Isla Bennett
With the growing popularity of gel manicures, there is also a growing concern about the potential health risks associated with the use of gel nail polish. The skin and nails can absorb chemicals, and the cuticle area is particularly sensitive and absorbent. This has led to the development of 5-free, 7-free, 10-free, and even 20-free nail polishes that are marketed as being free of certain harmful chemicals. These formulas exclude toxins like formaldehyde, toluene, and butyl phthalates, which have been linked to various health issues, including skin irritation, neurological problems, and potential reproductive issues. While the research on the harm of certain chemicals is ongoing, choosing a 5-free gel nail polish can be a safer and healthier alternative for those concerned about the risks of traditional nail polishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ingredients excluded | 5 |
| Free from toxins | Yes |
| Free from harmful ingredients | Yes |
| HEMA-free | Yes |
| Animal-testing | No |
| Animal-derived ingredients | No |
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What You'll Learn
HEMA-free gel nail polishes
In addition to being HEMA-free, some gel nail polishes are also "5-free", "9-free", or even "10-free", meaning they are formulated without the use of five, nine, or ten of the most common toxic ingredients found in traditional nail polishes. These toxic ingredients can be absorbed into the skin and cause unpleasant side effects, so it is important to choose nail polishes that are free of these harmful chemicals.
For example, Gelous' 10-Free Gel Nail Polish is a non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free option that is free of ingredients such as formaldehyde, camphor, parabens, ethyl tosylamide, and xylene. Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling, colourless gas used as a preservative that can cause skin irritation, nausea, and allergic reactions. Camphor is a highly toxic waxy, flammable solid found in the wood of the Camphor Laurel Tree, which is used in nail polishes to add shine and elasticity but can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, and disorientation. Parabens are preservatives that prolong the shelf life of cosmetic products but have been associated with an increased risk of breast and skin cancer. Ethyl Tosylamide is a chemical used to increase the durability of nail polish but can cause allergic reactions and disrupt hormones. Xylene is a solvent used in nail polishes for its thinning properties, but it is also a known toxic chemical.
By choosing HEMA-free and low-toxicity gel nail polishes, you can enjoy a manicure or pedicure without exposing yourself to unnecessary risks and harmful chemicals.
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Cruelty-free and vegan nail polishes
There are many vegan and cruelty-free nail polish options available. Madam Glam offers gels that are entirely HEMA-free and never tested on animals. The brand also uses eco-friendly practices and offers free returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase.
Gelous is another vegan and cruelty-free brand that offers 10-free gel nail polish. Their polishes are free from animal-derived ingredients, such as carmine (crushed insect shells), guanine (fish scales), and oleic acid (animal fats).
Other popular vegan and cruelty-free nail polish brands include Olive Ave, Beetles, Cirque Colors, Zoya, and ORLY. Some affordable options are e.l.f., which can be found at drugstores and online, and Smith & Cult's "8-Free" nail polishes, which are available online and at department stores.
For those looking for accessible makeup that is easy to open and apply, PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies program is a great resource for finding compassionate, cruelty-free products. Additionally, their list of animal-derived ingredients and alternatives helps consumers make informed choices and avoid animal ingredients in cosmetics.
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Nail polishes free of the 21 most toxic ingredients
Madam Glam offers nail gels that are free of the 21 most toxic ingredients. The brand also advertises its products as being made with eco-friendly practices.
There are a variety of non-toxic nail polishes available on the market, including 3-free, 5-free, 7-free, 9-free, 10-free, 13-free, 16-free, 17-free, and 21-free polishes. These numbers refer to the number of toxic ingredients that are not included in the nail polishes. For example, 3-free nail polishes are typically formulated without formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). 5-free nail polishes are also free of formaldehyde and toluene, but they may also exclude other toxic ingredients such as camphor and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP).
Some specific brands that offer non-toxic nail polishes include Gelous, which has a 10-free gel nail polish that is vegan and cruelty-free, and Essie, which has revamped its formula to be cruelty-free and vegan. Other options include PearNova, Côte, and Habit Cosmetics, which offers a vegan nail polish with recycled plastic components and biodegradable bamboo caps.
It is important to note that the terms "toxic" and "non-toxic" in the beauty industry do not have concrete, universal definitions. However, with non-toxic nail polishes, ingredients are slightly more transparent, as more nail brands have agreed upon a list of potentially harmful chemicals to avoid.
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10-free non-toxic gel nail polishes
Traditional nail polishes contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed into the skin and cause unpleasant side effects. These side effects can include headaches, dizziness, dry skin, and even impact reproductive hormones. To address these concerns, some nail polish brands have started offering non-toxic alternatives, including 3-free, 5-free, 7-free, 9-free, 10-free, and 17-free options. These numbers denote the number of specific chemicals that the polish is free from.
For instance, 5-free nail polishes do not include formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, and formaldehyde resin. 7-free nail polishes include these chemicals and are also free of xylene and triphenyl phosphate. 9-free nail polishes include all the previously mentioned chemicals and are also free of ethyl tosylamide, parabens, and acetone.
There are a few brands that offer 10-free non-toxic gel nail polishes, such as Gelous and Madam Glam. Gelous is a vegan brand that does not test its products on animals. They offer a strong and long-lasting gel polish that is free of 10 harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, and animal-derived ingredients. Madam Glam also offers gels that are free of the 21 most toxic ingredients and are made with eco-friendly practices.
Other non-toxic gel nail polish options include Ella + Mila, which offers 17-free polishes that are chip-resistant, quick-drying, and high-shine. Dazzle Dry is another brand that is free of common toxic nail polish offenders, dries within 5 minutes, and lasts for 7-10 days. For those looking for a DIY option, West Coast Dips offers builders, bases, and top coats that are HEMA-free.
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5-free nail polishes without toxins or harmful ingredients
There are now many options for nail polish that do not contain harmful chemicals. These non-toxic or natural nail lacquers are usually at least 3-free, meaning they do not contain formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate (DBP), three known disruptors. However, many brands now go beyond this and offer formulas that are 5-free, 7-free, 9-free, 10-free, or even 16-free.
Zoya, for example, offers a 5-free formula after starting with a 3-free one. Madam Glam's gels are free of 21 toxic ingredients and are made with eco-friendly practices. Other brands that offer non-toxic nail polishes include Habit Cosmetics, Essie, and Le Mini Macaron.
The "free" labels indicate that the polish is free from a certain number of potentially harmful chemicals commonly found in traditional nail polishes. These chemicals can be toxic to the blood, liver, and lungs and have negative effects on the respiratory and central nervous systems. Formaldehyde, for instance, is a strong-smelling, colourless gas used as a preservative that can cause skin irritation, nausea, and allergic reactions. Camphor, a waxy, flammable solid found in the wood of the Camphor Laurel Tree, is highly toxic and can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, and disorientation.
When choosing a nail polish, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with certain ingredients and chemicals. While there may be concerns about specific ingredients, it is also important to note that the terms "toxins" and "nontoxic" do not have concrete, universal definitions.
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Frequently asked questions
5-free nail polishes are created without any toxins or harmful ingredients.
The harmful ingredients excluded in 5-free nail polishes can vary by brand, but some common ones include formaldehyde, toluene, and butyl phthalates.
Yes, there are nail polishes that are 7-free, 9-free, 10-free, 15-free, and even 20-free or more.
