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Use a natural nail polish

All Practically Green: 126 or so people have DONE this action so far.

All Practically Green: 63 or so people have ADDED this to their action plan so far.

Why is "Use a natural nail polish" green?

Oh nail polish, you’re so cute, but you’re so bad. Think about it. You’re putting paint on your body and leaving it there for weeks or even months. The noxious smell is a dead giveaway and those fumes during application pose the biggest health risk. The three worst chemicals found in common nail polishes are dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, and toluene. But there are others, too.

DBP makes polish both flexible and chip resistant. California has classified it as a reproductive and developmental toxicant, and it is banned for use in cosmetics in the European Union, but not in the United States. The EPA calls formaldehyde—which acts a preservative—a known carcinogen. It can be absorbed through nails. The Environmental Working group calls toluene, a paint thinner, a “potent neurotoxicant.” It’s also an irritant and causes nausea.

Given this, going nail polish-free is the safest option—if you’re willing. If you want a little mani pedi flare from time to time, paint on a less toxic product that doesn’t contain these three chemicals, and does contain natural dye. And use a plant-based remover.

How to: Use a natural nail polish

There are a number of companies offering polishes that are DBP-, formaldehyde-, and toluene-free. Polish bottles do have ingredient lists, but tiny print is hard to read.

Check all polishes on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database or on the GoodGuide. If they score poorly, use another product.

If you go to a salon, choose one that is well ventilated and stocks safer nail products.