Nail products can contain potentially harmful ingredients, but are allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed. Nail polish, for example, typically contains a solvent, such as ethyl alcohol, acetone, or N-butyl acetate, and a plasticizer, such as dibutyl phthalate, that makes the product pliable and soft. Some common nail product ingredients include formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. These ingredients can be absorbed into the body, but the exact amount of absorption and whether it is enough to have negative health effects are not well established.

Here are some positive and negative aspects of nail products:

Positive:

• Nail products can be used safely when following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements.
• Nail polish can be easily removed with a process similar to regular polish.
• There are non-toxic nail polish brands available that are free of harmful ingredients.

Negative:

• Nail products can contain potentially harmful ingredients.
• Chemicals in nail polish can be absorbed into the body.
• Nail salon workers can be exposed to chemicals in nail products.

It is important to use nail products safely and to be aware of the ingredients they contain.