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Best Non-Toxic Nail Gel Polish in 2024
Updated:
Nov 18, 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
+ 1 more
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our use of affiliate links does not influence how we rate products. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
What you should know when choosing non-toxic nail gel polish on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
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Find Non-Toxic Nail Gel Polish
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Color Craze Gel Shine Nail Polish - L.A. Colors
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$6.99
Product Details
- Gel-like, high gloss shine
- No UV light needed for application
- Fuss-free removal, even with acetone-free nail polish remover
- Offers salon quality results
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Versatile
- Shiny
- Long-lasting
Cons Mentioned
- Chips
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Isobutyl Acetate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, May Contain / Peut Contenir : Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide Black (CI 77499), Black 2 (CI 77266), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Yellow 10 Lake (CI 47005), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 34 Lake (CI 15880), Manganese Violet (CI 77742)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Gel Couture 2-Step Longwear Nail Polish - essie
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$8.36
Product Details
- Luxurious longwear with gel-like shine using a 2-step system.
- Provides optimal outcomes when used with its specific top coat.
- Offers both handy home application and easy removal.
- Features a variety of shades for personalisation.
- Comes with a curved brush designed for perfect color coverage.
- Delivers up to 14 days of wear and an instant gel-like shine.
- No UV lamp required for application.
- Brand has over 35 years of authority in color and nail luxury.
- Noted for its high-quality nail polishes and award-winning nail care products.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Elegant
- Durable
- Quick-drying
Cons Mentioned
- Peeling
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Acrylates Copolymer, Octocrylene, Propyl Acetate, Tributyl Citrate, Alcohol Denat, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Hydrogenated Acetophenone/Oxymethylene Copolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Dimethicone, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Silica, Citric Acid, Barium Sulfate, Oxidized Polyethylene, Benzophenone-1, Colophonium / Rosin / Colophane, Tin Oxide, Alumina, Magnesium Silicate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Ci 77002 / Aluminum Hydroxide, [+/- May Contain / Peut Contenir Ci 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Ci 77491, Ci 77499 / Iron Oxides, Ci 77000 / Aluminum Powder, Ci 15850 / Red 7 Lake, Ci 15880 / Red 34 Lake, Ci 19140 / Yellow 5 Lake, Ci 77400 / Bronze Powder, Ci 15850 / Red 6 Lake, Ci 77820 / Silver, Ci 77510 / Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, Ci 77163 / Bismuth Oxychloride, Ci 77266 / Black 2, Ci 77288 / Chromium Oxide Greens, Ci 77510 / Ferric Ferrocyanide, Ci 42090 / Blue 1 Lake
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Gel Nail Polish - SensatioNail
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$7.88
Product Details
- Treat your nails to a professional-looking manicure at home with SensatioNail Gel Polish.
- Provides a glossy, long-lasting finish that lasts up to two weeks.
- Cures in seconds under an LED nail lamp (not included), eliminating traditional dry time.
- Helps prevent chipped nails, peeled nails, and damaged nail beds.
- Encourages healthy natural nails with the use of essential oils before base coats and nail protectors.
- Promotes self-expression and vibrant living through its diverse color offerings and innovative product line.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Beautiful
- Lasting
- Quality
Cons Mentioned
- Peeling
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Di-Hema Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate, Hema, Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate, Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide, Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Isophorone Diamine/Isophthalic Acid/ Tromethamine Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Hydroxycyclohexyl Phenyl Ketone, Titanium Dioxide, Peg-9 Dimethacrylate, Blue 1, Violet 2
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
1 Step Wonder Gel Nail Color - wet n wild
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$4.99
Product Details
- First gel formula that doesn't require a top coat
- Cures without a lamp
- Provides up to 2 weeks of color and shine in one easy step
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Fast-drying
- Durable
- Vibrant
Cons Mentioned
- Uneven
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Di-Hema Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate, Benzophenone-1, Dimethicone, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate (703A), Isobutyl Stearate (706A), Synthetic Fluorphlogopite (722B), Silica (703A, 707A, 718A), Trimethylolpropane Trimethacrylate (700, 705A, 708), [+/- (May Contain): Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891, Aluminum Powder/CI 77000, Iron Oxides/ CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Mica, Red 6/CI 15850, Red 7/CI 15850, Red 34/CI 15880, Blue 1/CI 42090, Yellow 5/CI 19140, Yellow 10/CI 47005, Ultramarines/CI 77007, Ferric Ferrocyanide/CI 77510, Black 2/CI 77266]
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Gel Extreme Shine - L.A. Girl
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$3.99
Product Details
- One step polish application
- Gel-like shine finish
- No UV light required for application
- Provides intense color and shine
- Easy removal process
- Includes a 440 bristle count brush designed to fit nail shape
- Effective application with just one coat
- Country of origin: China
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Opaque
- Shiny
- Lasting
Cons Mentioned
- Thick
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Isobutyl Acetate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxide Black (Ci 77499), Black 2 (Ci 77266), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 10 Lake (Ci 47005), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Red 34 Lake (Ci 15880), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Gel Extreme Shine Nail Polish - L.A. Colors
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$3.99
