Nails, Nails, Nails
Manicures and Pedicures Come of Age
Written by KEELY LATCHAM
Everyone loves the pampered feeling that comes with treating oneself to a manicure or pedicure. But might the nail polish products you indulge in actually be dangerous to your health? Recent studies have raised concerns about the risks of reproductive harm and cancer associated with ingredients commonly found in cosmetics, including nail polish.
The three main ingredients of concern when it comes to nail products are formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). A 2005 study of beauty products conducted by the Washington based Environmental Working Group “Skin Deep” revealed that eight common brands of nail polish contained formaldehyde, 37 contained toluene, and 89 contained DBP.
Formaldehyde, which is used in polishes as a nail hardener, is a known human carcinogen, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
It also is an irritant to the eyes, nose and throat and can cause wheezing and skin irritation.
Toluene, a colorless liquid used in polishes to create a smooth finish, evaporates into the air as the polish dries. At very high exposure, toluene has been found to be toxic to the liver and kidneys, according to a 2007 report by Women’s Voices for the Earth.
DBP, which adds flexibility to nail polish, is a potential endocrine disrupter that may increase the risk of breast cancer and other cancers, according to the Breast Cancer Fund’s “State of the Evidence 2006.”
While these findings are worrisome to all women, women of childbearing age are especially vulnerable. Even low levels of exposure can have potential impacts on a developing child, according to a study conducted by Women’s Voices of the Earth.
The good news, for those of us reluctant to give up our nail indulgences, is that awareness of these concerns is rising. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of women, public health, labor, environmental health and consumer-rights groups, has been working since 2002 to bring attention to the dangers of many common cosmetics. Through various studies conducted over the last six years, the Campaign has provided compelling evidence in an attempt to motivate the health and beauty industry “to phase out the use of chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems and replace them with safer alternatives,” according to its Web site.
And it seems that companies have been listening. Natural and organic products are on the rise everywhere, and the health and beauty industry is no exception. In March of 2007, facing pressure from consumers and health groups, OPI Products, a leading nail polish manufacturer, agreed to remove toluene and DBP from all its products.
Elle Sung, owner of the Nail Boutique in Lone Tree, says that she uses a lemon scrub to naturally sanitize clients’ hands and feet. Although the Nil Boutique does use formaldehyde-containing OPI polishes, they avoid other chemical treatments. She notes that clients appreciate the absence of chemical odors in a salon.
Several lines of environmentally friendly organic nail polishes have begun to spring up as well. Anise Cosmetics, for example, sells only toxin-free polishes. According to the company’s Web site, Anise is an “active supporter of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics” and has signed the Compact for the Global Production of Safer Health and Beauty Products, an agreement created by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in which signers pledge to remove toxic chemicals and replace them with safer alternatives.
Other companies that produce organic nail polishes include Honeybee Gardens and NAIL-AID Treatments.
In Denver, it’s possible to find environmentally friendly treatments. The Oxford Club, located at 1616 17th St., offers only natural nail care. “Natural nail care is more environmentally friendly, because there are no chemicals used during nail services, and there are no offensive odors that can have a negative impact on the guest experience,” says spa and salon director Christina Critchell.
Although the Oxford spa uses OPI products, which still contain small amounts of formaldehyde, Critchell notes they do carry a line of formaldehyde-free products fro customers who wish to use them. The most frequent requests fro such products come from pregnant women, Critchell says.
“The downside is that [without formaldehyde] the polish takes longer to dry,” she notes.
While the club is testing out different toxin-free nail products, Critchell says they aren’t ready to completely switch over to a new line.
So despite alarming findings when it comes to the chemicals in many nail polish products, you don’t have to forgo your spa splurge. Toxin-free lines are offered by many salons, although you may need to ask for them specifically. Another option is to being your own bottle of polish to the salon with you. Then you can get the benefits of the massage chair, the time to catch up on you summer reading and a fresh coat on your toes without the risks associated with many cosmetic products.
