Nail polish is one of the most toxic cosmetics on the market and its harmful ingredients are readily absorbed through fingernails directly into the bloodstream . These chemicals are also passed to fetuses in pregnant women and into the breast milk of nursing mothers.
Although the best and healthiest option is to avoid nail polish entirely, there are some products available that are less harmful and may even be considered pregnancy-safe nail polish. All of these safer nail enamels have removed the most harmful ingredients – toulene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and acetate/acetone from their formulas. Some have also removed artificial pigments and FD&C colorants.
Water-based Nail Polish
Water-based nail polishes are much safer and less toxic than traditional, solvent-based ones and, without the solvents, these polishes are generally odorless. Traditional nail polish uses a solution of nitrocellulose resins in strong solvents. The nitrocelulose forms a hard film as the solvents evaporate from the base. By contrast, water-based polish uses an emulsion resin with billions of particles suspended in water. As the water evaporates, the particles touch each other and form a hard film that is no longer soluble in water. Water-based nail polish also emits much lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than solvent-based nail polish.
Suncoat Water-based nail polish – this fast-drying, long-lasting polish is 60-70% natural and derives its colors from natural pigments. It was recognized at the Canadian Health Food Association Expo where it won Silver in the Alive Awards of Excellence. It is available in 29 different colors.
Honeybee Gardens – offers both a peel-off and non-peel off polishes. Both polishes are odorless. The non-peel off polish is available in 21 natural colors that last about a week without chipping and can be removed with rubbing alcohol, vodka/grain alcohol, or Honeybee's odorless nail polish remover. The peel-off polish is available in 6 colors and lasts a few days before it's time to peel it off.
Aquarella – This vegan polish dries fast and is available in 22 different colors.
Mineral Oil-based Nail Polish
Although not as safe as water-based polish, polish with a mineral oil base has more staying power.
Peacekeeper – This nail polish is available in five colors, doesn't contain FD&C colorants, and most colors are vegan. In addition, the Environmental Work Group's skin deep rating system has rated this polish as a 3 (low moderate hazard) out of a possible 10 (hazardous).
If you aren't ready to give up colored nails completely, these water and mineral oil-based options are better and safer alternatives to traditional polish.
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