SoNailicious

Nail designs, nail art, reviews and how-tos

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
  • NAIL ART
  • NAIL CARE
  • BEAUTY
  • NAIL POLISH
    • Reviews & Swatches
    • Top 5
  • TUTORIALS
  • TRENDS
  • FEATURES
    • 28 days of SoNailicious Nails
    • Expert Advice
    • INTERVIEWS
    • Let’s Talk!
    • Ask SoNailicious
    • Giveaways & Comp
  • NEWS
    • Announcements & Events
    • Launches 2019
    • Launches 2018
    • Launches 2017
    • Launches 2016
    • Launches 2015
    • Launches 2014
    • Launches 2013
  • GALLERY
  • BOOK
  • BOUTIQUE
  • RSS
  • Facebook
  • twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest

The Big 3 Toxins in Your Polish and Nail Care: Why You Should Avoid Them

by Maria @SoNailicious

on November 18, 2015

Categories: Expert Advice, Features, Nail CareFiled Under: Expert Advice, Features, Nail Care

why you should buy 3-free nail polish

Following the article about toxins in beauty products and the heated discussion around it, I decided to unfold the subject further and focus specifically on Toxins in nail polish. The fact that nail polish originates from a car paint gives it a toxic and potentially hazardous past. So which not-so-good chemicals still remain in the formulas or have been added as nail polish evolves? The chemicals we’re talking about today are Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde and Toluene. They were nicknamed the ‘toxic trio’ or The Big 3 because of their serious health impacts.

The Big 3 Toxins subject is not particularly new. Most major U.S. brands started excluding these toxins from their formulas in 2006 and in Europe as early as 1976. So you would assume that by now most of the major nail polish brands would exclude these chemicals completely. Well, imagine how not-so-pleasantly surprised I was to discover formaldehyde in one of my favourite nail strengtheners – now, in 2015!

So, why exactly these toxins are so bad, what do they do and most importantly, why should you avoid them in your polish and nail care products? Read on to find out.

1. Formaldehyde

Found in: some nail polish, but mostly in nail hardeners and nail strengtheners. It is used as a nail-hardening agent. A formaldehyde resin when used in nail polish makes it more long-lasting and resilient. The resin is manufactured from formaldehyde but once the product becomes a resin, the formaldehyde changes chemically and is no longer toxic. However, be aware of formaldehyde in your treatment products! Go check your favourite nail strengthener right now.

Why you should avoid it: This chemical was deemed a human carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC) and has been linked to occupational related cancers: nasal and nasopharyngeal. It can cause eye, nose, throat irritation, asthma, potential effects on the reproductive and neurological systems.

2. Toluene

Found in: Acrylic paints, varnishes, lacquers, adhesives, glues, paint thinners and shoe polish. Its primary use is as an additive in gasoline. Toluene (other names – methylbenzene, toluol and phenylmethane) is a commonly used solvent that creates a smooth finish across the nail and keeps the pigment  from separating in the bottle. It also makes the polish easy to apply.

Why you should avoid it: Inhalation of toluene in low to moderate levels can cause tiredness, weakness, uncoordination, memory loss, nausea, loss of appetite, and hearing and color vision loss. Inhaling high levels of toluene in a short time may cause light-headedness, nausea, or sleepiness, unconsciousness and even death. Inhaling this toxic chemical for prolonged periods can affect the central nervous system, cause reproductive harm and asthma.

3. Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

Found in: PVC, adhesives, printing inks, grouting agents used in construction and also consumer products such as cosmetics and nail polish in particular. DBP is a commonly used plasticiser. It’s an oily liquid that is not very volatile so it does not evaporate readily. It is used in nail polish to prevent chipping and cracks.

Why you should avoid it: It is a suspected teratogen and endocrine disruptor. The use of this substance in cosmetics, including nail polishes, is banned in the EU under Directive 76/768/EEC 1976 and in the U.S. all major producers began eliminating this chemical from nail polishes since 2006. DBP was permanently banned in children’s toys.

