Your nail polish might have cancer-causing chemicals

Sophia Esperanza is an influencer who has gained a lot of attention in a short period. Today, she has more than 2.9 million followers on Instagram, with only 228 posts. One of the main reasons for her rise to fame is her focus on what she calls “conscious living”, where she discusses the lifestyle changes she has made to lead a more mindful life.
In one of her videos, which has over 3.4 million views, she mentions that it’s been “years since she applied nail polish”. The reason? According to Sophia, she stopped using nail polish a few years ago after learning about its ingredients.
“I’ve spent years researching the realities of nail polish, gel polish, fake nails, nail products – ingredients. And I have to say, there isn’t much I’m jazzed up about. Cosmetics in general, as we know, is such a ridiculously low-regulated space. To become aware, to truly know what is happening in this space – we have to do some digging on our own,” she says in the caption of the video.
“With everything that nail products come with, I wonder if it’s truly worth it,” she adds.
Have a look at the video here:
Sophia’s video created quite a buzz, and while some agreed and said that is the reason why they also avoid nail paint, others pointed out the irony that she had ‘tattoos’.
Check out some comments:
There is no doubt that the beauty industry, even in India, needs stricter regulations for cosmetic products. India Today spoke to various experts, all of whom agree that toxins can be found in nail polish.
Dr Nishtha Patel, a dermatologist at Kosmoderma in Surat, Gujarat, explains that nail polish contains several toxic chemicals. For her, ‘toluene’ is a major red flag, as it can cause headaches and dizziness. Another concern is formaldehyde, which is ‘a potent carcinogen,’ and dibutyl phthalate, known for its links to reproductive issues.

Toluene in your nail paint can cause headaches and dizziness. Photo: Unsplash

Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, a dermatologist from New Delhi, agrees and adds that the more ‘glittery or metallic the polish is’, the more likely it is to contain harmful chemicals. Dr Bhardwaj advises that those with poor hygiene should avoid nail polish altogether.
“If you eat with your hands or don’t wash them regularly, you need to avoid applying nail polish altogether,” she adds.
Now, this doesn’t mean you must completely avoid nail polish altogether. Dr Patel advises that there is nothing to prevent you from using nail polish; rather, you should be mindful while choosing one.
Dr Gunjan Verma, a consultant of dermatology at Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, says, “A person should read the product details before buying some products that are vegan and cruelty-free, and they also have some kind of certificate on the carton. Read the content as well, and then, as per your skin needs, you can choose your nail polish.”
So, the next time you’re buying a nail polish, make sure to select one free from harsh chemicals like:
Tips:
We asked experts to give us tips on how to actually take care of the nails and here are some.
Moisturise regularly
Just like your skin, your nails need moisture too. Use a hand cream or cuticle oil to keep nails and cuticles hydrated.
Trim and file
Keep your nails neatly trimmed and filed to prevent them from breaking or splitting. Trim them straight across and round the tips slightly for strength.
Don’t bite your nails
Biting can weaken and damage your nails. Try to keep your hands busy or use bitter-tasting nail polish to break the habit.
Wear gloves for chores
Exposure to water, cleaning products, and detergents can weaken nails. Wear gloves when doing household chores to protect them.
Use a base coat
Before applying nail polish, use a base coat to protect your nails from discolouration and strengthen them.
Eat a balanced diet
Experts say that one should eat nutrients like biotin, Vitamin E, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for strong, healthy nails.
“Frequent usage of nail paints without any breaks is linked with prolonged damage. Give your nails a break from polish sometimes, to let them breathe and prevent staining or damage,” Dr Patel says.