Have Fewer Chemicals in Your Christmas Manicure
Disclaimer - I have not personally used all of the products discussed, nor am I being compensated for mentioning any products
Who doesn’t love a pretty manicure - especially at the Holidays? There are thousands of nail products on the market, some claiming to be more “natural” or “clean” than others. Combine that with the research being done about the absorption and harm of chemicals, it can be a bit daunting.
In this post, I am going to cover tips and products for you to have a healthy holiday manicure.
First, let’s talk chemicals. According to the FDA website “Under the law, cosmetic products and ingredients, including nail products, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market, except for most color additives.” So - except for certain products that have been banned or strict limitations placed (think lead in lipstick,) no one is regulating what goes into nail polish in the U.S.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), reports the most common chemicals found in nail products and salons are:
Acetone - nail polish remover
Several Types of Acetate - found in nail polish and nail polish remover
Formaldehyde - nail polish and nail hardener
Methyl methacrylate - found in acrylic nail products
Toluene - nail polish and nail glue
Most of the side effects from these products come from prolonged inhalation or excessive exposure to the skin. OSHA states that for employees of nail salons prolonged inhalation of these products can cause symptoms of eye and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms can include dry and cracked skin and formaldehyde is a proven cancer-causing agent.
One of the newer trends in nail products is ‘HEMA Free.’ HEMA is the abbreviation for hydroxyethyl methacrylate which is a chemical found in gel and other polishes that helps with adhesion and shine. It has been reported that HEMA in nail products can cause allergic skin reactions.
Another newer trend is ‘five-free’ products. “Five-free refers to polishes that do not contain five specific ingredients: formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, and camphor.”
Absorption of chemicals through the nail bed has been established but exactly how much and possible side effects are still largely unknown.
What does all of this mean for at-home consumers? Honestly, it’s still subjective. I have applied my own acrylics, dip powders, gel polish, and nail wraps. Dip powder has been the only product that caused me to have throat irritation and headache and I have never had any skin reactions other than some slight expected dryness.
However, as someone who does like to have my nails done, I have decided to take the long-term approach and better safe than sorry. I have begun exploring products with fewer chemicals and toxins. Below is a list and product links I have compiled from personal use and recommendations of others in no particular order.
Olive and June - This manicure brand has several options to choose from and is cost-effective, with their regular polish starting at $9. They offer regular polish, gel polish, press-ons, nail art, and care supplies. The company states that its polishes are 15-free, saying “We're adjusting our language to 15-free because we want you to know we continue to make the cleanest longest-lasting polish on the market.”
Static Nails - “Static is best known for spearheading industry-changing advancements such as the first Reusable Pop-On Manicure, first non-toxic, odorless polish remover, and first non-toxic, USA-made lash liner adhesive.” Originally offering reusable pop-on nails the company has also expanded to nail lacquer options.
Polish Pops - Founded in 2020 (thanks pandemic!) and run by Monique and her husband, Polish Pops offers customers chemical-free, vegan nail wraps. The regular polish wraps are predried and the ‘gel wraps’ are semi-dried and cured with a UV/LED light. They also offer a revolutionary no-wipe gel top coat. Polish Pops says - “Our premier line of Top Gels take 14-Free to the next level with our hassle-free No Wipe, HEMA-Free formula!
Ella + Mila - This company named after one of the founder's twin daughters boasts 17 chemical-free products. A quote from their website states- “With a passion for color and dedication to healthy beauty, the founders strive to provide fashion-forward beauty products without compromise.”
Sally Hansen - good.kind.pure line: “Sally Hansen’s first plant-based, 16-free*, 100% vegan nail polish offers beautiful color and shine with no compromise.” Sally’s website states that their vegan, bamboo, and marine algae-enhanced nail polish lasts as long as traditional polish and is available in 44 shades.
