‘Chemical-free’ nail varnishes contain toxins linked to infertility and even cancer
- ‘3-Free’ polishes are without the ‘toxic trio’ – DnBP, toluene and formaldehyde
- But they still contain toxins linked to brain toxicity and foetal abnormalities
- EU banned certain chemicals from cosmetics, which were replaced by others
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‘Chemical-free’ nail varnishes can contain toxic compounds that have been linked to everything from infertility to cancer, research suggests.
‘3-Free’ polishes that claim to be void of the ‘toxic trio’ – DnBP, toluene and formaldehyde – often still contain ingredients linked to brain toxicity and even foetal abnormalities, a Harvard study found today.
Although the EU banned many chemicals from being used in cosmetics in 2004, scientists argue this led to ‘regrettable substitution’ – where one toxin is replaced by another.
These chemicals are also often still used in the US, where cosmetics are allowed to go to market before they are tested for safety.
‘Chemical-free’ nail varnishes can contain toxic compounds that have been linked to everything from infertility to cancer, Harvard research suggests (stock)
The researchers examined 40 different nail varnishes that were available at two leading online beauty stores, three Greater Boston beauty suppliers and eight local nail salons between July 2016 and March 2018.
These polishes were made up of red and pink shades – the most popular colours; metallic, shimmery and glitter coats; and a clear top coat.
Since the introduction of ‘3-Free’ varnishes in around 2006, the trend has spread, with many polishes claiming to be ‘5-Free’, ‘7-Free’, ’10-Free’ and even ’13-Free’.
The 40 varnishes were manufactured by 12 brands in total, which were not named in the study.
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For each of the polishes analysed, the scientists, led by Dr Anna Young, noted the online descriptions of their ingredients and labels.
And the results suggest not all ‘toxic free’ nail polishes are necessarily void of chemicals.
For instance, the hormone-disruptor TPHP was found in six of the 10 ’10-Free’ brands.
Hormone-disrupting chemicals have been linked to conditions such as infertility, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and even certain cancers, like breast.
THPH was added to around half of nail polishes on the market after DnBP was banned in the EU in 2004.
DO HAIR PRODUCTS CONTAIN CHEMICALS LINKED TO CANCER?
Nearly 80 percent of hair products aimed at black women contain chemicals linked to cancer, infertility and obesity, research suggested in April 2018.
Up to 78 percent of relaxers, which are used to permanently straighten hair, contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, known as parabens, a study by the Silent Spring Institute, Massachusetts, found.
Past studies suggest parabens, which are used as preservatives, mimic oestrogen and may cause cancer, weight gain and reduced muscle mass.
Up to 78 percent of hair products, including leave-in conditioners, also contain phthalates, the research adds.
Phthalates are added to prolong products’ shelf lives and have been linked to breast and ovarian cancer, as well as early menopause.
Out of the 18 products analysed, 11 contain chemicals that are banned under the EU cosmetic regulations due to their links to cancer and female infertility.
Previous research suggests black women are more likely to use straightening and moisturising hair products to try and meet social beauty norms.
Results further suggest that hair products aimed at black women contain up to 45 hormone-disrupting chemicals, which are not generally listed on their labels.
All of the products contain at least one fragrance, which have previously been described as ‘gender benders’ due to them encouraging male-breast growth.
The worst offenders were found in hair lotions, root stimulators and relaxers.
Lotions claim to moisturise, while root stimulators are thought to encourage hair growth and strength.
It is thought to prevent chipping and maintain a varnish’s colour.
Results, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, further suggested phthalates were present in nine of the 10 ’10-Free’ brands analysed.
Phthalates are also hormone disruptors and have been linked to genital malformations in baby boys.
The hormone-disrupting chemical DEHP was also in 60 per cent of the samples.
DEHP is associated with infertility and is considered possibly cancer-causing to humans.
It has been found to persist in indoor environments for years even with ventilation.
This may put nail-salon workers at risk, the researchers warn.
Other ‘Free’ polishes included chemicals like lead, which has been linked to vomiting, hearing loss and learning difficulties in children.
Fragrances were also present.
The FDA allows phthalates to be listed as ‘fragrance’ due to trade secret concerns.
Although the FDA regulates cosmetics, it does not require products to be approved for safety before they enter the market.
Labeling and advertising claims like ‘3-Free’ or ‘non toxic’ also do not need to be approved by the FDA or the Federal Trade Commission.
‘With little standardisation or validation of the claims, it’s challenging for consumers and nail salon workers to know what these labels really mean for health,’ Dr Young said.
‘It’s not as simple as what substances aren’t in nail polish; we have to address harmful chemicals still present or added as substitutes.’
The scientists wrote ‘nail polish labels would benefit from standardization and validation by a third unbiased party.
‘Certified labels could be useful tools for educating nail polish users, nail salon owners, and nail salon workers about toxic chemicals and how to make best purchasing decisions’.
This comes after research released last September suggested make-up and skincare products contain a cocktail of chemicals.
After analysing more than a 100 women, scientists from George Mason University, Virginia, found those who have these chemicals in their urine produce abnormal amounts of the reproductive hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
Excessive oestrogen has been linked to fibroids and polycystic ovary syndrome, while too much progesterone is associated with both breast cancer and unusual vaginal bleeding.
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