Before Using Nail Polish, Here Are The Facts You Need To Know

Duochrome. Matte. Holographic. Glitter. Crème. Flakie. Chrome. Jelly. The list of the different types of colors and finishes available when it comes to nail polish is endless. With so many options available to us these days, we are inclined to focus more on how the nail polish would look on our nails rather than the chemical composition that creates them. According to recent scientific studies, however, there are several dangerous chemicals present in nail polishes that may cause us harm if we use them regularly.

Toxic On The Tip of Your Fingers

Nail polish originated way back in 3000 BC in China. The first ingredients that were used to create nail polish included vegetable dyes, gelatin, egg whites as well as beeswax. Although it does not sound very pleasant to know that the Chinese were putting ingredients such as egg whites and beeswax on their nails, it is still a lot better than the ingredients used in modern times to create nail polish.

According to research conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Duke University in 2015, it was found that popular nail polish brands such as Wet N Wild, Sally Hansen and OPI all used the chemical triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) in the composition of their nail polish (1). The research concluded that people who painted their nails with nail polishes from the above three brands had traces of TPHP in their bodies within 10-15 hours of using the nail polish.

TPHP is used in nail polishes in order to make the nail polish chip resistant as well as make the formula more durable so that it gives you a longer lasting shine on your nails. However, TPHP is also used in the manufacturing of various kinds of plastics as well as a flame retardant. The chemical properties of TPHP make it harmful for the human body since it disrupts the endocrine system. There have also been researches carried out that conclude that TPHP has a negative impact on a person’s reproductive system as it prevents the body from developing new, healthy cells.

According to Dr. Heather Stapleton, a member of Duke Civil and Environmental Department at Duke’s University, the danger to humans and other animals from the harm caused by TPHP is increasing every day. This is because TPHP is one of the key ingredients in thousands of nail polish.

How To Make Sure You Choose The Right Nail Polish

Apart from getting the right color and finish for your nails, it is crucial for you to read the label on the nail polish to make sure that it does not include chemicals such as TPHP, toluene, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate. Each of these chemicals can harm your body. For instance, toluene is known to irritate the eyes and throat as well as cause painful headaches. Formaldehyde is associated with the development of cancer cells. Lastly, dibutyl phthalate can lead to permanent damage of the reproductive system.

Safe-To-Use Brands

Popular nail polish brands such as OPI and Sally Hansen have gained themselves a great name in the nail polish market because of their great finish and long-lasting shine. On top of that, these companies can offer nail polish at competitive prices since they use harmful chemicals such as TPHP.

Many nail polish brands offer chemically ‘clean’ products. However, these labels may cost you anywhere between 2 to ten times more money than a regular bottle of nail polish. Brands that advertise that they do not make use of any harmful chemicals in their nail polish include Dior, Zoya (2), Deborah Lippmann as well as Côte.

Always make sure to read the label of the nail polish that you feel fits your style. It may appear pleasing to the eye but may end up being harmful to the body. Furthermore, it is recommended to take your own colors of nail polish when you visit a salon for a manicure since this helps you ensure that you will not end up using a harmful nail polish offered by the salon.

Lastly, always make sure you purchase your bottles of nail polish from trusted websites. Purchasing old nail polish sans harmful chemicals is as harmful as purchasing nail polish with toxic stuff. Furthermore, fake nail polish may not be made with the chemicals printed on their label that means you may end up with a bottle of nail polish that contains chemicals such as TPHP or formaldehyde.

We all love colors on our nails. But doesn’t harm to be a little responsible while choosing the products, yeah?

Do you check product labels before purchase? What’s your favorite brand of nail paint and why? Share your comments in the box below.

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Chandrama Deshmukh

   

Creativity has no limits. And words have no barriers. Together they can create magic, bridge all gaps.I work with words. Words that sound great, words that make sense, words that sell and words that tell..

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