In part one, we explored the three- and five-free nail polishes and what chemicals companies are removing from them, along with their potential harm. Today, we’ll continue the conversation and look at the seven-free nail polish and explore common questions related to the green nail polish movement.
If you’re ready to try a healthier nail polish, buy nail polish online at The Online Drugstore today!
The Holy Grail: Seven-Free Nail Polish!
Seven-free nail polish - This nail polish removes the following five as seen above as well as an additional two including:
- Ethyl tosylamide - When this chemical is in the presence of formaldehyde, it gives nail polish a glossy look and durability. This substance can be irritating to mucous membranes and has antibiotic properties so it is barred in Europe as a concern to antibiotic resistance.
- Xylene - Xylene helps give nail polish that distinctive odor and is found right along in varnishes, paint thinners, rubber cement, and gasoline. It has harmful side effects such as depression of the central nervous system whether from skin and eye contact, inhalation, or ingestion.
Part of the discussion surrounding the “free nail polishes” is, what are they adding back into them to replace what they’re taking out? Healthier nail polish has come a long way over the years and manufacturers have become quite innovative, however, there are still some companies who are adding adverse chemicals in just as fast as they’re taking them out. Parabens are widely being put in as a preservative, which have endocrine disruptors that can cause hormonal concerns. Acetone is also being added and is used to help thin clumpy and dry nail polish, and causes skin irritations and dermatitis.
So, what’s the big deal?
People have been using nail polish since its beginning in the 1920s and it’s uncommon to hear of nail polish-related health issues. In the US, nail polish meets all legal requirements including those of the FDA and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Vocal opponents of healthier nail polish, take the position that any exposure to chemicals are harmful and dangerous. Many of the chemicals listed are included in California's Proposition 65, which is an annual list of harmful chemicals known to cause cancer, reproductive harm, and birth defects.
Research continues to support both environmental and chemical toxins in their harm to people and the environment. Symptoms may not surface in one manicure, but over a lifetime of exposure there could be consequences — as we’re beginning to see.
Does this mean that “free nail polish” is inherently safe?
Marketing for the free nail polishes has been doing really well as sales have been up in the natural beauty product category, but just as the “natural” and “organic” boom in the food industry has been trending, it doesn’t always mean the food is better or healthier. Removing harmful chemicals is beneficial, but it doesn’t automatically make nail polish safe. As with any product, be an educated consumer and read labels for ingredients and ask questions.
How does “green” nail polish stack up?
There is a lot of time and money spent in formulating the perfect nail polish for the right color, consistency, and durability that consumers demand. “Free” or “green” nail polish is gaining traction from the days where one would go to apply it, only for it to be chipped the next day. The early days were pretty primitive, but many companies have made leaps and bounds in creating nail polishes that look and function as traditional ones.
The Verdict
Choosing a “free” nail polish is a personal preference. The skin breathes and absorbs all that is ingested and applied topically. If you suffer from chronic allergies and sensitivities, choosing a healthier nail polish may benefit you.
If you’re curious about a three-, five-, or even seven-free nail polish, you can benefit from the ingredients that are removed — even if you see no difference. Again, it may not be one application or a year of weekly manicures, but it’s the amount of time — over years and decades — that we may begin to see the harmful results of traditional nail polish. Take steps now, find a three-free you really like, and begin to rid your regimen of toxic chemicals.
