“THE DOSE MAKES THE POISON”!
We girls love a pamper, especially our manicures and pedicures. Even from an early age there is something wonderful about pristine, brightly coloured pinkies and tootsies. However damning evidence about our beloved nail varnish brands has been revealed, so if you and your children are thinking of heading off to the nail bar for a weekly treat, please read the article below by the Environmental Working Group and make sure you know exactly what you are putting on your precious bodies!
A new study by researchers at EWG and Duke University finds that nail polishes can contain a suspected endocrine disruptor called triphenyl phopshte, or TPHP.
Researchers tested the urine of 26 women volunteers before and after they applied nail polish. They were looking for DPHP, a different chemical created by the body when it metabolizes TPHP. They detected much higher levels of DPHP after the polish was applied.
The scientists at Duke also tested 10 different nail polishes for TPHP itself and found that eight contained it. According to EWG’s Skin Deep database, polishes that list TPHP as an ingredient include such popular brands as Sally Hansen, Essie, OPI, Revlon and Wet N Wild.
TPHP might disrupt hormones in humans, and in animal studies has upset reproductive and development processes. Cosmetics companies use it because the chemical makes nail polish more flexible and durable. It’s also used in plastics manufacturing and as a common fire retardant in furniture cushions and some foam children’s products.
As a result, we are widely exposed to TPHP, but some research shows that women have higher levels in their bodies. This may be explained by the use of the chemical in personal care products for women, including nail polish.
The EWG and Duke study reveals how applying nail polish can increase your short-term exposure to TPHP. But regularly painting your nails could lead to long term exposure.
Parents, this is a particular concern for children and teenagers. For many youngsters, nail polish is the first introduction to cosmetics. But before and during puberty, they’re especially vulnerable to hormone disruptors. Before applying another coat, try these tips for healthy nail polish use in your family:
Use less. Paint only your fingers or toes, not both – or better yet, skip the polish and buff your nails to a natural shine.
Read labels. Look for red-flag ingredients on the label or check products in EWG’s Skin Deep database. Of the more than 3,000 nail polishes in Skin Deep, 49 percent list TPHP among ingredients. Also avoid products that contain toluene, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.
Talk to your children about the potential dangers. If your children wear nail polish, talk to them about smart choices.
Limit use – say, only during sandal season – and help them pick water based alternatives and polishes that are free of harmful chemicals. Remind them not to chew polish off their nails.
Do it yourself. The air in nail polish salons can be hazardous to both customers and workers. Avoid them, and never take your children to the salon.
Don’t inhale. That strong, recognizable nail polish smell can be a sign of airborne toxic chemicals. Always apply nail polish in a well-ventilated room.
9 SAFER BRANDS OF NAIL POLISH BY ECO WATCH
Many of these brands still use other chemicals, so be sure to double-check the ingredients for others that cause you concern. Whether you already have the best of the best when it comes to natural cosmetics or you’re just starting to green up your shelves, we’ve rounded up some of the best brands that have dedicated themselves to more natural nail care, so your next manicure can be headache- and toxin-free.
1. Zoya. Created by Zoya and Michael Reyzis of Art of Beauty, Zoya nail polish revolutionized the nail industry when it began making long-lasting, toxin-free polish. Eliminating toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP from its polishes, Zoya has quickly become one of the most popular 5-free nail polish brands out there. With new colors released each season, you’ll be sure to find the perfect shade for every occasion.
2. Suncoat. Since 2001, Suncoat has been crafting nail polishes with a water base and no toxins. Rather than replacing known toxins with other chemicals, a common practice among nail polish makers, Suncoat uses water. With mineral pigments and natural ingredients to boot, who can complain? Check out their peelable nail polish (no remover needed!) and nail art for an all-natural manicure that will have everyone staring.
3. Piggy Paint. Founder Melanie Hurley was horrified when she saw what the nail polish she was putting on her children’s nails did to a styrofoam plate. She dedicated herself to making a water-based, non-flammable, non-toxic nail polish that has an almost unnoticeable odor. The vibrant colors of this hypoallergenic and cruelty-free lacquer make Piggy Paint the perfect option for fun-loving kids of any age.
4. Honeybee Gardens. Look at the ingredients of Honeybee Gardens’ nail polish and you’re bound to let out a breath you didn’t know you’d been holding. This polish uses a special, water-based formula that’s 3-free, nearly odorless and free of FD&C colors (synthetic food dyes that can be used in food, drink and cosmetics). With 25 colors including the striking blue “Oasis,” deep black “Abyss” and fiery red “Burlesque,” finding one to match your personality should be easy (but picking only one may not be).
5. RGB. Like Zoya, this luxury eco-minded nail polish is 5-free, plus all of RGB’s products are cruelty-free, vegan and made in the U.S. With a wide array of colors available, there’s something for every green-ista in this collection. Although it’s on the pricier side, knowing that your product is helping the Earth and your nails is well worth it.
6. Sheswai. Three-free and eco-chic, Sheswai nail polish has succeeded in creating a brand that appreciates natural glamour. If the names of the colors aren’t enough to grab you (think “yowza”), Sheswai uses sustainably harvested wood as an alternative to the typical plastic cap. No products are tested on animals and a portion of the profits are donated to organizations dedicated to sustainability, such as the Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Foundation. A product that does good and makes you look good? Sign us up!
7. LVX. Similar to RGB, LVX (Latin for “light”) is 5-free, vegan, cruelty-free and produced in the U.S. Co-founder Branka Tomic has a love for high fashion that translates into the sleek, high quality hues you’ll find on their website. LVX polishes don’t come cheap, but if you’ve been searching for the perfect combination of luxury and eco-friendly, this is the nail polish to try.
8. 100% Pure. This ten-free formula does NOT contain any of the common toxins found in other nail polishes, including formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, parabens, fragrances, phthalates, or animal ingredients.
9. SIENNA BYRON BAY. Produces premium quality, non toxic nail polish in Byron Bay, Australia.7 free and contains no Formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, synthetic camphor, xylene, tosylamide, benzophenone-1, animal parts or any other nasties. Vegan and Cruelty Free.
An added bonus is they have replaced the usual plastic lids with signature wooden caps made from local non-native sustainable timber. All caps are environmentally friendly and organic. A win win in my book.