More often than not, our kids want whatever it is we (the adults) have – nail polish is no exception. However, if you have ever read the ingredients list of conventional polishes you would be slow applying it to your own nails let alone your kids nails. It is believed that nail polish is, in fact, one of the most toxic beauty products out there.
I have taken a look at the ingredients commonly found in regular nail polish and will never use it on my children’s or my own nails again. Luckily, there are some pretty decent alternatives out there, which are non-toxic and entirely safe for kids and of course for us adults, too. Read on to find out all you need to know about a non-toxic manicure (and pedicure of course!).
What’s the problem with regular nail polish?
I was never really able to use conventional nail polish around the house, as the fumes make my other half feel physically sick. So even by its smell you already know it consists of a lot of chemical substances. Among others, the following make a regular appearance on the ingredient list of regular polishes:
1. Formaldehyde
In order to harden the nails and protect them against bacterial grow formaldehyde is used in almost every nail polish. However, it is a known carcinogen and is also linked to causing asthma, convulsions, and nausea. During pregnancy, it can cause abnormal fetal development and even miscarriage. Those are some of the reasons other countries, like Sweden, for example, have banned formaldehyde from use in cosmetic and personal care products.
2. Toluene
Thanks to Toluene conventional nail polishes offer a smooth finish. However, the chemical and more particularly its fumes are highly toxic. Many studies have shown that when inhaled Toluene can cause different health issues. These include decreased brain function, neurological problems, hearing loss as well as nausea. It has also been associated with infertility, impaired fetal development and different types of cancer.
3. Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
Although this chemical is banned in countries of the European Union it is still found in cosmetic products produced elsewhere. In nail polishes DBP is used to prevent chipping, however, it is mimicking the hormone estrogen and can cause all sorts of damage. This includes decreased fertility, liver damage, abnormal development of male fetuses, early onset of menopause.
You will find various other chemicals on the ingredients list of conventional nail polishes. Often less toxic than the above, but still potentially causing allergies, skin rashes and other irritations.
Note: Similar toxic chemicals are also found in nail polish remover!
Safe manicures are possible!
I have never been one to paint my nails on a regular basis. However, every once in a while I enjoy to pretty up my nails and since my children love to have their nails painted it was only logical to look for non-toxic nail polishes we can use without a worry!
Luckily, I found kidsnails.ie, a small family run business based in Ireland. They are lovely to deal with and offer two fabulous brands of perfectly safe nail polish!
1. Piggy Paint – as safe as mud
I just love the slogan “as safe as mud” and with a total of only four ingredients, I absolutely trust it as well. There are no chemicals, no solvents, and no odours. However, the colours are still vibrant and you get a glossy finish, just like you would expect from conventional polishes.
What I love about Piggy Paint, besides it being totally safe, is its durability! Once it’ns applied to the nails you blow dry it for 60 seconds and it will last as long as you love it. If your little ones are likely to change up their nails every day (or hour!) – don’t blow dry and it comes off very easy!
Good to know: Piggy Paint also has its own-brand nail polish remover, which is made from alcohol, aloe vera, vitamin E and an embittering agent – so it’s a safe way to remove the polish whenever you like.
Adult Shades – for pregnancy and beyond
Looking at the toxic ingredients above, you see that they can have a huge impact during pregnancy. However, there is no need to keep your nails bare when you are expecting!
The polishes in the SOPHi line can be matched perfectly to the Piggy Paint shades, but come in more muted and more sophisticated nuances – if this is what you prefer! The principal is the same though. It has just 4 ingredients and needs to be blow-dried for durability!
NOTE: All Piggy Paint and SOPHi polishes are non-toxic, vegan and cruelty-free!
2. Miss Nella – Peel-off colours
The Miss Nella polishes are just as colourful and vibrant as any nail polish you can buy on the high street. However, instead of having to use nail polish remover, you can just peel it off!
This is such a huge advantage, especially for kids that keep changing their mind, but refuse to sit still for longer than a few seconds. Apply, peel-off, re-apply – easy peasy and they can do it themselves!
Miss Nella polishes are made in France using 13 safe ingredients. Which means no odours and 100% no harmful chemicals! Just like Piggy Paint Miss Nella polishes are also cruelty-free and suitable for vegans!
Are you and your kids big into nail polishes? Have you come across any other non-toxic brands available in Ireland?