Getting a mani and pedi from a favorite nail salon can be a great stress reliever. But to ensure your health and safety, it’s crucial to pick and use clean beauty products, like your nail polish. Using non-toxic manicures lowers your risk of irritation, sensitivity, redness, and even cancer. Making clean beauty products a part of your beauty regime also lowers your risk of body toxicity and enhances your body’s immunity. 

Not only do clean beauty products positively impact your health and wellness; using them is also a great way of protecting the environment. For instance, the use of non-toxic manicures means lesser pollution in the ocean and lakes as these products contain little to zero harsh chemicals and synthetic compounds. 

Fortunately, non-toxic manicures are available almost anywhere. These products were formulated without TPHP and other chemicals and ingredients that may be harmful to humans and the environment. 

What Is a Non-toxic Manicure?

Thanks to the advancements in nail polish formulations, you can now buy and use non-toxic manicures. Non-toxic manicures are 3-free, meaning they’re formulated without any of the following chemicals:

Formaldehyde 

Formaldehyde is an intense-smelling, colorless gas used as a hardener in nail polish. According to the American Cancer Society, humans who are regularly exposed to high amounts of formaldehyde are at a higher risk of developing cancer. This chemical is naturally present in the environment and in most living organisms but is recognized by the Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a type of carcinogen. 

Toluene

Toluene is a sweet-smelling industrial solvent that causes severe eye and nose irritation, dizziness and adversely affects the nervous system. Although not recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a carcinogen, toluene is considered a teratogen by the agency. This means that the chemical can impact the development of the fetus or embryo after prolonged exposure. 

Dibutyl Phthalate or DBP

Commonly used as a plasticizer to reduce material brittleness and promote flexibility, Dibutyl Phthalate can trigger severe irritations, dizziness, and headaches when inhaled. Long-term exposure to the chemical can damage the liver, lungs, kidneys, and reproductive system.

Nail Polish Ingredients: What to Avoid and Look For 

Besides paying attention to the shade of the nail polish before buying, you should also be cautious about the ingredients it contains. As mentioned in the previous section, not all nail polishes are created equal — most traditional nail polishes can take a toll on your health. 

This section is dedicated to presenting harmful and safe ingredients found in nail polishes. Take note of the information presented here, so you’ll end up buying a nail polish that’ll make your nails healthy; not ones that can cause symptoms and health issues. 

Ingredients to Avoid

Camphor

Camphor is present in the wood of camphor trees and gives nail polishes a glossy and shiny appearance. Experts believe that camphor triggers severe allergic reactions and might cause nausea, headache, and dizziness when inhaled. Long-term exposure to this ingredient also impacts different organs, which can result in liver dysfunction. 

Xylene

Aside from being present in nail polishes, xylene is also found in paint thinners and different petroleum products. Low-level usage and exposure to xylene can cause dizziness and headaches, while high-level usage and exposure to this chemical affect the kidneys and respiratory system. 

Colophonium

Colophonium is a sticky substance found in spruce and pine trees. Due to its sticky properties, colophonium is used in nail polishes to improve texture. However, colophonium is a strong allergen compound associated with acute allergic problems, as it triggers breathing issues and dermatitis. 

Organic Halides (AOX)

Organic halides are used as thinners in nail polishes. This ingredient consists of different substances, such as chlorine, fluorine, iodine, and bromine. Frequent exposure to organic halides can cause mild eye and skin irritation, as well as nerve damage.  

Silicone

Nail polishes use dimethicone, a type of silicone that speeds up the drying process. Dimethicone causes allergic problems in humans and is considered non-biodegradable, meaning it can be toxic to the environment. 

Ingredients to Look For 

Now that you know what ingredients to avoid, it’s time to talk about the ingredients you should look for when choosing non-toxic manicures. Being equipped with this information will keep you safe long-term regardless of how often you apply nail polish. 

Garlic Bulb

Thanks to its anti-aging and anti-fungal properties, manicures with garlic bulbs can help smoothen the skin. This ingredient also helps improve blood circulation and speeds up the body’s ability to heal from infections. 

Safflower Seed Oil

The safflower seed oil contains linoleic and oleic essential fatty acids and has high levels of vitamin E. This ingredient is also an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

This ingredient is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin cells from sun damage. Using nail polish with Camellia Sinensis leaf extract prevents chafing and dry skin. 

3 of the Best Non-toxic Manicure Brands to Shop

Here, we’ll talk about three of the best non-toxic manicure brands. Make sure to ask for these brands the next time you search for a toxic-free nail salon near me online. Using these brands will not only make your nails look good — these will also keep you safe in the long run. 

1. Professional Nail Lacquer by Zoya

Zoya is a trusted name when it comes to non-toxic manicure brands because they’re one of the first brands to sell this product. And the best part? This brand offers 583 shades, which means you can easily find a shade that suits your preferences and lifestyle!

Made without: Dibutyl phthalate or camphor, formaldehyde resin, formaldehyde, TPHP, lead, ethyl tosylamide, and xylene parabens

1. Nail Polish by Jinsoon

Jin Soon Choi is an iconic nail artist who runs four New York City nail spas and has a star-studded clientele list, which includes Drew Barrymore and Lady Gaga. She strongly believes that nail polishes should be eco-friendly and healthy, which is why she made her own line of fast-drying, chip-proof, and vegan-friendly formulas.

Made without: Lead, parabens, triphenyl phosphate, formaldehyde resin, xylene, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, toluene, and formaldehyde

1. Plant Magic Polish by Pacifica

Pacifica prides itself on using a formula that’s vegan, long-lasting, and free of 16 harmful toxins. It comes with a flat brush that’s easy to use and gives great coverage with just a couple of swipes. The formula glides easily on the nails without bubbles, streaks, and clumps. 

Made without: Nonylphenol ethoxylate, camphor, acetone, parabens, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, DBP, TPHP, bisphenol A, animal, benzophenone 1, 2, e-series glycol ethers, sulfates

Knowledge is Power

Non-toxic manicures will not only improve how your nails look; they will also positively impact your overall health and the environment — that’s basically a win-win for you, right?

So the next time you want to pamper yourself with a mani and pedi session, type in “non-toxic nail salon near me” in your browser. You’ll thank yourself later for choosing non-toxic manicures over traditional ones!