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😷Do you recognize that strong, recognizable smell that drifts outside onto the street from nail salons?
Don’t inhale it! It can be a sign of airborne toxic chemicals. Nail salons contain air quality that is hazardous to both customers and workers.
🙅I don’t support nail salons. More than 375,000 nail technicians work in salons across the United States and face health hazards. According to the United States Department of Labor:
“Workers exposed to chemicals found in glues, polishes, removers, emollients, and other salon products may experience negative health effects such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses, skin disorders (e.g. allergic contact dermatitis), liver disease, reproductive loss, and cancer. Nail salon workers can be exposed to biological hazards if they come into contact with infected skin, nails, or blood from a co-worker or client. Diseases that can result from exposure to infected blood include hepatitis and AIDS. Nail salon workers can also get fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, from clients.” Nail salons are a hazard to us and to the workers. Do not bring your kids into the salon. Paint your nails and your children’s nails at home in a ventilated area, using the safest nail polishes that you can possibly find.💅
These ingredients listed below are the most toxic fund in nail polish. So avoid that if you found any of these in your nail polish. The “toxic trio”:
❌ Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): An endocrine disruptor, dibutyl phthalate shown to affect the reproductive system and is linked to cancer, DBP has been used as a plasticizer and solvent to increase wear. DBP has a rating of 10 (the most toxic) in the EWG Skin Deep database. It is a phthalate and acts as a plasticizer.
❌ Formaldehyde: Classified as a known carcinogen, formaldehyde is often used as a preservative, nail hardener, and strengthener in conventional polishes.
❌ Toluene: Included in some polishes as a solvent to smooth application, it has been linked to impaired human reproduction and development, impaired breathing, being harmful to the nervous system, and nausea.
Then they added to the list 2 more and they created the big five:
❌ Formaldehyde resins. A derivative of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin is often used as a hardener and in large doses can be a skin allergen.
❌ Camphor: Added to some polishes for high-shine, camphor can cause allergic reactions in large doses, causing irritation, dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
Then they added these to the list and they created the big 10:
❌ Xylene: Used by some brands to help polish from getting gloppy, xylene is also a known allergen and a possible carcinogen.
❌ Parabens: Used as preservatives, parabens get a bad rep for having estrogen-mimicking effects which may trigger hormonal problems.
❌ Fragrances: toxic undisclosed chemicals mix
❌ Phthalates: or phthalate esters, are esters of phthalic acid. They are mainly used as plasticizers
❌ Animal ingredients: ingredients derived from animals.
Avoid these too:
❌ TPHP: triphenyl phosphate is also known as TPP, research suggests it causes changes in hormone regulation, metabolism, and reproductive systems. It has been used in polish as a plasticizer which makes the polish flexible yet durable.
❌ Ethyl Tosylamide
❌Solvents: ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, may cause drowsiness or dizziness. According to the European Chemicals Agency database (ECHA)
❌Diacetone alcohol: it can cause respiratory issues and even damage to the liver and kidneys, diacetone alcohol is suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child according to ECHA.
❌ Di-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate: film-forming ingredients, it poses a risk of sensitization from misuse of the products
❌ Nitrocellulose: possible allergenic
❌ Tert-butyl hydroperoxide
❌ Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer: acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and 2-Ethylhexyl acrylate seems ok but may increase the risk of respiratory irritation.
AVOID PARAFFIN PRODUCTS: they are petroleum-derived, and found in manicure treatments!
Greenwashing nail polish brands claim to be “10-free“: free of DBP, formaldehyde, toluene, formaldehyde resin, and camphor, Xylene, Parabens, Fragrances, Phthalates, Animal ingredients. But then they still use
❌ Benzophenone-1: Human endocrine disruptor – strong evidence. Significant wildlife and environmental disruption. In vitro and in vivo estrogenic activity; increased uterine weight in immature rats. Linked to endocrine disruption, toxic ingredient, UV absorber, used to block color fading, is linked to endocrine disruption carcinogen to the California EPA’s Proposition 65 list
These are greenwashing nail polish brands. So avoid that!
✅ I collected the most natural and safe nail polish brands I was able to find, without the toxins of the traditional solvent-based polish, and more than just “10-free“! Nail Polishes listed here are also Biodegradable, Gluten-free, Soy-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free Vegan, and Cruelty-free and do not contain any animal by-products.
There are just a few brands I recommend brands and they are all listed here.
Our demand and choice for safer products will shape the market giving greenwashing companies no option but to offer better products and be more transparent with the consumers!
