Nail Care

Nail polish contains quite a few harmful ingredients. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP). Let's dig deeper. DBP is a commonly used plasticizer. It has been linked to cancer in lab critters, linked to underdeveloped genitals, and linked to fertility problems in newborns. Toluene is a colorless, water-insoluble liquid with a smell associated with paint thinners. It's linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity, and irritation. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin are colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemicals used in building materials. They are carcinogens. When it comes to nail hardeners, formaldehyde is considered a potential threat because it isn't just used as a preservative, as it is in most cosmetics, but as an active ingredient to coat and strengthen the surface of brittle or cracked nails. Camphor is a waxy, flammable, white or transparent solid with a strong aroma. It's linked to organ damage, such as liver dysfunction. TPHP is a colorless solid also used as a plasticizer. It's a suspected hormone-disruptor that’s commonly used as a fire retardant in furniture. Really? So I went on the hunt for nail polish sans the above ingredients. 

Nail Polish

Mineral Fusion - All Mineral Fusion nail polishes are formaldehyde free, toluene free, camphor free, DBP free, and 100% vegan. All of their products are made in the USA and many of them are still handmade. Mineral Fusion is committed to sustainability and utilizes wind power, soy inks, packaging from recycled materials and packaging that is recyclable. The nail polish comes in 61 different shades and costs $7.99. I bought the nail polish at Wegmans but it's also available online at Target and on their website. 

Zoya - As the first to remove toxic ingredients such as toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) from its formulations, Zoya maintains its focus on the health and well being of salons, spas and consumers. Their products continuously receive praise from top fashion magazines and year after year are voted #1 by their users. They have over 400 different shades to choose from. You can buy Zoya at Ulta and it costs around $10 a bottle. 

Pacifica - Their new 7 Free Nail Polish is long lasting and void of many chemicals that one would find in traditional nail polish. Amazing vibrant colors that go on smooth and stay put. Plus they have added a custom wide 100% vegan brush for easier application. 7 FREE is formulated without parabens, phthalates (dibutyl phthalate), toluene, xylene, camphor, formaldehyde, resin, and animals. It comes in 58 different colors. You can buy it on the Pacifica website or at Ulta for $9 a botttle. 

Acquarella - When you start with a foundation of water as the solvent, Acquarella is designed ground up to be the safest nail polish around. No smells and odors, no long drying times, no toxicity, and no adverse nail and cuticle impact. All of the Acquarella Water Color products are proudly made in Tucson, Arizona U.S.A. to exacting standards. None of their finished products are tested on animals, nor do they contain any animal products or by-products. Available in 64 colors and retails for $16 a bottle. 

Nail Polish Removers 

Zoya Remove+ - Zoya Remove+ Nail polish remover is an award winning, gentle, yet highly effective 3-in-1 nail polish remover, nail prep, and nail conditioner. Vegan friendly. Does not contain formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, or camphor. 

Acquarella Remover - Acquarella remover is a proprietary combination of a fruit and vegetable derived linear alcohol that has ester-like solvent properties with special non-ionic surfactant composed of various blended surfactants from potato, corn, Palm, and cotton seed. It doesn't contain acetone, gluten, camphor, or fragrance. It is also free of animal products. Note, Acquarella Remover is specifically designed to remove Acquarella nail polish products only. It will not remove conventional nail polishes.

Karma Organic Removers - Karma Organic Nail Polish Removers are guaranteed to be soy based, non-toxic, non carcinogenic, free of any petroleum ingredients, Derived from farm crops (supporting American Farmers), and packaged in 100% recyclable glass bottles.