Nail spas left and right, slumber parties that cannot probably go on without painting each other’s nails or just some feminine fancy of seeing those toes wiggling with bright colors on them. There are hundreds of reasons why applying nail polish is something that strikes every woman’s fancy at some point.

As a matter of fact, consumer preference when it comes to nail lacquer has been so relevant that different companies have invested millions discover new ways of drawing in the female market. Artificial nails and made-to-order nails have been invented to both satisfy their fancy, and whet their appetite for more. 

Every salon of every kind today is never without a bag of nail polish.  Little did we know, those tiny innocent-looking bottles containing polish of almost every color imaginable turn out to be filled with horrid consequences.

The cosmetic industry has stretched its capabilities so much that certain chemicals were invented to continuously improve the quality of nail polish. However, not all of these chemicals are completely safe. Some of the most common nail polish ingredients put to risk not just our health, but the environment.

Four of these ingredients have in the past received significant public scrutiny:

  1. Toluene


    In order to allow the polish to be brushed onto the nails, this chemical was used as a solvent to maintain the liquid base. It also functions to dry the polish more quickly. Despite being able to give nails a smooth finish, this neurotoxin is extremely hazardous to the environment.

    Toluene, being volatile, is soluble enough to cause surface water and groundwater pollution. Although the risk of ingestion is low, inhalation of large quantities can harm the kidneys, liver and the heart.  Also, it causes skin, eyes and nose irritation, and even impairment of the central nervous system.

  2. Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

    The very same ingredient that makes plastic more malleable, this plasticizer is mixed into the nail polish to prevent the color coat from cracking – a definite plus for people who despise coat chipping.

    A research study led by Earl Gray of US Environmental Protection Agency discovered that some of DBP’s components pose a huge threat to fetal development. The chemical is said to disrupt hormones to an extent where it could cause birth deformities and/or reproductive system problems – to both sexes. Moreover, in 2005, another study presented the effects of phthalates on the development of genital organs (especially those of male fetuses) and according to some experts, adult infertility.

  3. Formaldehyde

    Yes, the same ingredient used in car polish, paint, plywood veneer, disinfectants and sealants is also found in the same liquid that women coat their nails and toes with. This particular hardening agent, though helpful in preventing the chipping of the polish, also has an adverse effect on the immune system due to its carcinogenic elements. Aside from this, prolonged exposure causes nausea, coughing, wheezing and irritation.

    Furthermore not only has it always been one of the most frequent indoor pollutants that the International Agency for Research on Cancer has recognized, it has also established itself as is a persistent toxin to the aquatic environment.

  4. Ethyl Acetate


    Though girls are known for wasting away half or sometimes a full day at a nail spa, waiting for the nail polish to dry is pretty much a chore, especially when they could’ve used that time scouring the mall. It is for this perceived sales risk that this chemical was included: to make nail polish dry faster. Exposure to a high concentration of this chemical could lead to irritation and damage of internal organs.

    All these toxins act as grave threats not only to humans but also to the environment. Although damage to health is done only when these chemicals are ingested in high concentration, enough caution and awareness is needed for that damage not to spread to our surroundings.

    At present, companies are already developing formulas that could eliminate these detrimental toxins from the nail polish mixture. Hopefully, the cosmetic industries as well as the consumers do not turn a blind-eye to this concern, and engage in measures aimed at safekeeping environmental safety.  After all, it would definitely make us feel better if we could be fashion-forward, minus the damage.

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