Non-toxic Nail Polishes

Why look for non-toxic nail polishes? After reading about the chemicals found in standard nail polishes, you might wish to reconsider. If you've ever entered a nail salon and been overwhelmed by the strong vapors, you know what we're talking about. Even the acetone contained in nail polish removers can cause irritation and is toxic at high levels. For those of you who love those beautiful colors, but hate the smell, a few alternatives are available.

Phthalates are commonly used to keep nail polish from chipping. However, they can be absorbed through the skin and have recently been called into question for use in personal care products.

Formaldehyde is also commonly used, and can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. A chemical hardener known as phthalic anhydride has been linked with asthma.

Toluene (methylbenzene) is an aromatic hydrocarbon commonly used as a solvent in the manufacturing of paints, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and rubber. Toluene is found in gasoline, acrylic paints, varnishes, lacquers (including nail polish), paint thinners, etc. It is a colorless, sweet smelling, volatile liquid. Toluene can be toxic when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Xylene is one of the top 30 chemicals produced in the United States and is another common ingredient in nail polishes. It is also used as a solvent in the printing, rubber, and leather industries. In the air, xylene is broken down by sunlight into other less harmful chemicals. In poorly ventilated areas, the level of xylene indoors can be higher than outdoor levels. Information from animal studies is not adequate to determine whether or not xylene causes cancer in humans, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the EPA.