Conscious Fashion: The Toxic Trio

Natural this, natural that. We’ve seen these labels and heard all these claims before. But can we trust what we’re reading? In the cosmetics industry, where the FDA has little sanction, the answer points to no; it’s up to us to be informed consumers.

A recent study performed by the Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) revealed that many nail polishes are mislabeled. With it’s dead giveaway scent, nail polish in particular can pose many health problems. Even after painting my own nails, I feel like I need a breath of fresh air; the scent can be that overwhelming. I can’t count the number of times my brothers have simply walked by my bedroom to ask, “What’s that smell? Are you painting your nails again?” Now imagine this smell magnified by 100. This is what salon workers experience on a daily basis.

Nail salons are often small and poorly ventilated; these conditions combined with long work days only add to the negative side affects the toxins in nail polish can cause. The dominant toxins in nail polish are referred to as the “toxic trio.” This trio consists of: toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). These three chemicals add to the sheen and consistency of nail polish but are know carcinogens and neurotoxins.If you are reading this and glancing at your brightly polished nails on the verge of minor freak out, take a deep breath. These negative health affects are most likely to occur with extended exposure, under poor conditions, such as working in a salon.

If you are painting your nails at home, you’re actually on the right track. To be a savvy well-manicured consumer, this is one of the things you can do to improve salon standards. By doing your nails at home or only going to the salon for a manicure OR pedicure, you are helping limit the amount of polish used in a salon. Another option is to research your local salons and ask what they are doing to improve ventilation and if they use any toxin-free nail polishes. Proven toxin-free brands include: Zoya, OPI, and Honeybee Gardens. If your favorite nail salon doesn’t carry of these brands, ask if you can bring in your own polish.