Add nail polish to the list of products on the market that contain carcinogenic ingredients. Nail polishes contain formaldehyde, toluene and DBP (dibutyl phthalate).These are known as the toxic trio. All three have been linked to cancer and reproductive problems.

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen

DBP has been shown to be toxic to animals’ reproductive systems

Toluene has also been shown to be toxic to animals’ reproductive systems

Cosmetic companies have responded to consumer concerns, and demands to remove the toxic trio by offering nail polish without them. Unless a company specifically states that it is not using the above ingredients, most likely they remain in the product. A high price and a famous name brand is no indication that the toxins have been removed.

I decided to try a red nail polish (see photo) that professes in its ad campaign not to have the toxic trio ingredients. As a consumer why should I believe this big manufacturer? The only thing I can immediately discern is the lack of a strong odor which has been present in other nail polishes. When I opened this bottle there was no overwhelming odor. After applying it just to my toes there was no lingering odor as I have found with other nail polishes.

In the past I have used red nail polish and even days later when I put my hand near my face I would smell a strong odor.

While there is no way to vouch for the safety of any nail polish it is not something I would let a little girl use.

If you do use a nail polish there are many on the market now which are claiming to be toxin free. I can’t think of any reason to use a product that has not removed these toxins.

If you use a nail salon you may want to bring your own toxin free products.

For further information about the many toxins in our cosmetics and health care products see the links below.

Also find current updated information about individual products at:safecosmetics.org