Non-toxic nail polish will be labeled 3, 5, 7, 10 or 12-Free. This refers to the number of chemicals your nail polish is free from.

• 3-Free polish does not contain dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.
• 4-Free polish does not contain the above or formaldehyde resin.
• 5-Free polish does not contain the above or camphor.
• 6-Free polish does not contain the above or parabens.
• 7-Free polish does not contain the above or xylene.
• 10-Free polish does not contain the above or fragrances, phthalates, and animal ingredients.
• 12-Free polish does not contain the above or ethyl tosylamide and triphenyl phosphate.

Before we dive into the specifics of each of the above nasties, our Cassie Kids® nail polish is 100% toxic-free (read none of these nasties!), it is water-based and also peel-off. This means not only does it come off easily, your little one doesn’t need to use acetone (which is an incredibly string chemical) to remove nail polish. And that’s definitely a good thing!

Let’s dive into each of these nasties in a bit more detail:

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is primarily used in gel polish as a hardening agent. It is a known carcinogen and can lead to skin irritation, allergic responses, and has been associated with the development of nasal and lung cancers.

Toluene: That familiar, nostalgic yet potent scent emanating from certain nail polishes is attributed to Toluene. This compound plays a crucial role in ensuring the even distribution of color pigments, resulting in a flawless finish upon application. However, Toluene’s exposure has been associated with adverse effects on the nervous system, including headaches, nausea, and eye irritation. Most significantly, it has been linked to the risk of birth defects.

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBT): DBP functions as both a plasticizer and solvent in nail polish formulations, enhancing flexibility and reducing the likelihood of chipping. However, absorption of this chemical through the skin has been associated with reproductive problems, birth defects, and fertility issues.

Camphor: Synthetic camphor is used to achieve a highly glossy appearance, however prolonged exposure may result in symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches.

Formaldehyde Resin: Formaldehyde Resin serves as a nail hardening agent. However, it may provoke skin irritation and pose toxicity risks to the immune system.

Xylene: Xylene is utilized to thin nail polish, preventing it from becoming excessively clumpy. It is commonly found in the production of cement and gasoline. Due to its potent fumes, excessive exposure or skin absorption can potentially harm the renal system, liver, and kidneys.

Parabens: Parabens are used widely in the cosmetic industry as a preservative. Due to the estrogen mimicking effects it has been linked to hormonal abnormalities.

Fragrances: Fragrances are incorporated into polish to impart specific scents. Yet, they typically consist of proprietary blends of various components, which may induce skin irritations like redness, itching, hives, and exacerbate eczema.

Phthalates: Phthalates are employed to impart flexibility to products, allowing them to bend in a desired manner. However, these chemicals have been associated with certain types of cancer.

Ethyl Tosylamide: Ethyl Tosylamide serves as a chemical in nail polish, functioning as both a plasticizer and film-forming agent. Its role is to improve the polish’s flexibility and durability, thereby contributing to extended manicure longevity.

Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP): Triphenyl Phosphate is commonly present in nail polish as both a plasticizer and flame retardant. While it can increase the flexibility of nail polish, concerns regarding its potential side effects have been raised due to health implications.

Hema: Hema is a commonly used ingredient in the nail polish industry and serves to provide adhesion and durability. Prolonged exposure to uncured HEMA products is linked to causing irritation and allergic reactions.

So there you have it – now that you know what these nasties are, we’re certain you won’t want to be putting these cheap commercial nail polishes on your nails or your little ones’ nails!