Final Thoughts

As you see each of these chemicals used in nail polish for a reason. They make it longer lasting, chip-resistant and more durable. However, there are so many 3-free nail polish brands that have been toxin-free for years and have fantastic formulas. For instance, due to strict regulations (the Big 3 chemicals are banned in the EU) all European nail polish brands are guaranteed 3-FREE and many are 5-FREE. Most of the U.S. brands (Essie, OPI, ORLY, etc) are 3-FREE too.

However if you’re in doubt whether the nail polish is 3-FREE or not, just read the ingredient list and look for Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde and Toluene.

Of course, the choice is yours whether you use toxin-free products or not. I’m simply providing information to help you make a more informed choice. I’ve consciously been using and showcasing only 3-FREE and 5-FREE nail polish brands on SoNailicious for a while now.

Now I’ll be even more cautious about what nail care and polish I use. Particularly now when I see my husband going though the challenges of fighting with cancer. We all feel invincible when we are 18, but trust me the situation changes after you hit 30-35. Health effects of toxins in nail polish are not hypothetical. Research studies have documented acute health effects in nail salon workers that were frequently exposed to nail care products with harmful chemicals (read more here).  The earlier you start looking after yourself and exclude unnecessary toxins from your life the better! I encourage your to start today  – with your stash!

What about you? Is it a big consideration for you if a polish is 3-free or not?

– Maria, xx

Did you find this post useful?
Then stay in touch by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter or follow us via Bloglovin for daily updates.

Tags: 3-Free Nail Polish, health, Nail Polish, Toxin Free
SHARE:
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
 | COMMENTS
17
< PREVIOUS
NEXT >

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

  • 50 things to do self isolation at home50 Brilliant Things To Do At Home For Nail Art Warriors
  • 10 base coats for every nail need10 Best Base Coats For Every Nail Need
  • koala nail art, artists for climate challengeYour Invitation to Join The #Artists4Earth Nail Art Challenge!
  • how to take nail photosExpert Advice: How to Take Great Nail Photos

Tagged With: 3-Free Nail Polish, health, Nail Polish, Toxin Free

SUBSCRIBE
TO THE SONAILICIOUS NEWSLETTER

Get all the nail news delivered straight to your inbox!

Join over 28,000 nail art warriors!

GET

OUR BOOK >


30 EASY NAIL ART DESIGNS

by Maria Vlezko

Book
the little book of nail art, nail art sketch book

NOW ON YOUTUBE!

THE MOST RECENT VIDEO:

Watch more SoNailicious tutorials

WHAT'S POPULAR

  • how to apply nail stickers How to Apply Nail Stickers Like a Pro: 8 Best Tips
  • 12 easy easter nail designs 12 Amazing Easter Nail Designs To Try This Weekend
  • how to store nail polish, nail polish racks How To Store Nail Polish: 6 Do’s and Don’ts
  • St patricks nails St Patrick’s Day Nails & Tutorial
  • new chanel long wear nail polish review I’ve Tried The New Chanel Long-Wear Nail Polish. Here’s What I Think About It

Brushes

FOLLOW
SONAILICIOUS

  • RSS
  • Facebook
  • twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • Bloglovin

ADVERTISE
ON SONAILICIOUS
Find out more >


NAIL NEWS, TUTORIALS & MORE!
SIGN UP


@SO_NAILICIOUS ON INSTAGRAM

BROWSE SONAILICIOUS BY:

Brand

OPI Dior Chanel Orly Essie Kester Black Dance Legend Sally Hansen Diorific Sea Siren Cirque Colors Mavala Ulta3 Bio Sculpture Marc Jacobs YSL Mint Polish Picture Polish SoNailicious Boutique Say It WIth Polish Hello Darling Christian Louboutin Dolce & Gabbana NailsInc Estee Lauder Maybelline NY Ciate Revitanail Revlon Clarins Tom Ford Illamasqua Napoleon Perdis Jurlique Fendi Burberry Faby Guerlain Kat Von D Jamberry Lancome Bourjois Emily De Molly Femme Fatale Australis Fing'rs NARS Platinum Severina Jacqueline Burchell Arcane Lacquer Kenzo FOA MAC Givenchy NCLA Nails Inc Manicare Essence Max Factor Sinful Colors Seche Vite Butter London Gloss n Sparkle Alanna Renee Shades of Phoenix The Body Shop Barry M Glam by Manicare Bloom Cosmetics Burts Bees Nailtiques Blackmores Swisse Korres Isadora Rimmel Jessica Cosmetics Incoco Glam Polish FUN Lacquer Tommy G GT Cosmetics FNUG Illesteva Julep Limecrime Armani KB Shimmer Inglot Niyo & Co The Jojoba Company Lillalab Kiko Cosmetics Pupa L'Oreal Dazzle Dry Formula X Gucci Anya Hindmarch Rocknailstar Louis Vuitton Smith & Cult Opallac Young Nails

Colour

blue pink Black Green Glitter Red Gold Purple White Yellow Silver Pastel black and white Nude Ombre Orange Teal Duochrome Mint Textured Nails Brown Grey Dark Red black and gold Holographic Shimmer Matte Lilac Neon Turquoise Red and Gold Coral Chameleon Burgundy blue and gold Emerald gold and black Rose Gold Metallic Bronze Taupe Gunmetal black and orange Red and Black Red and White Black and Silver Blue and Red Navy Silver and Blue Red and Green White and Blue Gold and Brown Green and Gold Marsala White and Gold Chrome Khaki Peach Radiant Orchid Plum Mauve

Product

SoNailicious Recommends Nail Polish Striping Tape Nail Stickers Studs Cuticle Care Top Coat Nail Stencils Nail Care Indie Nail Polish Gel Nails Top 10 Nail Wraps Strong Nails Lipstick Nail Foil Nail Strengthener Dotting Tool Base Coat Makeup Budget Nail Polish Cruelty Free Nail Polish Storage Caption Polish Tools Thermal Polish Anti Ageing Apps Vegan Toxin Free 5 Free Nail Polish hand cream Caviar Nails Nail Decals Rings Skin Care Nail File Product Reviews 7 Free Nail Polish Ridge Filler Nail Buff Concealer Collistar Fimo Nail Art Book Acrylic Nails Vitamins 3-Free Nail Polish Hand Care The Little Book of Nail Art

Occasion

Easy Nail Art Summer Nails Freehand Nail Art Nail Art Ideas Christmas Spring SoNailicious Takes a Trip Halloween Spring nails Short Nails Valentine's Day Nail Designs MBFWA Fall Floral Nails Cute Nails Elegant Nails NAFW French Manicure Nail Art Tips Negative Space Fashion Nails Fall nails Evening Nails Holiday Collection Easter Nail Art Workshop Instagram Tips Matte Nails Winter Nails Manicure Tips Polka Dot New Years Beauty Expo Celebrity Nails Party Nails NAFW Fall 2015 nail art challenge Half Moon Nails Nail Care Tips NYFW Gradient Cuticles Travelling Makeup Tips Marble Nails Sales Australian Fashion Week Gift Ideas Easy Makeup Ideas Leopard Print Chevron Ruffian Nails St Patricks Day Australia Day 3D nails Art Deco wedding Glitter Gradient Birthday Nails Golden Globes Aztec Nails Beauty Tips Beauty Trends Foil Nails Gothic Nails Long nails Girly Nails Nail Shapes Autumn Career Tips Art Nouveau PFW LFW Game of Thrones Prom Met Gala MFW Vitality Show Bridal Cannes Baroque Summer Nails Kawaii
  • ABOUT
  • PRESS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CONTENT CREATION
  • Masterclasses
  • SALON
  • COPYRIGHT
  • Contact
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Bloglovin
All Rights Reserved. © 2012 - 2023 SoNailicious®So Nailicious is a registered trademark of SoNailicious Pty Ltd.