💅When going to a nail salon bring your safer nail polish with you.
The majority of nail salons are a smelly and toxic environment
It is very important that we consider the safety standards for those who work in nail salons that are exposed every day to those fumes, we need to demand cleaner safer nail salons for everyone.
Always consider safe options for yourself and those around you. 🌸 I also collected the Safest Adults nail polish
My number one non-toxic kid’s nail polish recommendations are:
🌿 Kapa Nui is the best with no odor, eco-packaging, and cute colors. 10% off promo code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
Shop with my links to support my research! 💖
Shop with my links to support my research!💖
10% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
💅🏻This is my favorite and my number one nail polish recommendation! Many of you are chemical sensitive like me and I highly recommend this brand as it has virtually no odor! Usually, when I wear nail polish I have to apply it outdoors to reduce exposure to toxic air indoors, but with this, I was so impressed it didn't smell at all, like any other brand I tried before!
💚 For this reason, it is my number one recommendation!
Their colors are so beautiful, and their packaging is the most eco-friendly one I have seen on the market with their bamboo applicator.
🌺 Made in Hawaii where their collection gets their inspiration from.
I also like their smaller travel-size bottles, easy to carry, and store, and less product waste for unused or expired products.
Featuring here:
Pua Melia
Nudie
Strawberry guava
Mochi
INGREDIENTS: water, acrylates emulsion, mineral pigments (may contain red and/or violet lakes, ultramarine blue, and/or titanium, chromium, and iron oxides)
10% off code: PRETTYORGANCGIRL
🌿 Poofy Organics Nail Polishes.
Poofy Organics Nail Polish is made with safer ingredients. Suitable for pregnant women and recommended as a natural nail polish for kids.
Apply two coats on nails for full coverage.
For better results use Poofy Organics 2-in-1 Base Top Coat to protect the nail and the color.
✅ Safe for pregnant women and kids (4+)
✅ Durable
✅ Non-yellowing formula
✅ Cruelty free/Not tested on animals
✅ Packages in 100% recyclable packaging
INGREDIENTS: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Isopropyl Alcohol, Adipic Acid/Fumaric Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, Mica, Iron Oxides, Tin Oxides. May Contain: Acetyl Tributyl, Stearalkonium Hectorite, or Citric Acid
💅🏻Kapa Nui This is my favorite and my number one nail polish recommendation! Many of you are chemical sensitive like me and I highly recommend this brand as it has virtually no odor! Usually, when I wear nail polish I have to apply it outdoors to reduce exposure to toxic air indoors, but with this, I was so impressed it didn't smell at all, like any other brand I tried before! For this reason, it is my number one recommendation!
💚Here is their organic green nail polish collection, great for St. Patrick's Day or Christmas organic stocking stuffers.
I also like their smaller bottles easy to carry, and store, and less product waste for unused or expired products.
Kapoho
Laukahi
Naupaka
🌿MG Naturals is the first 100% Titanium Dioxide-Free Makeup brand in the world,🌎 plus it tests its products for safety & purity to ensure zero heavy metals. Plus, they use certified organic ingredients! Amazing!
🍃I am impressed with this brand with its dedication to sourcing certified organic ingredients and testing for safety & purity to ensure zero heavy metals.100% Titanium Dioxide Free.
MG Naturals Organic Kids Makeup Kit is made to the same stringent safety standards as all of their MG Natural products, no petro-chemicals, dyes, harsh colorants, only organic, vegan skin-loving makeup
🍃MG Naturals uses only 100% natural wild-grown, sustainable, certified organic & cold-pressed ingredients for all their products.
INGREDIENTS: Water, Acrylic Copolymers, Mica, Bio Glitter +/-, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Iron oxides +/-,
15% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
🌿 Bare Hand Organic The Dry Gloss Manicure Kit for you healthiest natural hands and feet nails.
Packed in a vegan leather case. The Polisher and Cuticle Oil hydrate, condition cuticles, and add a natural shine—with only the purest ingredients. The Polisher’s glass and mineral blend gently bind keratin cells with no chipping and no dry time needed.
Use The Polisher by applying gentle but firm pressure across the nail in short strokes. Once shined, use the brush pen to apply a thin coat of The Cuticle Oil to the nail bed and cuticle. Repeat weekly for the Polisher and daily for the Cuticle Oil.
✅ The only natural nail kit that gives you both conditioned cuticles and a truly significant shine.
It includes:
INGREDIENTS: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Olive Squalane, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Vitus Vinifera (Grape) Seed oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract.