Product Details
- One step polish
- Gel-like shine
- No UV light needed
- Model Number: GNL664
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Shiny
- Durable
- Opaque
Cons Mentioned
- Thick
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Isobutyl Acetate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxide Black (Ci 77499), Black 2 (Ci 77266), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 10 Lake (Ci 47005), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Red 34 Lake (Ci 15880), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Gel Nail Polish - Londontown
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$16.78
Product Details
- Vegan formulation
- Cruelty-free product
- Compatible with UV/LED for curing
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Beautiful
- Pigmented
- Quick-drying
Cons Mentioned
- Smelly
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Di-Hema Trimethylhexyldicarbamate, Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate, Silica, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Bht, [+/ Bis (Glycidoxyphenyl) Propane / Bisaminomethylnorbornane Copolymer, Polyethylene Terephtalate, Polyurethane-11, Mica, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosiliccate, Tin Oxide, CI 77891, CI 77002, CI 77000, CI 77510, CI 77491, CI 19140, CI 16035, CI 77742, CI 77499, CI 45380, CI 45410, CI 42090, CI 77007, CI 47000, CI 15880, CI 47005, CI 60725, CI 77510
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish - Deborah Lippmann
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$20.00
Product Details
- Treatment enriched for enhanced nail health, wear, and shine
- No animal testing
- 10 free formulation
- Vegan
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Long-lasting
- Easy-to-apply
- Beautiful
Cons Mentioned
- Chipped
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Phthalic Anhydride/Trimellitic Anhydride/Glycols Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Adipic Acid/Fumaric Acid/Phthalic Acid /Tricyclodecane Dimethanol Copolymer, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Dibutyl Adipate, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Citric Acid, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Hydrolyzed Corn/Soy/Wheat Protein Thioglycolamide/ Thiopropionamide, Biotin, Water/Aqua/Eau (And) Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Glycidoxypropyl Trimethoxysilane/ Methacryloyl Propyltrimethoxysilane /Methyltriethoxysilane /Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Nylon-12, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Extract, Auoumea Klaineana Resin Extract, (+/-) (May Contain/Peut Contenir) : D&C Black No 2 (Ci 77266), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Iron Oxides (77491 , 77499), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Red 6 Lake (Ci 15850), Red 34 Lake (Ci 15880)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Green Flash LED Gel Nail Polish - Manucurist
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$19.00
Product Details
- Uses bio-sourced ingredients with up to 84% sourced from renewable plant raw materials like sugar cane, cassava, cotton, corn, and wheat extracts.
- Guarantees up to 10 days of staying power and shine under LED light.
- Can be removed easily with gentle, acetone-free nail polish remover.
- Free from HEMA and 12 other potentially harmful chemicals, making it safer for nails and the environment.
- Manufactured in France, ensuring quality and adherence to safety standards.
- Application involves a three-step process: base coat, color coat, and top coat, each requiring curing under an LED lamp.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Durable
- Easy-to-remove
- Non-toxic
Cons Mentioned
- Peeling
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Polyvinyl Butyral, Bis-Hema Poly(1,4-Butanediol)-9/Ipdi Copolymer, Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate, Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Phosphoric Acid, BHT
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Gel Nail Polish - Nailboo
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$11.99
Product Details
- Glossy, plump, and lasting manicure finish
- Easy to apply and free from toxins
- Does not damage nails
- Lasts up to 4 weeks with proper application
- Applicable on natural nails and glue-on tips
- Cures in 30-60 seconds under a LED lamp (LED lamp and base/top coat sold separately)
- Stays fluid and workable until cured, then hardens completely
- Salon-quality shine at home
- Supports nail art designs on top of dip powder manicures
- Nail preparation guidance provided to avoid reactions and ensure durability
- Removal recommended with regular acetone nail polish remover
- Customer support and tutorials available to enhance user experience
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Lasting
- Quality
- Easy
Cons Mentioned
- Thick
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Polyurethane, Hema, Bumetrizole, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Red No. 6 (Ci 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Miracle Gel Nail Polish - Sally Hansen
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$5.39
Product Details
- Lasts up to 8 days with a color and shine finish.
- Does not require a UV lamp for application.
- Formulated to be chip-resistant.
- Salon-quality results achievable at home with just 2 simple steps: color and a top coat.
- Recommended to pair with Sally Hansen's Shiny Topcoat for optimal shine and durability.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Beautiful
- Durable
- Easy
Cons Mentioned
- Streaky
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Triphenyl Phosphate, Glycidyl Neodecanoate/Phthalic Anhydride/TMP Crosspolymer, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Aqua/Water/Eau, Isosorbide Dicaprylate/Caprate, Silica, Diacetone Alcohol, Kaolin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/IPDI/PPG-15 Glyceryl Ether Copolymer, Phosphoric Acid, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Mannitol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polyvinyl Butyral, Solum Diatomeae/Diatomaceous Earth/Terre de Diatomees, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Zinc Sulfate, n-Butyl Alcohol, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, May Contain/Peut Contenir/+/-: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Iron Oxides ( CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Black 2 [nano] (CI 77266), Red 6 Lake (CI 15850)
Our Product Rating System
First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.
Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.
Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.
