Nail products can contain potentially harmful ingredients, but by law, they must be safe for consumers when used according to directions on the label. Here are some details about nail products, including positive and negative aspects, and ingredients or materials:

Positive aspects:

• Many nail products are safe when used as directed.
• Some companies have gone above and beyond to create vibrant, beautiful colors without sacrificing health.
• Some nail polishes are formulated without potentially harmful ingredients.

Negative aspects:

• Some nail ingredients are harmful when swallowed, but not when used on the nails.
• There is evidence that some people may become allergic to certain nail product ingredients.
• Some nail products contain toxic chemicals that can affect worker health.

Ingredients or materials:

• Nail polishes may contain potentially harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate.
• Artificial nails are composed primarily of acrylic polymers and are made by reacting together acrylic monomers.
• Solvents are carriers of the other ingredients in nail polish and help the nail polish flow smoothly. Some solvents used in nail polish include ethyl acetate and butyl acetate.

It is important to use nail products safely, following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements. When choosing nail products, it is recommended to choose products with the least hazardous chemicals in them.