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Best Non-Toxic Nail Strengthener 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 strengthener 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 Strengthener
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.
Barefoot/Multivitamin Strength Growth - Vegan Pure
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$7.71
Product Details
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free product.
- Free from 20 types of toxins.
- Offers on-trend, fresh modern shades.
- Dries quickly to a shiny, ultra-hard finish.
- Provides chip-free and tip wear resistance for up to 16 days.
- Manufactured in the USA.
- Excludes harmful ingredients such as animal-derived ingredients, toluene, parabens, formaldehyde, silicone, and phthalates.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Healthy
- Vegan
- Effective
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: Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Candelilla Cera, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Propylene Glycol, Biotin, Folic Acid, Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), Phenoxyethanol
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.
Biotin Ultimate Strength Nail Treatment & Strengthener - Nail-Aid
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$4.48
Product Details
- Fortified with nail-strengthening biotin (vitamin B7).
- Designed to fortify soft, torn nails and end peeling and breaking.
- Promises visible improvements in as little as 3 days.
- Quick-drying formula that dries instantly to an anti-chip, long-lasting finish.
- Can be used alone with two applications, allowing each coat to dry before the next.
- Compatible with nail color; can be applied as a base and top coat with reapplication every 3 days for optimal protection.
- Removes easily with nail polish remover.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Strengthening
- Hardening
- Shiny
Cons Mentioned
- Difficult
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, Phthalic Anhydride/Trimellitic Anhydride/ Glycols Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Acrylates Copolymer, Etocrylene, CI 60725 (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.
"First Aid Kiss" Nail Strengthener - ella+mila
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$10.49
Product Details
- Formulated for damaged nails, ideal for thin, brittle, or split nails.
- Enhanced with vitamin E to promote strong and healthy nail growth.
- Provides instant strength to fragile and brittle nails and supports longer, stronger, and smoother nails.
- Apply one coat of the growth treatment to bare nails; after seven days, remove with non-acetone polish remover and reapply as needed for optimal results.
- Vegan and cruelty-free, certified by PeTA.
- Unique “17-Free” formula made without harmful chemicals including Acetone, Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), and more.
- Designed to be environmentally responsible and health conscious.
- Product application involves a 4-week treatment cycle with specific instructions for coating and removal to strengthen nails.
- Can be used as a base coat under colored nail enamel after the initial treatment cycle.
- Proudly made in the USA.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Strengthening
- Long-lasting
- Easy-to-apply
Cons Mentioned
- Peels
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, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Polyvinyl Butyral, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum, CI 26100, CI 60725
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.
Nail Saver - Jason Naturals
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$11.50
Product Details
- Helps hydrate cuticles and nails to prevent breakage.
- Crafted with tea tree oil, sesame seed oil, safflower seed oil, vitamin E, and aloe leaf juice.
- Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and petrolatum.
- Cruelty-free and not tested on animals.
- Designed to improve the look and health of your nails with antiseptic properties.
- Contains natural ingredients for everyday wellness, reflecting the brand’s commitment since 1959.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Natural
- Strengthening
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Brush
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: Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil (1), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (1), Tocopheryl Acetate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil (1), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (1), Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Allantoin
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.
Nail Envy Strengthener Original - OPI
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$19.95
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Strengthening
- Quick-drying
- Matte
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, Tribenzoin, Acrylates/Hydroxyesters Acrylates Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin, N-Butyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Diacetone Alcohol, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Dimethicone, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Violet 2 (CI 60725)
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.
Nail Strengthener for Weak and Damaged Nails - NailTek
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$9.45
Product Details
- Designed for nails resistant to conventional therapies, providing a solution for very severe nail weakness.
- Concentrated formulation that offers extra strength to repair and strengthen weak, damaged nails.
- Includes a blend of essential oils and moisturizers along with natural ingredients to restore, protect, and maintain nails and cuticles.
- Helps prevent peeling, cracks, chips, and unsightly ridges in nails.
- Applies calcium effectively to forge strong, firm nails suitable for daily use.
- Nourishes and conditions nails, stimulating growth from the root.
- Consistently receives positive feedback for beautiful nail results.
- Manufactured in the USA, with all products being 100% cruelty-free.
- Winner of "Best Natural Nail Treatment" by Salon Professionals, establishing the brand's reputation in nail care excellence.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Strengthening
- Effective
- Healing
Cons Mentioned
- Temporary
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, Water (Aqua, Eau), Formaldehyde, Benzophenone-3, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Violet 2 (CI 60725)
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.
Strengthening Top Coat - Sally Hansen
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$14.88
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Quick-dry
- Strengthening
- Perfecting
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
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, Alcohol Denat, Butyl Acetate, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Acrylates Copolymer, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Sucrose Benzoate, Triphenyl Phosphate, Nitrocellulose, Etocrylene, Isopropyl Alcohol, Benzophenone-1, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Ppg-2 Dimethicone, Saccharide Isomerate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Algae Extract, D&C Violet No 2 (Ci 60725)
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.
Get Well Nail Recovery - Londontown
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$17.00
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Strengthening
- Protective
- Shiny
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: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Hea/Ipdi Isocyanurate Trimer/Polycaprolactone Diol Copolymer, Glycolic Acid, Tris-Hea Ipdi Isocyanurate Trimer, N-Butyl Alcohol, Etocrylene, Water, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Malic Acid, Hexanal, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Calcium Pantothenate, Ferrous Gluconate, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyvinyl Butyral, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Rapeseed Glycerides, Alcohol Denat, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Violet 2 (CI 60725), Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, Biotin
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.
Complete Serum Care for Damaged Nails and Cuticles - Manucurist
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$15.00
Product Details
- Nourishes and hydrates nails and cuticles, helping to regenerate and strengthen nails against external damage.
- Formulated with panthenol, vegetable glycerine, and chestnut extract for moisturizing and protective benefits.
- Non-greasy gel texture that rapidly penetrates and deeply hydrates.
- Vegan and contains up to 86.5% ingredients of natural origin, cruelty-free, promoting an eco-friendly approach.
- Provides immediate results by restoring strength and shine to damaged nails and soothing very dry nails.
- Easy to apply water-based texture suitable for use on bare or manicured nails.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Effective
- Non-greasy
Cons Mentioned
- Small
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: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Trisodium Phosphate, Panthenol, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Carbomer, Decyl Glucoside, Methyl Gluceth-20, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Castanea Sativa (Chestnut) Seed Extract, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Sodium Surfactin, P-anisic Acid, Ci 15510 (Orange 4), Ci 19140 (Yellow 5) 86.5% Of Natural Ingredients
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.
Nail Strengthener with Proteins, Minerals, Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamins - NutriNails
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$12.13
Product Details
- Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid for nail nourishment and regeneration.
- All-in-one treatment combines proteins, minerals, and vitamins for robust and radiant nails.
- Quick and visible results, with improvements seen in just weeks.
- Helps prevent nail-biting and repairs damage caused by it, suitable for adults.
- Enhances nail health and appearance with essential vitamins and minerals.
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: Sodium Hyaluronate, Keratin, Calcium Pantothenate, Allium Sativum Bulb Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Polyester -23, Adipic Acid, Butyl Acrylate/Styrene Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, May Contain: CI 19140, CI 16035, C142090
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.
Resurface & Repair Base Coat - Cote
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$23.00
Product Details
- Quickly repairs nails weakened by UV gel, powder, and acrylic products, restoring them to a healthy natural state.
- Formulated with lavender, ginseng, and calcium to soothe, protect, and harden nails.
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and formaldehyde.
- Suitable for use alone or as a base coat under polish.
- Included top-quality brush applicator ensures smooth application.
- Featured in notable publications including Vogue, Goop, and Allure.
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, Trimethyl Pentanediyl Diisobutyrate, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate, Epoxidized Soybean Oil, Aluminum Dilicate, Boron Nitride, Calcium Fluoride, CI 70019 (Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate (and) Mica), Glycerin (and) Water (and) Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Extract (and) Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Propylene Glycol & Water & Lavandula Augustifolia Extract, Propylene Glycol (and) Water (and) Ceramium Rubrum Extract, CI 60725 (Violet 2), CI 77947 (Zinc Oxide)
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.
3 Day Growth Nail Treatment & Strengthener - Nail-Aid
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$4.48
Product Details
- Infused with keratin amino acids to strengthen soft, weak nail layers and prevent peeling and chipping.
- Promotes healthier and longer nail growth with visible improvements in as little as 3 days.
- Features a quick-dry formula that dries to an ultra-hard finish.
- Can be used alone for a natural look or as a base and top coat with nail color for a long-wearing, high-gloss manicure.
- Directions include applying 2 coats over clean, dry nails, allowing each coat to dry before the next application; reapply every 3 days for optimal protection.
- Easily removable with nail polish remover.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Strengthening
- Protective
- Value
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, Phthalic Anhydride/Trimellitic Anhydride/Glycols Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Stearalkoniumhectorite, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D), Keratin Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract, Etocrylene, Ci 60725 (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.
Jelly Preserve Strengthening Treatment - butter LONDON
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$18.00
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Strengthening
- Sheer
- Beautiful
Cons Mentioned
- Drying
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, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Benzophenone-1, Propylene Glycol, Aqua/Water/Eau, Euterpeoleracea Fruit (Acai Berry) Extract, Arginine, Lecithin, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Diamond Powder, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Cetyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclomethicone, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Stearate, Dimethicone, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl/Phenylphosphinate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Colophonium, Red 7 (Ci 15850), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (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.
The Rehab Nail Primer - tenoverten
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$18.00
Product Details
- One-step recovery for damaged nails
- Formulated to lock in moisture and boost hydration
- Enhances overall nail health
- Contains fortifying horsetail leaf extract for strengthening weak, brittle, thin nails
- Free from dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, and triphenyl phosphate
- Natural, cruelty-free, and vegan
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Strengthening
- Glossy
- Fast-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: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Isopropyl Alcohol, Adipic Acid / Neopentyl Glycol / Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Silica, Apium Graveolens (Celery) Root/Seed Extract, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, N-Butyl Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Benzophenone-1
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 Strengthener
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.
Polyacrylamide
Acrylamide is a man-made white crystalline solid primarily used in the production of polymers and copolymers. In humans, it is toxic and irritates the skin and mucous membranes, and can affect the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems leading to symptoms like memory difficulties, confusion, slurred speech, and excessive sweating. It may cause peripheral neuropathy, resulting in loss of sensation and muscle wasting. Recovery after exposure can take months to years. Animal studies indicate acrylamide accumulates in the nervous system, liver, kidney, and male reproductive system, causing degenerative changes. It might disrupt metabolism, induce oxidative stress, cause chromosomal aberrations, and tumor initiation. There is no evidence of teratogenic effects in humans or causing cancer. It has also shown genotoxic effects in some aquatic species like C. Auratus and mussels.
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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