🌿 Bare Hands The Mani Pedi Pairing for you healthiest natural hands and feet nails.
This organic manicure and organic pedicure kits are packed in a vegan leather case with everything you need to shine fingers and toes, plus targeted moisture for cuticles and heels.
The Dry Gloss Manicure features the glass and mineral blend Polisher and comes with a Citrine cuticle oil pen and orange wood sticks for cuticle pushing.
The Natural Pedicure focuses on a foot file with precise, high-performing abrasion and an occlusive-forward balm that multi tasks to soften feet or as a day mask for hands.
✅ The only natural manicure and pedicure kit that gives you both conditioned cuticles and a truly significant shine.
The Dry Gloss Manicure kit
• Vegan pouch • The Polisher (for shined nails) • The Citrine Cuticle Oil • 2 wooden push sticks • 1 fabric chamois to stay tidy
The Natural Pedicure kit—
• The glass foot file • Silicone protective case • Verbena foot balm in a twist-up tube
GREENWASHING
This brand has been recommended by a popular green blogger-mom. This has the very ingredients she was warning on her blog: benzophenone-1.
The brand claims: "Our non-toxic polish formula": greenwashing the bogger and the brand!
❌ Benzophenone-1: Human endocrine disruptor - strong evidence. Significant wildlife and the environment disruption. In vitro and in vivo estrogenic activity; increased uterine weight in immature rats. Linked to endocrine disruption, toxic ingredient, UV absorber, used to block color fading, is linked to endocrine disruption carcinogen to the California EPA’s Proposition 65 list
INGREDIENTS: butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, nitrocellulose, adipic acid/neopentyl, glycol/trimellitic, anhydride, copolymer, acetyl tributyl citrate, isopropyl alcohol, stearalkonium bentonite, acrylates copolymer, styrene/acrylates copolymer, silica, benzophenone-1, and trimethylpentanediyl dibenzoate.
I consider this brand greenwashing since they are not a non-toxic polish brand!
This has the very ingredients benzophenone-1 and fragrance
❌ Benzophenone-1: Human endocrine disruptor - strong evidence. Significant wildlife and environmental disruption. In vitro and in vivo estrogenic activity; increased uterine weight in immature rats. Linked to endocrine disruption, toxic ingredient, UV absorber, used to block color fading, is linked to endocrine disruption carcinogen to the California EPA’s Proposition 65 list
INGREDIENTS: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Acrylates Copolymer, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Fragrance (Parfum), Silica, Benzophenone-1, Red 6 Lake (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Aleurites Moluccanus (Kukui) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Black 2 (CI 77266), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Viola Odorata (Violet) Extract, Diacetone Alcohol, Phosphoric Acid
I don't recommend this nail polish made by 100% Pure. Even if I recommend this brand for making organic and safer products, I don't recommend this product!
Even if they claim to be 20-Free Organic Nail Polish, they have still left a very toxic ingredient: benzophenone-1. It is so disappointing they are still not able to remove that ingredient!
❌ Benzophenone-1: linked to endocrine disruption, toxic ingredient, UV absorber, used to block color fading, is linked to endocrine disruption carcinogen to the California EPA’s Proposition 65 list
INGREDIENTS: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Stearalkonium Bentonite, n-Butyl Alcohol, Benzophenone-1, Silica, Alumina, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Polyvinyl Butyral, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Ethylene/Vinyl Acetate Copolymer. MAY CONTAIN: Aluminum Powder (CI 77000), Iron Oxides (CI 77499, CI 77491), Red 34 Lake (CI 15880), Red 6 Lake (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Mica (CI 77019), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Yellow 11 (CI 47000), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Violet 2 (CI 60725), Ultramarines Blue (CI 77007)
👉Greenwashing nail polish brands claim to be “10-free”: Free from DBP, formaldehyde, toluene, formaldehyde resin, camphor, Xylene, Parabens, Fragrances, Phthalates, and Animal ingredients. 🔎But then they still use Benzophenone-1 ❌ Benzophenone-1: Human endocrine disruptor - strong evidence. Significant wildlife and environmental disruption. In vitro and in vivo estrogenic activity; increased uterine weight in immature rats. Linked to endocrine disruption, toxic ingredient, UV absorber, used to block color fading, is linked to endocrine disruption carcinogen to the California EPA’s Proposition 65 list. I avoid these nail polish brands! ✅ Find safer nail polish brands on this page above
INGREDIENTS: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Benzophenone-1, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate