Nail polish has been a staple in the beauty industry for decades, but not all nail polish is created equal. Traditional nail polish contains a variety of toxic chemicals that can have negative effects on our health and the environment. Fortunately, there is a growing trend of non-toxic nail polish that offers a safer and more sustainable option for achieving a gorgeous manicure.
What is Non-Toxic Nail Polish?
Non-toxic nail polish, also known as “5-Free” or “7-Free” nail polish, refers to nail polish that does not contain certain toxic chemicals. These chemicals include formaldehyde, toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), formaldehyde resin, and camphor. Some non-toxic nail polish is also free of other harmful chemicals such as ethyl tosylamide and xylene.
Why Choose Non-Toxic Nail Polish?
There are several reasons why non-toxic nail polish is a better choice than traditional nail polish. First and foremost, it is safer for our health. The chemicals found in traditional nail polish can be harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. They can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and even cancer. Non-toxic nail polish eliminates these risks.
Non-toxic nail polish is also better for the environment. Traditional nail polish can release harmful chemicals into the air and water, causing pollution and harm to wildlife. Non-toxic nail polish is made with safer, more sustainable ingredients, reducing the environmental impact of our manicures.
Another advantage of non-toxic nail polish is that it is often long-lasting and chip-resistant. With the recent advancements in technology, non-toxic nail polish is not only safe but also performs as well as traditional nail polish.
Where to Find Non-Toxic Nail Polish?
Non-toxic nail polish is becoming increasingly popular and is now available at many drugstores, beauty supply stores, and online retailers. Many of the top nail polish brands have started to offer non-toxic options, and there are also many smaller, independent brands that specialize in non-toxic nail polish.
Is Nail Polish Toxic to Breathe?
Yes, some nail polishes can be toxic to breathe. Traditional nail polishes often contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates which can be harmful when inhaled.
Formaldehyde, for example, is a known carcinogen and can cause respiratory issues such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Toluene, which is a solvent, can cause headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness. Phthalates, which are a group of chemicals used to make nail polish more flexible, can cause respiratory and skin irritation and have been linked to various health problems.
This is one of the reasons why non-toxic nail polishes are becoming more popular. These polishes are free of these harmful chemicals and are a safer option for both the person applying the polish and anyone in the vicinity. It’s important to note that even with non-toxic nail polish, it’s still important to use in a well-ventilated area, especially when you’re using it frequently.
Related: 10 Expert Tips for Strong, Healthy Nails
Additional Considerations
When choosing non-toxic nail polish, it’s important to look for brands that are transparent about their ingredients and have a clear list of what is and isn’t included in their products. Some brands may claim to be non-toxic but still include some potentially harmful chemicals. It’s also important to note that just because nail polish is labeled as “Non-toxic” or “Organic“, it doesn’t mean it’s completely safe or that it’s free from all chemicals.
Another thing to consider is the packaging and disposal of non-toxic nail polish. Many non-toxic nail polishes are packaged in a way that is not environmentally friendly. Look for brands that use recycled materials or packaging that can be easily recycled. Nail polish bottles, even non-toxic, can be difficult to recycle, and it’s important to dispose of them appropriately, not throwing them in the trash.
Another consideration to make is that certain non-toxic nail polishes are not vegan or cruelty-free. Some non-toxic nail polishes may use animal-derived ingredients or be tested on animals. If this is important to you, look for vegan and cruelty-free options when purchasing non-toxic nail polish.
Top Chip-Resistant Non-Toxic Nail Polishes on Amazon
Here are some popular and highly rated non-toxic nail polish brands you can consider:
1-Butter London: This brand is known for its high-quality, long-lasting nail polishes that are free of formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates. They also offer a wide range of colors and finishes.
2-Zoya: This brand is considered one of the pioneers of the non-toxic nail polish movement. They are free of formaldehyde, toluene, camphor, and other harmful chemicals. They also offer a wide range of colors and finishes.
3-Tenoverten: This brand is known for its clean, non-toxic, and vegan formulas. They are free of harmful chemicals and also made without parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
4-Ella + Mila: This brand offers a wide variety of chip-resistant colors that are free of the “big 5” toxic chemicals: formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. They are also vegan and cruelty-free.
5-SOPHi: This brand offers a variety of chip-resistant colors that are free of the “big 5” toxic chemicals and are also vegan and cruelty-free.
6-Piggy Paint: This brand offers a wide variety of chip-resistant colors that are safe for kids and are free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, and other harsh chemicals.
These are just a few options, you can find many other brands which are non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free, it’s important to research and read reviews to find the best option for you.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that not all non-toxic nail polishes are created equal. Some may work better than others, so it may take a bit of experimentation to find the perfect non-toxic nail polish for you. It’s important to read reviews and look into the ingredients list before making a purchase.
Non-toxic nail polish is a healthier and more sustainable choice for achieving a gorgeous manicure. It is made without harmful chemicals and is better for both our health and the environment. With a wide variety of non-toxic nail polish available, it has never been easier to make the switch to a safer and more sustainable option. So go ahead, paint your nails with non-toxic nail polish and enjoy a beautiful and healthy manicure.
Photo: Pexels/ Vlad Chețan
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