Sophia Delgado
There are many different types of nail polishes available on the market, and they can have varying effects on the health of your nails. One of the most popular types of nail polish is gel nail polish, which is painted on and then cured under a lamp, instantly drying and hardening the polish. While the use of UV light in the curing process has raised some health concerns, the specific chemicals included in gel nail polishes have also been the subject of scrutiny. One such group of chemicals is phthalates, which have been associated with potential health risks. So, does gel nail polish contain phthalates?
Does gel nail polish have phthalates?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Phthalate-free nail polishes are uncommon | 11 out of 12 selected brands reported excluding DnBP |
| Gel nail polishes may contain different chemical formulations | The gel-like nail polish brand in the study was the only brand to contain PBDDP levels above 10 μg/g |
| Phthalate plasticizers | Not detected in any of the samples were DCHP, DEHtP, and DiNP |
| "Five-free" nail polishes | Do not contain five specific ingredients: formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, and camphor |
| "Three-free" nail polishes | Do not contain three toxic chemicals: toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DnBP) |
| "Non-toxic" nail polishes | There is no strong research data regarding whether the chemicals excluded from non-toxic polishes have harmful health effects at the concentrations present in traditional nail polish |
| Removal of gel nail polish | Can be destructive to nails as it involves soaking in acetone, aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of polish, which can injure the nail plate |
| Long-term use of gel nail polish | May result in severe brittleness and dryness of the nails |
| Gel nail polish application | Is painted on and then "cured" under a lamp, which dries and hardens the polish almost instantly |
| Gel nail polish composition | Based on acrylic polymers, and the polymerization is part of the application process |
| Gel nail polish safety | Cosmetic Ingredient Review, a US personal care product safety nonprofit, has concluded that acrylates in nail products are safe to use as directed |
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What You'll Learn
Phthalate-free nail polishes are uncommon
In the 2000s, nail polish manufacturers started promoting "3-Free" products, phasing out three toxic chemicals: toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DnBP). However, DnBP was sometimes replaced by another endocrine disruptor, triphenyl phosphate (TPHP). Many new "n-Free" labels have since appeared, without standardisation regarding which chemicals are excluded. Labels can range from 3- to 13-Free, with 10-Free being the most inconsistently defined.
The term non-toxic can be difficult to decipher in the context of nail polish. While there is no strong research data on the health effects of chemicals excluded from non-toxic polishes, these may be good alternatives for those wishing to avoid specific chemicals. Gel polishes, in particular, have been trending upward in sales, but they were excluded from the laboratory analysis mentioned earlier, and their chemical formulations may differ.
The removal process for gel polishes can be destructive to nails, and wearing them for long periods may result in severe brittleness and dryness. However, gel polish is unlikely to have long-term negative effects if used sporadically or for special occasions. To minimise potential harm, remind your nail technician to avoid aggressive buffing and forceful scraping of the nail plate. Never peel or pick at gel polish, as this can cause layers of the nail plate to come off with the polish, leading to brittleness. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before UV treatment or wear fingerless gloves under the lamp to protect your skin.
Overall, while phthalate-free nail polishes are uncommon, there are alternatives available that exclude DnBP and other potentially harmful chemicals. The lack of standardisation in labelling and limited regulation in the industry make it important for consumers to be vigilant about the ingredients in their nail polishes and take precautions during application and removal to minimise potential health risks.
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Dibutyl phthalate (DnBP) is toxic
Dibutyl phthalate (DnBP or DBP) is one of the six phthalic acid esters on the Priority Pollutant List, which consists of pollutants regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). DBP was added to the California Proposition 65 list of suspected teratogens in 2006 and is a suspected endocrine disruptor. It was used in many consumer products, including nail polish, but its use has declined since around 2006. DBP was also banned in children's toys in concentrations of 1000 ppm or greater under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA).
While some sources claim that DBP is toxic, others refute this claim, stating that there is no credible evidence that DBP is harmful in nail polishes. In fact, one source mentions that the CIR (Cosmetic Review Expert Panel) has reviewed DBP and determined that it is safe in quantities of up to 50% in nail polishes. The European Union conducted similar tests and concluded that DBP is safe in nail polish in concentrations of up to 25%, which is typically used.
Despite the conflicting information regarding the toxicity of DBP, it is important to note that it is no longer commonly used in nail polish formulas. In the 2000s, nail polish manufacturers started promoting "3-Free" products, phasing out three toxic chemicals: toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DnBP). However, it is worth mentioning that the term “non-toxic" in cosmetics can be challenging to decipher. While "five-free" nail polishes exclude the chemicals mentioned above, along with formaldehyde resin and camphor, there are also brands that market themselves as being free of even more substances, such as "7-free" or "10-free."
It is worth noting that the removal process of gel polish can be destructive to nails, and wearing gel polish for extended periods may result in severe brittleness and dryness. However, gel polish is unlikely to have long-term negative effects on nail health if used sparingly or for special occasions. Additionally, while most curing lamps emit ultraviolet A light, which can cause cellular damage and increase the risk of skin cancer, there are alternative LED lamps available, although they may still emit some UV light.
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Gel nail polish contains different chemical formulations
The use of nail polish has been a common practice for many people, with some applying it themselves and others visiting nail salons. However, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with nail polish, particularly regarding the chemicals they contain. This has led to a growing interest in "non-toxic" nail polishes, which claim to exclude certain chemicals.
