Caleb Foster
There is a growing body of medical research that indicates a link between certain nail products and serious health consequences, including cancer. While nail polish can enhance the beauty of nails, it is important to consider the potential health risks associated with its use and removal. This is especially relevant for individuals who frequently use nail polish and removal products, such as those who work in nail salons or have regular manicure and pedicure treatments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cancer-causing agents in nail polish removers | N-Methyl-Pyrrolidone (NMP) is linked to cancer, mutagenicity, and reproductive toxicity. It is prohibited in cosmetics in the European Union and is on California's Proposition 65 list of cancer-causing chemicals. Formaldehyde, found in nail polish and nail hardeners, is another known carcinogen. |
| Other health concerns | Isopropyl acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and NMP are common solvents in nail polish removers. Evidence suggests these chemicals may cause reproductive harm and organ toxicity. Exposure to these solvents can lead to respiratory issues, eye irritation, headaches, nausea, and skin irritation. Acetone-based removers can cause nail dryness, brittleness, and damage to the cuticles and skin around the nails. |
| Regulation and alternatives | The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets limits on worker exposure to MEK. The EU restricts Isopropyl Acetone to low doses in workplaces. Consumers can choose nail polish removers without these harmful chemicals, and salons can adopt safer products, improve ventilation, and train staff on safety procedures. |
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What You'll Learn
Acetone nail polish removers are linked to cancer
While acetone nail polish removers have not been conclusively proven to cause cancer, there are concerns about their potential health risks. Acetone is a common ingredient in nail polish removers and has been linked to several adverse effects on the body.
Acetone exposure has been known to cause nails to become dry, brittle, and flaky, and it can also affect the skin around the nails, causing redness, dryness, and flaking. Additionally, acetone has been linked to irritant contact dermatitis, resulting in red, dry, itchy, and inflamed skin around the nails, which can be painful and uncomfortable.
There are also concerns about the potential health risks of acetone inhalation. Studies have shown that acetone exposure can lead to respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea, and eye irritation. Due to these concerns, acetone is restricted to low doses in workplace environments in the European Union, and the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration limits the amount of Methyl Ethyl Ketone, another common solvent in nail polish removers, that workers can be exposed to in a workday.
While acetone itself is not registered as a carcinogen, one of its derivatives, N-Methyl-Pyrrolidone (NMP), has been prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union due to links to cancer, mutagenicity, and reproductive toxicity. NMP is also listed on California's Proposition 65 list of known chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.
The potential health risks associated with acetone nail polish removers highlight the importance of proper safety measures when using these products. Consumers can choose nail polish removers without these chemicals, and nail salon workers can adopt safer practices, such as wearing nitrile gloves and ensuring proper ventilation.
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Other chemicals in nail polish removers
While acetone is the most well-known ingredient in nail polish removers, other chemicals are also commonly used as solvents. These include isopropyl acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and n-methyl-pyrrolidone.
Evidence suggests that these chemicals may cause reproductive harm and organ toxicity. They are a serious concern for nail salon workers and pregnant women. Short-term exposure to isopropyl acetone has been linked to respiratory and/or eye irritation, headaches, and nausea. In the European Union, isopropyl acetone is restricted to low doses in workplace environments.
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is another common solvent used in nail polish removers. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration limits the amount of MEK that workers can be exposed to in an average workday.
N-Methyl-Pyrrolidone (NMP) is prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union due to links to cancer, mutagenicity, and reproductive toxicity. It is also listed on California's Proposition 65 list of known chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Other chemicals found in nail polish removers and their potential health effects include ethyl acetate, which can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat, and at high concentrations, can cause fainting. Isopropyl acetate can cause sleepiness and irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
The "toxic trio" of chemicals—toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate—are also sometimes found in nail polish removers. Toluene can cause dry or cracked skin, headaches, dizziness, numbness, irritated eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and damage to the liver and kidneys. Formaldehyde can cause cancer and lead to difficulty breathing, allergic reactions, and irritated eyes, skin, and throat.
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Health effects of nail polish removers on consumers
While nail polish can improve the aesthetic appeal of nails, the removal process can be destructive to the nails and the overall health of consumers. The removal process involves soaking nails in acetone, a chemical that can break down and dissolve substances very quickly. Exposure to acetone can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, causing coughing, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. In serious cases, one could pass out. Prolonged exposure to acetone can also cause skin dryness and cracking.
Nail polish removers may also contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, or cancer-causing substance. Other carcinogens found in nail products include butyl acetate, a solvent, and ethyl methacrylate, the main ingredient in acrylic nails. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to central nervous system damage and reproductive harm.
Nail polish removers may also contain parabens, a type of preservative that can help prevent mold and bacteria from growing, increasing a product's shelf life. Studies have shown that parabens are cancer-causing, so limiting or avoiding the use of paraben-containing nail polish removers is recommended.
