Beware Of Formaldehyde In Nail Polish Products

Nail polish ingredients are often very toxic and can cause serious health problems by prolonged exposure. One of the very harmful substances in many popular nail enamel brands is formaldehyde (also known as methanol), which is part of the "toxic trio". The toxic trio consists of the three most harmful chemicals found in many nail enamels: formaldehyde, DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and toluene.Formaldehyde (Methanol) - It's purposeIt is not uncommon to find formaldehyde amongst the long list of ingredients found in many popular nail polish and nail hardener brands on the market today. This chemical substance acts as a preservative and is a nail hardener, therefore enabling nail enamel products to dry faster.Dangers of Formaldehyde (Methanol)This harmful preservative is carcinogenic (cancer causing) and is very harmful to the human body. The health-concerns about this toxic substance found in many beauty products are therefore well-established, as many people these days develop cancers from over-exposure (pro-longed exposure) to carcinogenic beauty products - including nail enamels.Other side effects known from exposure to formaldehyde are asthma attacks, skin irritations and an allergic rash, as well as irritations to the eyes, nose and throat. Persons who suffer from asthma or have breathing problems often will experience a worsening bout of their condition when exposed to products containing formaldehyde.It is important to be aware that even if a person does not experience immediate side-effects from this chemical such as irritations to the eyes, throat, nose or a rash - this chemical can be affecting them in a more dangerous, subtle manner such as cancers being formed within the body from over-exposure. Therefore women should keep exposure to formaldehyde as minimal as possible. Pregnant women should also stay clear of this carcinogenic preservative to guard against putting the unborn child at risk.


Women who are exposed regularly to formaldehyde are also at a risk of developing reproductive problems, including abnormal menstrual cycles.Those higher at risk are workers who deal with formaldehyde-containing products on a regular basis. Other women are also at risk, since exposure to formaldehyde can accumulate, especially with its presence in many other beauty product such as nail hardeners, eyelash glues, shampoos, make-up, deodorant, skin lotions, gels and hair-straightening products. It also exists in fertilizer, paper, plywood and medicines.Other Alternatives.Although formaldehyde is a common substance found in many nail enamel products, is not a necessary ingredient. There do exist nail polish companies that omit this substance from their products entirely and create more natural enamels that are water-based rather than chemical-based. Women who want to take precautions to reduce their risk of cancer should avoid all products containing this carcinogenic substance known as formaldehyde. (Be aware also that a masked name for this toxic chemical is methanol.) Seek water-based polishes instead to be safe.