And unfortunately, some toxic components are disguised with the famous "manufacturing secret" and do not appear in their INCI list.
Below are the names of some of the dangerous ingredients you should avoid.
- Formaldehyde, a carcinogen, is used as a hardener and preservative. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, as well as cancer of the nasopharynx and nasal cavities.
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Toluene , considered a possible carcinogen and neurotoxin, is used as a resin to facilitate the application of nail polishes and is also found as a nail solvent.
Its toxic gases could damage the central nervous system and brain, as well as cause irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. - Phthalates are endocrine disruptors used to make nail polishes more flexible and durable.
- Synthetic camphor, potentially carcinogenic, irritating to eyes and respiratory tract; if inhaled, it can cause decreased breathing and slow the heart rate.
- Xylenes and styrenes, neurotoxic ingredients, cause irritation in the eyes, throat, nose and skin, as well as generating headaches.
In addition, acrylic nails contain formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical compound with a risk of developing nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia, and methacrylate (EMA ), which can cause contact dermatitis, asthma, and eye allergies.
On the other hand, we find that not only can we be affected by the toxicity of nail polish, but also by the radiation emitted by UV drying lamps . This radiation is cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic to skin cells, leading to premature aging and age spots on the hands. The risk is even greater for people who take medications that cause photosensitivity.
And we're not just talking about the composition of these products; you're also exposed to the gases they emit , and the dust particles from filing your nails can travel through the air and enter your respiratory system, causing problems such as:
- Rhinitis : inflammation of the nasal mucosa that manifests with sneezing, nasal itching, congestion, mucus.
- Asthma : a condition of reversible bronchial obstruction; during attacks, air circulates with difficulty through the bronchi, producing a feeling of fatigue or suffocation and wheezing.
- Other : nonspecific irritative conditions, alveolitis, pneumonia or sensitization by inhalation.
The fumes from nail polish can even affect the eye area , causing inflammation of the conjunctiva, which leads to symptoms such as itching, red eyes, tearing, or a feeling of a foreign body in the eye.
Constant contact with these products, in this case we are talking about professionals in this sector, can cause problems on the skin of the hands, leading to dermatitis, and a hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system, causing allergic reactions and symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness, cracks, blisters.
Other health problems
- Skin depigmentation due to hydroquinone.
- Central Nervous System Affectation (headaches, drowsiness, dizziness) especially during the application of products with solvents.
- Some components can negatively affect the health of pregnant or breastfeeding workers, the fetus or the child during the breastfeeding period, such as toluene and cyclomethicone.
If you're looking for a healthy, toxin-free manicure with a natural and organic composition, take note: MANUCURIST can be found at Attura.shop; it's the only brand I've found with a formulation of up to 99% organic ingredients.
Generally, in many other brands you will find "four free", which means the absence of the 4 most dangerous toxins: Formaldehyde, Phthalates, Toluene and synthetic Camphor. Manucurist is a 12-free formula , having excluded from its formulas a list of substances derived mainly from petrochemicals and replaced them with plant-based ingredients such as: sweet almond, passion fruit, cashew nut seed, walnut, coconut and baobab.
And it's also certified by Cosmo Organic and The Vegan Society.
At Attura you'll find the Green Range, a true classic. These are air-drying nail polishes with good pigmentation, extreme shine, and up to 7 days of wear. There's a wide variety of shades to suit all tastes.
For longer-lasting polish, first apply Green Base Coat ( https://attura.shop/products/base-coat ) . It's essential for protecting the nail and setting the color, and it's also highly concentrated with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. Finish with Green Top Coat ( https://attura.shop/products/top-coat-sunshine ), the final step to protect and enhance your manicure. It provides exceptional durability and shine, creating a gel-like effect without the need for an LED lamp. Its formula reacts to natural UV rays and accelerates the drying time of your Green nail polish.
To remove it, you can use an acetone-free nail polish remover. I recommend: Green Nail Polish Remover https://attura.shop/products/quitaesmalte-green . It's enriched with sweet almond oil and vitamins A, B, and D, doesn't dry out your nails, and keeps them moisturized. It's perfect for gently removing nail polish.
If you need to repair and strengthen your nails, you can't miss Active Glow https://attura.shop/products/active-glow%E2%84%A2-blueberry
The first treatment nail polish with an intense glow finish to enhance the luminosity of your nails!
Its formula is composed of sweet almond oil, known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties, blueberry extracts with antioxidant and regenerative properties, and AHAs, especially effective in restoring and revitalizing even the most damaged nails.
A powerful green cocktail to enhance the natural luminosity of your nails:
- Blueberry extract: deeply moisturizes and nourishes.
- AHA: restores, protects and hardens nails.
- Sweet almond oil: softens and moisturizes.
- Lactobacillus ferment: preserves the nail microbiome.
TIP: If you apply more than one coat, the nail acquires a very natural pink tone.
And to nourish and hydrate your cuticles, you'll find Verdem Oil https://attura.shop/products/aceite-verde
A blend of 6 multi-active oils to promote nail growth. A superb treatment that regenerates cuticles, the nail contour, and dry nails.
TIP: You can use it daily or at the end of your nail polish application (once it is completely dry) to perfect the finish of your nails and show off a perfect manicure.
Now you know, you can have beautiful, healthy nails without damaging them or harming your health! But remember to take breaks and let them breathe.
With love,
LAURA
