Bathroom
Nail Polish & Gel PolishWhat You Need To KnowSince toxic chemicals are often used in nail polishes and removers, be sure to read labels carefully and look for less toxic alternatives. The good news is that there are many new polishes and gels on the market without harmful ingredients!
What To Avoid
Harmful chemicalsHarmful chemicals, such as Triphenyl phosphate (tphp), toluene, and formaldehyde, are used to increase durability and minimize chipping. Exposure to these chemicals can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs and is linked to cancer, brain developmental and reproductive health problems.
Nail gelsNail gels have fewer of the toxic chemicals found in polish, but gels usually contain butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA),which may increase risk of cancer. Since gels have to be dried under UV light, they might also increase your risk of skin cancer.
Safer Choices
Clean polishesLook for water-based, non-flammable, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free polishes and gels.
Just buffConsider just having your nails buffed, rather than using polishes or gels.
VentilationWhen applying or removing nail polish and gels, ensure good ventilation by turning on fans, using air purifiers, and/or opening windows and doors.
Find Safer Products
Websites and Apps:
Clearya
Clearya is a free browser extension and app that notifies you when there are unsafe ingredients in your makeup, personal care, baby care, cleaning and other products, and helps you find safe products.
Clearya is a free browser extension and app that notifies you when there are unsafe ingredients in your makeup, personal care, baby care, cleaning and other products, and helps you find safe products.
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics - Nontoxic Black Beauty Project
They offer a list and database of non-toxic beauty products made and sold by Black-owned companies that are committed to toxic-free beauty and personal care products.
They offer a list and database of non-toxic beauty products made and sold by Black-owned companies that are committed to toxic-free beauty and personal care products.
Detox Me
This app allows you to scan barcodes on products to find relevant tips. They also offer a buying guide to decode product labels and find non-toxic alternatives.
This app allows you to scan barcodes on products to find relevant tips. They also offer a buying guide to decode product labels and find non-toxic alternatives.
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG has a "Skin Deep" database that rates personal care and beauty products based on their safety and toxicity levels. EWG also offers a Healthy Living app that allows you to scan barcodes and find safer products.
EWG has a "Skin Deep" database that rates personal care and beauty products based on their safety and toxicity levels. EWG also offers a Healthy Living app that allows you to scan barcodes and find safer products.
Think Dirty
This app and website allow you to scan or search for personal care products to see their ingredient safety ratings.
This app and website allow you to scan or search for personal care products to see their ingredient safety ratings.