When I decided to go green I quickly learned that my nail polishes were a no go, & I had a huge collection! I adore going and getting pedicures so this was a huge blow.
Why is conventional nail polish so icky?? Well it is because most conventional nail polishes have chemical solvents such as toluene, acetates and alcohol. They are commonly around 70% solvent based. These solvents evaporate into the air after the polish has been applied to help the polish dry on your nails. When they evaporate they generate toxic chemical fume & that "nail polish smell." If you have ever painted your nails or been to the nail salon you know that smell. You are literally breathing in toluene, acetates etc.; chemical solvents.
Many nail polishes also contain dibutyl phthalates, formaldehyde, camphor, and tuolene. Phthalates are a chemical used in PVC plastics, solvents, and synthetic fragrances to preserve and "plasticize" the products. The dibutyl phthalates (or DBP) in polish are there to help prevent the polish from chipping. None of these chemicals are good for your body or the environment. The ingredient that really shocked me was the formaldehyde! It is a proven carcinogen.
So what other options are out there for us trying to be green & glam??
Well the best answer is to not paint your nails at all, but I like my toes a pretty pink a little to much for that, so if you are like me look for water based nail polishes? You can also find alchol based polishes without DBP, toulene, formadehyde, & phalates.; but your best option is to go for water based polishes.
So what are some proven brands out there???
Water based & the best option!!
Sun coat; honeybee gardens,
Non-toxic & more easy to find:
Rescue, SpaRitual, Priti, NoMiss and recently OPI says that they have begun to remove the "Toxic Trio" of toulene, DBP, & formaldehyde.
I have yet to try the water based polishes but I did get the a pink No Miss polish at whole foods & loved it. I was also gifted a wine red polish from SpaRitual and loved it as well. Both were shiny & long lasting =) My next polish purchase will be from one of the water based brands...... (review to come in the future!)
