Safe, natural nail polish: is it possible?

Concerned with the toxic effects of phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde found in some nail polish, women are turning to organic polishes. Found in everything from water bottles to pill coatings, nail polish is just one of many personal care products that may contain one or more of these toxic additives. In the time it takes to dry your nails you can inhale enough toxic fumes to cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, sore throat, and even breathing problems

Responding to the demand for safer beauty products, several creative entrepreneurs have created organic nail polish. Most are available online. Some of the leading non toxic brands (and their prices) include Honey Bee Gardens ($6.75), Peacekeeper Cause-Metics ($10.20), Sante Cosmetics ($9.99), Nubar ($6.99), Safe Nail Polish ($12.95), and Spa Ritual ($10.00).

How to Use Organic Nail Polish

In general, organic polishes provide the same bright, water proof, scratch resistant finish as their toxic counterparts. However, if your nails are dry, you may need to treat them with a moisturizer before applying polish. This will make it easier to remove the polish. To maximize its length of wear, apply the polish at night. While it takes about the same time to dry to a “tack free” state, it can take four to six hours for the polish to cure at the molecular level.

If you go to sleep with a fresh manicure, by the time you wake up, your nails polish will be ready for even the harshest conditions. When you're finished with your manicure, store your polish where it stays at room temperatures. Cold temperatures can thicken polish. If this happens, just add a drop of water and shake.

photo by Beau de Noir