say no to the big 3

Not a long time ago, a customer asked about what formaldehdye, toluene and DBP are. What are these all about and why people would fuzz on things in the nail polish, something he never heard before. A good thing from this question is people is getting aware more about the product they use. Bad thing is, yes there are actually many bad chemicals found in our cosmetics we use every day. And just knowing it will surprise most of us.

Cosmetics, especially nail polish and nail treatment products in this case are very rampant to chatters about chemicals in it that can pose potential health threaths. The most popular one recently is about Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP as nail products controversial ingredients.

What are they

We call these three chemicals as the big 3 because those are the most mentioned when we talk about 'safer nail polish'.

DBP or 'dibutyl phthalate' is a plasticizer that makes nail polish flexible. Toluene is a colorless liquid used as a solvent. And Formaldehyde helps harden nails. It's also a cheap preservative used in shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and children's bubble bath.

How toxic

Search results at Skin Deep database show that DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde have the same high hazard score of 10. The hazard score is on 0 - 10 scale, (10 corresponding to highest concern). Moreover, all these ingredients are linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity and allergies (visit this website for details).

What you can do

Use nail polish and other beauty products that do not contain Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP, such as Adoree nail polish and nail treatment. Be careful to check the ingredient list before you buy. Each Adoree nail product has its ingredient list stick on the bottom of the bottle. Also be aware, if a nail polish is free from Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP, it doesn't mean that a nail treatment from the same brand is also free from all of these toxic chemicals. In fact, there are many well-known nail treatments that still use one or two toxic ingredients. Luckily, all Adoree nail polish and nail treatment are free from Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP.

Let your family and friends also know about this information. Make them aware about the safety of the products they are using.

Be wise also on how often you get contact with products that has high hazard level. For example, if you often get your nails done at salon. Be cautious about what products they use and how good ventilation in the salon is.

You may check any cosmetics you're using at Skin Deep. It has a comprehensive safety cosmetics database, which will show you the safety and hazard level of certain ingredient or product. You can also search by using the company name to see what products it has and their hazard levels.

Reference

• Search for the safety of a product, ingredient, or company at Skin Deep.
• Beauty Secret: Phthalates from EWG. A very detail article about DBP.
• Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition to protect consumers health.