphor poisoning can occur with significant exposure, resulting in symptoms such as confusion, muscle twitching, and convulsions. It can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.
Formaldehyde Resin
What is it? A derivative of formaldehyde used to improve the durability and adhesion of nail polish.
Why we don't use it: Although less toxic than pure formaldehyde, it can still cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions. Formaldehyde resin can cause contact dermatitis, a skin condition characterized by redness, itching, and inflammation. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic skin conditions and increased sensitivity to other allergens.
Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP)
What is it? TPHP is used as a plasticizer in nail polish to make it more flexible.
Why we don’t use it: Studies suggest that TPHP can disrupt hormone regulation and potentially affect reproductive health. TPHP exposure has been linked to weight gain and obesity due to its impact on metabolic processes. It can also affect the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism and other thyroid disorders. TPHP can potentially enter the body through the nail plate, posing additional risks to the health of the nail plate and overall well-being.
Xylene
What is it? Xylene is a solvent that helps nail polish dry quickly.
Why we don't use it: It can cause respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and liver and kidney damage with prolonged exposure. Xylene is a neurotoxin that can affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, tremors, and impaired coordination. Chronic exposure to xylene can also result in memory problems and cognitive deficits.
Ethyl Tosylamide
What is it? Used to improve the durability and adhesion of nail polish.
Why we don't use it: It’s banned in Europe due to concerns over its antibiotic properties, which can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Ethyl tosylamide can cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions. Its use in cosmetics raises concerns about the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can pose a significant public health risk.
Parabens
What is it? Parabens are preservatives used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
Why we don't use it: They are potential endocrine disruptors and have been linked to breast cancer. Parabens can be absorbed through the skin and accumulate in body tissues, including breast tissue. Studies have found parabens in breast tumors, raising concerns about their role in cancer development. They can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benzophenone-1
What is it? A UV filter used to prevent nail polish from discoloring.
Why we don't use it: It can cause skin irritation and is a potential endocrine disruptor. Benzophenone-1 can also generate free radicals when exposed to UV light, contributing to oxidative stress and skin aging. Long-term exposure to benzophenone compounds has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers.
Styrene
What is it? A derivative of benzene used in the production of polystyrene plastics and resins.
Why we don't use it: Classified as a possible human carcinogen, it can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation. Styrene exposure can lead to eye and mucous membrane irritation, as well as gastrointestinal problems. Long-term exposure has been linked to an increased risk of leukemia and lymphoma.
Lead
What is it? Sometimes, it is found in pigments used in nail polish.
Why we don't use it: Lead is a potent neurotoxin that can cause a host of health problems, especially in children and pregnant women. In children, lead exposure can result in cognitive deficits, behavioral issues, and developmental delays. In adults, it can cause hypertension, kidney damage, and reproductive problems. Lead can also accumulate in bones, posing long-term health risks.
Lesser-Known But Equally Harmful Ingredients
Beyond the more well-known toxic ingredients, there are several other chemicals commonly found in nail polishes that pose significant health risks:
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
What is it? A solvent used in nail polish remover and occasionally in nail polish.
Why we don't use it: Prolonged exposure can lead to central nervous system depression and skin irritation. MEK can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea with short-term exposure. Long-term exposure can result in liver and kidney damage, as well as respiratory problems.
Glycol Ethers of Series E
What is it? Solvents that improve the spreadability of nail polish.
Why we don't use it: They are reproductive toxins and can cause developmental issues. Glycol ethers can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to congenital disabilities and reproductive harm. They can also cause respiratory irritation and central nervous system depression.
Hydroquinone (HQ)
What is it? Used in some nail polishes for its whitening effect.
Why we don't use it: It’s a potential carcinogen and can cause skin irritation and discoloration. Hydroquinone can cause ochronosis, a condition characterized by blue-black pigmentation of the skin. Long-term use of hydroquinone-containing products can increase the risk of skin cancer and other skin disorders.
4-Methoxyphenol (MEHQ)
What is it? An inhibitor used to prevent polymerization in nail polish.
Why we don't use it: It can cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions. MEHQ exposure can result in dermatitis, characterized by redness, itching, and swelling of the skin. It can also cause respiratory irritation and eye damage with prolonged exposure.