Welpr Rating:
5.0/5
Part 1: Product safety
We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.
Part 2: Consumer satisfaction
We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).
Part 3: Ethics & Environment
When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Nail Gel Polish
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Toluene
Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid that naturally occurs in crude oil and the tolu tree. It's prominent in the production of gasoline, coke from coal, and various consumer products like paints, adhesives, and nail polish. Toluene is even added to gasoline, used to create benzene, and acts as a solvent. However, exposure to toluene, especially from inhalation, can have serious health effects. It primarily targets the central nervous system, inducing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, headaches, and in chronic cases, can cause severe dysfunction. Exposure has also been linked to developmental effects in children, but there isn't enough evidence to conclude its carcinogenic potential. Abuse of toluene can cause permanent brain damage, liver injury, and even potential birth defects or increased risk of spontaneous abortions in pregnant women. Despite these risks, cognitive deficits from toluene exposure below a threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm remain extremely low.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent smell that's naturally produced in small quantities in human bodies and is also known as methanal amongst other names. It's used in the production of various items such as fertilizers, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins as well as in some foods and household products like antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde, which can occur through breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air can lead to respiratory symptoms, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and has been linked to lung and nasopharyngeal cancer as well as leukemia. The EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1) and inhaling it can cause bronchospasm and pulmonary edema. Commercially, it's sold as formalin in solutions of 37%, 44%, or 50% and long-term exposure can cause first-degree burns, skin sensitization, squamous cell nasal cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstruction.
Sources:
Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk, Cleaning Products & Indoor Air Quality, No More Toxic Tub, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Preservatives, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Formaldehyde And Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives, Formaldehyde may be found in cosmetic products even when unlabelled, Formaldehyde Found in Popular American Beauty Products, Hair Salons - Formaldehyde in Your Products, Formaldehyde in cosmetic products
Xylene
Xylene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor that can be found in cosmetic products. Its functions include enhancing fragrance and perfuming the skin, as well as serving as a solvent to dissolve other substances in the formulation. However, it's important to note that exposure to xylene can lead to various health issues, including irritation of the eyes, nose, skin, and throat, along with symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, and loss of muscle coordination.
Methylisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone can reportedly cause allergic contact dermatitis in workers who interact with products containing it. This substance is recognized as a contact allergen for consumers using cosmetics that include it. It can cause skin burns and sensitization, and inhaling it may lead to corrosive injuries in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Ingesting this substance is harmful, and inhalation is toxic. This preservative is linked to the category of isothiazolinones.
Sources:
Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, Methylisothiazolinone toxicity and inhibition of wound healing and regeneration in planaria, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or methylisothiazolinone in cosmetic products, Isothiazolinone Biocides: Chemistry, Biological, and Toxicity Profiles, Methylisothiazolinone and isothiazolinone allergy, Analysis of isothiazolinones in environmental waters by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Methylisothiazolinone induces apoptotic cell death via matrix metalloproteinase activation in human bronchial epithelial cells, EU REGULATIONS , Methylisothiazolinone contact allergy: a review, Effects of methylisothiazolinone and octylisothiazolinone on development and thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish larvae, Two Cases of Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone-associated Toxic Lung Injury, An update of the risk assessment for methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) with focus on rinse-off products, Effects of a mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone on peripheral airway dysfunction in children, Isothiazolinone preservative: cause of a continuing epidemic of cosmetic dermatitis, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Acetone
Acetone is a colorless, flammable liquid that dissolves in water and has a distinct smell and taste. It is also known as dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, and beta-ketopropane. This manufactured chemical, which is used to create plastic, fibers, drugs, and other chemicals, can also be found in the environment in plants, trees, volcanic gases, forest fires, vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and landfill sites, with industrial processes contributing more to its presence than natural ones. Acetone can be harmful if absorbed through the skin or inhaled, potentially causing irritation to the skin and respiratory tract, as well as adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS), liver, and kidneys. The allowable exposure limit is set based on its potential to cause eye and upper respiratory irritation and CNS impairment.
Benzophenone
Benzophenone (BZP) is a photoinitiator, fragrance enhancer, and ultraviolet stabilizer, used in a variety of industrial applications. Despite not being registered as a pesticide in the U.S., it's involved in the production of insecticides and agricultural chemicals. Its toxic effects on humans are scarcely documented, but it presents little hormonal activity on cell lines. Animal studies show it possesses no estrogenic activity, but it can transform into derivatives with such activity under UV irradiation. It did not show reproductive toxicity or carcinogenicity in rats and mice, respectively, even at high doses. It can be bioactivated through specific enzymes. For aquatic life, fathead minnow larvae were more sensitive to BZP, ranking it in the middle of the toxicity order of six benzene derivatives.
Sources:
Benzophenone & Related Compounds, Chemical Profile: Benzophenone, Toxicological evaluation of benzophenone, Benzophenone – information sheet, Proposition 65 Warnings: Benzophenone, OEHHA: Benzophenone, FDA Removes 7 Synthetic Flavoring Substances from Food Additives List, Benzophenone-3, a chemical UV-filter in cosmetics: is it really safe for children and pregnant women? ,
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