by Amy Gerbus |
As women, we need to become more aware of what is in our beauty products. We buy, apply and use products with long lists of mysterious ingredients never questioning the ingredients long-term side effects, because we care about maintaining our appearance. We are seduced by advertising and buy pretty packaging, not realizing that there are several toxic chemicals in these beauty products. Lead in lipstick, mercury and tar in massacre and the toxic trio of toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde in nail polishes. What does this toxic trio of chemicals in nail polish do?
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which gives polish flexibility, it is a developmental toxin and has been banned from cosmetics in Europe since 2004. Studies have linked DBP, which can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin, to undeveloped genitals in newborn boys. Formaldehyde is used as a hardener and to create a smooth finish, as is toluene. Inhaling excessive amounts of toluene is dangerous as it can lead to coughing and wheezing, as well as eye, nose, and throat irritation. Toluene enriches the pigment and creates a smooth finish, but breathing it in can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue and can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat; high-level intake has also been linked to nervous system, liver and kidney damage. Toluene is most dangerous for child-bearing women as it can be transmitted through the placenta to the fetus and through breast milk.
Now because of increased chemical awareness there are a handful of companies that are now producing vegan nail polish that is free of the “toxic Trio” and is also kind to our animal world. Common products used for color and shimmer are blue heron feathers and crushed beetles. Vegan does not mean chemical free, it means that the ingredients are animal free and the chemicals are considered safer.
Sparitual and Soulstice Spa are two companies that have lead the nail polish industry in making their polishes healthier, beautiful and long lasting. These polishes are free of DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde and are also free of sulfates, mineral oil and synthetic fragrances.
Another concern that has been in the forefront is cleanliness. Some states have passed health requirements ensuring tools for manicure and pedicures be autoclaved, a sterilization process that many medical offices use. The pedicure chair may become extinct because of contaminated water that re-circulates when the unit is not properly cleaned between clients. Sani-jet is one company whose pedi sinks are medically certified to be completely bacteria free and safe. The jets are designed to be pipe-less so that no water re-circulates.
As informed women we can make better choices. Simply changing our nail polish can make a huge difference in our overall health. As we make these choices more companies will respond to our demand for products that are safer, cleaner and kinder to our environment.
References:
- www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/research/job185drugs/toluene.html
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17400582
- www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/risk/formaldehyde