One of the chemicals that have been a focus of concern is dibutyl phthalate (DBP or DnBP). In the 2000s, nail polish manufacturers started promoting
Gel nail polishes have been gaining popularity, and they may contain different chemical formulations than traditional nail polishes. While there is limited research specifically on gel polishes, one study found that a gel-like nail polish brand had PBDPP levels above 10 μg/g, warranting further investigation into gel polishes for plasticizer differences. The removal of gel polish can also be destructive to nails, as it involves soaking in acetone and aggressive buffing, scraping, or peeling, which can injure the nail plate.
The formulation of gel nail polishes varies, but they are typically based on acrylic polymers, with polymerization triggered by light. Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is a major component of many gel polishes, and di-HEMA trimethyl-hexyl dicarbamate is another common ingredient that functions as a cross-linker between polymer chains. The interconnected polymer network formed by these compounds gives gel polishes their chip resistance and staying power.
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UV light used to cure gel nail polish is a known cause of skin damage
The UV light used to cure gel nail polish is a known cause of skin damage, particularly premature skin ageing and skin cancer. This is due to the UV light causing DNA damage. While the magnitude of the risk is significantly less than the risk incurred through daily exposure to the sun, it is still wise to be aware of the issue and take precautions.
UV lamps, also called UV or LED lamps, are used to speed-dry regular manicures and are required to set gel manicures. These lamps predominantly produce UVA rays, which have the longest wavelength of UV light, allowing them to penetrate deeply into the skin. While a 2014 study found that the level of UVA exposure associated with a gel manicure every two weeks was probably not high enough to significantly increase the risk of skin cancer, it is still a cause for concern.
To minimise the potential risk of skin damage from UV light exposure during gel manicures, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to the hands 20 minutes before UV light exposure. Wearing fingerless gloves during the manicure can also provide added protection. Additionally, decreasing the frequency of gel nail polish use or alternating with other forms of artificial nails can help reduce UV light exposure.
It is worth noting that the removal process of gel polish can also be destructive to nails, causing severe brittleness and dryness. It is recommended to remind nail technicians to avoid aggressive buffing, forceful scraping, and not to peel or pick at the gel polish, as this can damage the nail plate. Overall, sporadic or occasional use of gel polish is unlikely to have long-term negative effects on nail health.
Regarding the presence of phthalates in gel nail polish, it is important to understand the context of their use and the regulations surrounding them. Phthalates are a group of chemicals used as plasticizers in nail polish to increase flexibility and shine. In the 2000s, some nail polish manufacturers began promoting "3-Free" products, excluding three toxic chemicals: toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DnBP or DBP). However, this does not mean that all gel nail polishes are phthalate-free, and the specific formulations may vary across brands. The FDA requires ingredient labels on nail polish sold to consumers, but phthalates can be listed as "fragrance" due to trade secret concerns. Therefore, it is advisable to read the ingredient labels carefully and opt for polishes that do not contain phthalates or other potentially harmful chemicals.
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Removal of gel nail polish can be destructive to nails
The removal of gel nail polish can be destructive to nails. The process involves soaking nails in acetone, a chemical that can seriously dry out nails and the skin around them. This drying effect can lead to severe brittleness and dryness of the nails. While acetone is an effective way to remove gel nail polish, it is important to exercise caution to minimise potential damage.
To protect the nails and skin, it is recommended to apply petroleum jelly to the cuticles and surrounding skin before the removal process. This creates a protective barrier, reducing the direct contact of acetone with the nails and skin. Additionally, using plastic food wrap instead of foil during the removal process is advised. Plastic wrap provides a tighter seal, preventing the acetone from dripping and minimising potential damage to the surrounding surfaces.
Aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of gel nail polish should be avoided. These actions can injure the nail plate, leading to brittleness and potentially peeling off layers of the nail along with the polish. Instead of forceful removal, it is recommended to let the acetone work on breaking down the polish. After the allotted time, gently push off the softened gel polish using a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick.
The removal process for gel nail polish can be time-consuming and requires patience. It is important to follow the recommended steps and techniques to avoid damaging your nails. While gel nail polish removal can be done at home, seeking professional assistance is a safer option to ensure proper handling and minimise the risk of nail damage.
The use of alternative lamps, such as LED lamps, during the curing process may also reduce potential nail damage. Most curing lamps emit ultraviolet A light, which is known to cause cellular damage, ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to apply sunscreen before UV treatment or wear fingerless gloves while under the lamp to provide additional protection.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the brand and the ingredients used. Some gel nail polishes may contain phthalates, while others may not. It's important to check the ingredient list or the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to know for sure.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used as plasticizers in many products, including some nail polishes. They are added to make the nail polish more flexible and durable.
The safety of phthalates is a controversial topic. Some people argue that phthalates are safe for use in nail polishes, while others believe they may have potential health risks. There is limited research on the health effects of phthalates, and the available studies have shown mixed results.
If you want to avoid phthalates, look for nail polishes that are marketed as "phthalate-free" or "non-toxic." You can also check the ingredient list for specific types of phthalates, such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP or DnBP) or diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP).
While gel nail polish is generally considered safe when used sporadically or for special occasions, there are some potential health risks associated with its use. The removal process of gel nail polish can be destructive to nails, and wearing it for long periods may result in severe brittleness and dryness. Additionally, the UV light used to cure gel nail polish can cause cellular damage, aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