Nonylphenol Ethoxylates
What is it? Surfactants are used in various cosmetic products.
Why we don't use it: They are endocrine disruptors and can be toxic to aquatic life. Nonylphenol ethoxylates can bioaccumulate in the environment, posing a risk to wildlife and ecosystems. They can also interfere with hormone function in humans, leading to reproductive and developmental issues.
Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide
What is it? An initiator used in gel polish formulations.
Why we don’t use it: It can cause severe skin irritation and is a potential carcinogen. Tert-butyl hydroperoxide can cause chemical burns and blistering upon contact with the skin. Inhalation can result in respiratory distress and lung damage. Prolonged exposure has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Chromium Oxide Greens
What is it? A pigment used to give nail polish its green color.
Why we don't use it: Chromium compounds are carcinogenic and can cause allergic reactions. Chromium exposure can lead to contact dermatitis, characterized by redness, itching, and inflammation of the skin. Inhalation of chromium compounds can cause respiratory problems and increase the risk of lung cancer.
Bismuth Oxychloride
What is it? A pigment and skin protectant used in some nail polishes.
Why we don't use it: It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Bismuth oxychloride can cause contact dermatitis, characterized by redness, itching, and swelling of the skin. It can also exacerbate pre-existing skin conditions and increase sensitivity to other allergens.
Synthetic Fragrances
What is it? Used to add scent to nail polish.
Why we don't use it: They can contain phthalates and other harmful chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and disrupt hormones. Synthetic fragrances can also contain allergens and sensitizers that can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation. Phthalates in fragrances can interfere with hormone function, leading to reproductive and developmental problems.
Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, and Reprotoxic (CMR) Substances
These substances are especially concerning due to their severe health impacts:
Carcinogenic Substances
What are they? Chemicals that can cause cancer.
Why we don't use them: Exposure to carcinogens can lead to the development of cancer over time. Carcinogenic substances can damage DNA and cause mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth. Long-term exposure to carcinogens can result in various types of cancer, including skin, lung, and breast cancer.
Mutagenic Substances
What are they? Chemicals that can cause genetic mutations.
Why we don't use them: Mutagens can lead to genetic defects and increase the risk of cancer. Mutagenic substances can cause changes in DNA that are passed on to future generations. This can result in birth defects, developmental disorders, and an increased risk of cancer.
Reprotoxic Substances
What are they? Chemicals that can affect reproductive health.
Why we don't use them: They can cause fertility issues, developmental problems, and harm to unborn babies. Reprotoxic substances can interfere with hormone function, leading to infertility and reproductive disorders. They can also cause birth defects, developmental delays, and other health problems in children exposed in utero.
The Commitment to Safe Beauty
At Liberation Nails, we believe that beauty should never come at the expense of your health. Our 21-free nail polishes are crafted with integrity, ensuring that every product is free from toxic chemicals and other harmful ingredients. We’ve put heart and healing into every color and formula, with a focus on sustainability and the highest quality standards.
We hold all our suppliers, labs, and manufacturers to Good Manufacturing Practices, ensuring that our products are safe and effective. Our colors are mindfully made, free from parabens, phthalates, carcinogens, mutagens, and many other chemicals linked to toxicity.
A Safer Alternative: 21-Free Nail Polish from Liberation Nails
By choosing the 21-free, non toxic nail polish from Liberation Nails, you’re not only making a healthier choice for yourself but also supporting a brand that values sustainability and integrity. We’ve designed our products with refillable options where possible, keeping raw materials in use for as long as possible and minimizing waste.
Our commitment to better beauty is reflected in every aspect of our products, from the ingredients we choose to the way we manufacture and package them. You can feel good about making our nail polish a part of your self-care routine, knowing that it’s crafted with your well-being in mind.
The beauty industry has come a long way, but there’s still much work to be done in eliminating toxic ingredients from everyday products. By being informed and making conscious choices, you can protect your health and well-being. Our 21-free nail polishes are a testament to our dedication to creating safer, non-toxic beauty products that deliver on performance without compromising your health.
Thank you for choosing a healthier path with us. Together, we can make a difference in the world of beauty and beyond.