Isopropyl acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and n-methyl-pyrrolidone are commonly used as solvents in nail polish removers. These chemicals have been linked to reproductive harm and organ toxicity, with isopropyl acetone restricted to low doses in workplace environments in the European Union. N-methyl-pyrrolidone is prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union and is listed on California's Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.
The use of gel manicures and pedicures involves exposing nails to ultraviolet (UV) light to cure and harden the polish. This exposure to UV radiation can lead to photoaging, skin damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer, especially on the tops of the hands, where the skin is thin and sensitive.
While the exact amount of chemical absorption from nail polish and the negative health effects are not fully understood, consumers can take steps to minimize potential health risks. This includes opting for non-toxic and paraben-free nail polish removers, ensuring proper ventilation during use, and washing hands with soap and water after removing nail polish to eliminate any residue.
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Health effects of nail polish removers on nail salon workers
Nail salon workers are exposed to many different chemicals each day, and these exposures can "add up", especially when multiple products are used at the same time, products are used consecutively for many days, or when there is poor ventilation in the salon. Nail salon workers also often work long hours, which further increases their exposure to these chemicals.
The products used in nail salons contain toxic chemicals, and studies have shown that these chemicals can be absorbed into the body. While the exact amount of absorption is unclear, and it is uncertain whether it is enough to cause negative health effects, there is evidence that exposure to these chemicals can lead to adverse health effects.
In a study of Asian nail salon workers on the East Coast of the United States, researchers found an association between exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in nail salon settings and self-reported adverse health effects, including nose, throat, eye, and skin irritations, headaches, and breathing problems.
Toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate are sometimes referred to as the "toxic trio" in the industry. Exposure to toluene can cause dry or cracked skin, headaches, dizziness, and numbness, irritated eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, damage to the liver and kidneys, and harm to unborn children during pregnancy.
Nail polish removers commonly contain isopropyl acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and n-methyl-pyrrolidone. These chemicals are associated with reproductive harm and organ toxicity. Exposure to isopropyl acetone has been linked to respiratory and/or eye irritation, headaches, and nausea in humans. N-methyl-pyrrolidone is prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union due to links to cancer, mutagenicity, and reproductive toxicity.
To protect nail salon workers' health, advocate organizations and local governments are working together to encourage the use of less toxic products and safer practices in nail salons. Nail salon workers should also take protective actions, such as wearing nitrile gloves, ensuring proper ventilation, and receiving training on safety procedures.
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Safer alternatives to nail polish removers
While acetone-based nail polish removers are very effective at removing nail polish, they can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause coughing. Exposure to high concentrations of acetone can also cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and lightheadedness, and in serious cases, one could pass out.
Some nail polish removers may also contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, or parabens, which have been shown to cause cancer.
- Natural, plant-based removers – Aila offers a natural, plant-based nail polish remover in the form of wipes. They are soy-based and contain argan oil, which has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The remover also contains vitamins A, C, and E, which act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Sienna also offers a water-based remover made with soy and vitamin E that comes in a recyclable glass bottle.
- Mineral Fusion remover – This remover is acetone-free and gentle on the nails. It can be used on dark shades of nail polish and is non-drying.
- Nailtopia Bio-sourced Plant-based Acetone-free Nail Polish Remover – This remover contains avocado oil, which helps to boost the health of your nails and cuticles.
- The Sign Tribe Remove And Chill Enamel Remover – This is a cream-based remover that hydrates nails with nourishing oils like macadamia and argan.
- BKIND's natural nail polish remover – This remover replaces acetone with ingredients derived from grapes (ethyl acetate) and fermented corn sugar (propanediol).
- Kure Bazaar's rose nail polish remover – This remover is free of acetone and essential oils. It uses natural solvents like sugar cane, wheat, and maize to dissolve polish, and contains rosehip oil and damask rose water to nourish and replenish the nails.
- Non-acetone solvents – These include ethyl acetate, which is a common non-acetone solvent. While these removers may not be completely free of acetone, they are less concentrated and use more moisture additives, making them great for people with brittle nails.
In addition to these alternatives, it is important to use nail polish remover in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhaling the fumes. It is also crucial to wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water if nail polish remover makes contact with the skin beyond the nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Acetone exposure can cause nails, cuticles, and the skin around the nails to become red, dry, and flaky. It can also cause irritant contact dermatitis, which can be painful and uncomfortable. However, acetone is not registered as a carcinogen and is thought to have low toxicity.
Some alternative solvents used in nail polish removers include isopropyl acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and n-methyl-pyrrolidone. However, these chemicals are associated with reproductive harm and organ toxicity.
Nail salon workers are exposed to various chemicals that may have immediate or long-term effects. Some common chemicals found in nail salons include ethyl acetate, ethyl methacrylate, formaldehyde, and toluene. These chemicals can cause skin and eye irritation, difficulty breathing, allergic reactions, and in some cases, even cancer.
Different types of nail polish can have varying effects on fingernails. The chemicals in nail polish can be absorbed into the body, but the amount and potential negative health effects are not well established. The removal process of gel polish can be particularly destructive to nails, involving aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling, which can injure the nail plate.
