Written By: Ying Chun Liu, Founder & Chief Chemist
Why Non-toxic Nail Polish Matters
Choosing non-toxic nail polish is essential for anyone looking to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. Non-toxic nail polish should be free from toxic chemicals and not emit harmful chemical fumes or vapors. It’s important that non-toxic nail polish meets the highest standards, ensuring safety both as a liquid and vapor.
The Importance of Avoiding Acetates in Non-toxic Nail Polish:
To adhere to the strictest standards, non-toxic nail polish must not only be free of the “toxic trio” (formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate or any other phthalate based plasticizers), but also free of chemical solvents known as acetates.
With the rise of the clean beauty movement, many harmful chemicals including the “toxic trios” have been removed from today’s nail polish formulations. However, acetates remain very common in almost all nail polishes, even those that claim to be non-toxic or natural.
The Dangers of Acetates in Nail Polish:
Acetates, namely butyl acetate and ethyl acetate, are very commonly used in today’s nail polish manufacturing process due to their effectiveness as solvents as well as their ability to evaporate quickly. They are used to dissolve nail polish ingredients such as nitrocellulose to produce fast-drying liquid nail polish.
However, these acetates are highly volatile so emit strong odors and chemical fumes that are not only air polluting, but can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, plus serious eye irritation. Repeated exposure can also cause skin dryness, cracking and nail discolouration.
Acetates are derived from petrochemicals. They are not considered eco-friendly due to their reliance on petrochemical origins and the environmental footprint associated with their production and disposal.
Non-toxic nail polish should not contain these chemicals that are harmful to our health and the environment.
Typically, acetates make up 50-75% of the content in a bottle of traditional nail polish, making them a significant contributor to the toxicity of conventional nail polish brands. This makes it clear that non-toxic nail polish cannot include acetates if it is to meet the true definition of non-toxic.
Why Water-Based Nail Polish is the Cleanest Non-toxic Option:
Water-based nail polish is the only true non-toxic nail polish available today. Unlike traditional nail polish, which relies on acetates, water-based nail polish uses water as the primary solvent. This revolutionary approach to nail polish formulation eliminates the need for harmful chemicals, resulting in a product that is virtually odorless, free from chemical fumes, and eco-friendly.
By choosing non-toxic nail polish, you’re making a commitment to healthier beauty practices. Whether for personal health reasons, environmental concerns, or a desire to avoid harmful chemicals, non-toxic nail polish provides a wide range of color options that align with your values.
Application and Care Tips for Non-toxic Nail Polish:
- Base and Top Coats: Enhance the longevity of your manicure by using water-based, non-toxic nail polish base and top coats.
- Proper Removal: Opt for non-toxic nail polish removers, such as those made from soy or corn-soya bases.
- Peel-off Nail Polish: Consider peelable non-toxic nail polish for easy removal without harsh chemicals.
- Nail Hydration: Keep your nails healthy with natural oils or creams designed for moisturizing nails and cuticles.
Final Thoughts on Non-toxic Nail Polish:
Water-based nail polish is the optimal choice when selecting non-toxic nail polish. However, it's important to note that not all water-based nail polishes are created equal. We’ll delve into the technical and performance aspects of water-based non-toxic nail polish in a future blog post.
Stay tuned for more insights!