Dibutyl phthalate (also known as DBP), is one such harmful chemical found in common polish. The Breast Cancer Fund reports that DBP is a hormone disruptor. It’s suspected of causing reproductive toxicity, and increases the risk of breast and other cancers. More on this can be found in the article on greenamericatoday.org http://www.greenamericatoday.org/pubs/realgreen/articles/cosmetics.cfm

DBP is banned from cosmetics by the European Union, and is listed, along with toluene (another chemical present in polish) in California’s Proposition 65, to be known to cause cancers and harm reproduction and development. The full 19 page list of chemicals can be viewed here http://www.oehha.org/prop65.

Formaldehyde, is another chemical in polish to avoid. Formaldehyde and toluene are listed by the U.S. National Toxicology Program to be “reasonable anticipated” as carcinogens. What kind of a stance is that? They go on to report that toluene has been known to cause breast tumors in animals

Its absolutely appalling that these products are still on the shelves while this knowledge is readily available. Its so shocking that there is no pre market testing required for personal care products by the FDA.

So I decided to get the scoop on green polishes. None of the following products contain formaldehyde, toluene, DBP or petroleum.

No Miss $5.99-$6.99
No Miss carries 169 colors of polish, including glitter and one glow in the dark style. This brand is available at our local Whole Foods, so I gave it a try. I was extremely disappointed in this product. It’s very thin and transparent. When applied it creates a streaky, inconsistent look. I got the impression it was simply pigmented color suspended in an alchol base; very watery. They also make a remover that smells like vanilla (4 oz for $6.79)

Zoya $7
Zoya carries an impressive array of 316 colors, including specialty styles called ULTRAGLITTER and MATTEVELVET. This polish was also available at the local Whole Foods, so I gave it a try. I was very impressed with this polish! It went on really smooth, and dried super fast. This is a lush looking, high gloss polish. It seems like the color bonds to the nail, instead of petroleum based polishes which sit on top, and chip easily. At $7 a bottle its worth every penny! I love this product! Zoya also makes a remover that smells like lavender (8 oz for $9.99). With the holidays around the corner, they have some very attractive gift sets available for $36, and contain 6 small bottles of colors.

Priti $12.50
Priti polish is a company based out of NYC, and offers 125 colors. I couldn’t find this product anywhere in town, so I was unable to try it. I did some research, and my impression is that this is marketed to be a more high end product for salons and runway shows. Any reviews I have read on this say that it is a good product, please see the review at green and gorgeous. http://www.greenandgorgeous.net/2009/10/29/priti-in-green-three-free-nai… They also make a remover that is soy based and smells like coconut oil and lemongrass (4 oz for 28.00) Gift sets are available from $38-$80, and contain the remover.

In my opinion, Zoya is the superior brand for quality and cost. Please spread this important knowledge on to others so we can all be stylish and safe!