Walk into any given nail salon, and the first thing bound to hit you is the overwhelming stench of chemicals. Many of us have become accustomed to the scent of our weekly or bi-weekly appointment, and we may even find comfort in it as we associate it with the relaxing sensation of receiving a fresh mani-pedi. Unfortunately, your favorite self-care ritual may be causing you and the manicurist more harm than good.
When we look for a polish, we look for colors that compliment our skin or are trending at the moment, paying no mind to the almost microscopic list of ingredients on the backside of each container. However, there are indeed a few ingredients worth avoiding from here on out: dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, and camphor, known to, in rare cases, play a role in skin irritation, respiratory problems, or even cancer. The good news is that many brands are opting for more eco-conscious ingredients for its products that are better for both you and the planet.
The next time you head to the store or salon get your hands instead on nail polish formulas that are 10-free, non-toxic, or vegan-friendly. Moreover, you can even shop brands manufactured in your home country to help minimize your carbon footprint. Ahead of Earth Day, we’ve done the heavy-lifting for you and rounded up 10 environmentally nail polish formulas you can shop now.,
