Most nail polish is a mixture of solvents and pigments. Paints, glues, furniture, carpets, mdf and many more household items contain some of the chemicals you'll find on any nail polish ingredient list. However, there are some ingredients that the industry are turning against. Here is what I choose to avoid and why.

Toluene - EU Classification and Labelling states; Possible risk of harm to the unborn child,
harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation
Irritant (eyes, skin, or lungs), Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness

Formaldehyde - Causes nails to appear to be laminating and peeling. Its found in most paint on stengtheners.

Phthalates - Environmental Working Group lists the ingredients as causing developmental/reproductive toxicity, Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Use in Europe ended in 1995. Can be found in products made outside Europe.

Nail Polish Remover is another product that can have adverse reactions to the nail. Causing dryness, brittleness, and causing skin reactions around the nail.

Acetates in Removers - : Acetone free polish is often Butyl Acetate. I have noted symptoms of skin lesions, itching skin, sore throat and facial breakouts, experts within the industry refer to these symptoms as ‘over-exposure’, they recommend better ventilation, use of gloves and barrier creams. EWG lists Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs).

So what is the answer?
Green Hands have chosen two brands of Nail Polish, both very different. Neither is likely to cause nail peeling. For those who'd prefer to avoid solvents altogether, I recommend Suncoat. Mavala behaves like any other regular varnish but doesn't contain the very harsh chemicals I'd prefer to avoid. Both last well, and both can be removed with Suncoat Nail Polish Remover.

Suncoat Water-Based Nail Polish
No smell
No solvents
Earth Pigments
Vegan Colour Ranges

Mavala Nail Colours
Toluene Free
Formaldehyde Free
Vegan Colours

Mavala's unique formula delivers microscopic air pockets to allow nails to breath and absorb nutrients found in hand creams and other topical treatments. If you nails are suffering the effects of regular polish and removers there are other things you can do to bring them back into great natural and healthy condition. See our articles on natural nail care for more info.