Assalam alaykoum wa rahmatullahi wa bakakettu,
Today I decided to highlight the 10 most harmful ingredients found in our nail polish, I pray that this will make it easier for us to avoid and opt for healthier & kinder alternatives.
Chemicals present in nail polish are harmful to anyone at any age who use them, especially those who use it frequently. Alhamdulillah most of us Muslimahs only tend to wear it during our time of the month or on special occasions, but did you know that studies have shown these toxins to also be harmful to pregnant women, as well as children?
Studying these ingredients is a real eye-opener!
Therefore, to keep yourself and those around you safe, especially your little girls that like to play makeup, make sure the nail polish you use does not include the following toxic ingredients.
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), is a chemical known as a plasticizer, which is used to improve polish durability and gives a shiny look to nails. However, plasticizers are known as endocrine disruptors and associated with damage of liver, kidney, and even affect the reproductive system.
Toluene
Toluene is a chemical that usually found in a variety of cosmetics, including nail polish, hair dye, glues, and gasoline. This chemical proven as a powerful neurotoxin that can cause neurological damage, impaired breathing, hearing loss, decreased brain function, etc. Even when a pregnant woman inhales it more often, it may cause birth and development defects.
Camphor
Camphor naturally presents in the wood of the camphor tree, and it uses in the nail polish to give a shiny and glossy appearance. According to experts, this chemical sometimes triggers severe allergic reactions when applied. Even when you inhaled it, may cause dizziness, headache, and nausea. Also, it affects organs of the human such as liver dysfunction.
Xylene
Xylene is an intoxicant chemical usually found in nail polish, petroleum products, and paint thinners. According to experts, low-level usage of this compound can cause headache or dizziness for a short period of time. Whereas, high-level usage of this compound can affect the respiratory system, kidney, and gastrointestinal toxicity.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a chemical present in nail polish is used to harden and strengthen nail polish and also help in a preservative that guards against bacterial growth. This toxic ingredient usually causes allergic reactions, asthma, nausea, and even miscarriages.
Formaldehyde Resin
Formaldehyde Rasin is a by- a product of formaldehyde that adds depth, shine, and hardness to the nail polish. It is also an ingredient which makes your nails appealing. However, when it comes to its causes, it can cause skin allergy, dermatitis, and even affect the reproductive system that may cause miscarriage.
Triphenylphosphate (TPHP)
Triphenylphosphate is known as a plasticizer, used in nail polish to improve its flexibility and durability. The causes of TPHP has been linked with endocrine impacts, reproductive, and even development irregularities.
Colophonium
Colophonium is a sticky substance that naturally exists in pine and spruce trees. It contains sticky qualities due to which it is used as a useful ingredient in various cosmetic products, including nail polish. However, it is one of those strong allergen compounds which is associated with acute allergic problems, like it causes dermatitis as well as breathing issues.
Organic Halides (AOX)
Organic halides are used as thinners. These chemical compound consist of various substances like bromine, iodine, fluorine, and chlorine. They cause various serious disorders, including nerve damage.
Silicone
The type of silicone used in nail polish is dimethicone. The job of this compound is to speed up the drying process. Also, it causes many allergic problems. At the same time, also consider as a non-biodegradable chemical which is toxic for the environment.
Conclusion
I felt it was important to make sisters, mothers and daughters aware of these harmful ingredients many of us have no idea the consequences of. Keeping this information at hand or at least in mind when you are next out shopping for some new nail polish will definitely help you think twice about avoiding these toxic ingredients and maybe opt for a vegan-friendly, organic or even halal brand. These alternatives are so much kinder to your nails, better for your health and safer for your children to wear.
If you should have any more beneficial suggestions or experiences in relation to this subject please don’t hesitate to comment in the box section below 😉
Wa alaykou assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakettu