Make One Beauty Switch, Feel Better

Try the natural cosmetic that's safer for you and the planet.

Photo: Kasia Biel / istock

By Brian Clark Howard

A number of companies now offer more natural alternatives to conventional nail polish that are gorgeous and fun, as well as safer for you and the planet.

Examples include the soy- and corn-based Priti and the water-based Suncoat, which hydrates the underlying nail and is available in 32 colors. Bright polishes from ToeShades require no remover to take off: They simply peel away.

Conventional nail polish often contains the solvents toluene and amyl, butyl and ethyl acetate, which are known neurotoxins. Toluene can also trigger asthma attacks. Sometimes the toxic heavy metal lead acetate is included. A number of the common synthetic coloring agents have also been linked to cancer in some studies, especially the coal-tar dyes found in FD&C Blue 1 and FD&C Green 3. The common ingredient formaldehyde is also a suspected carcinogen.

Nail polish often includes the controversial plasticizers known as phthalates. Phthalates are increasingly thought to be hormone disruptors, and a number of studies have linked them to reproductive harm.

You may not have realized it, but your nails are porous and can allow toxins to enter your bloodstream. So why not play it safe and pick a great new "natural" color?

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