What's In Your Natural Nail Polish? The Benefits Of Going Green

Nail polish is one of those things that we use regularly but often don't think too much about. We grab whatever colour we're feeling and paint our nails without giving it a second thought. But have you ever wondered what exactly is in your nail polish? And more importantly, is it safe? Natural nail polishes have quickly become the go-to choice for safety-conscious women, and the rest of us should follow suit. Here's why natural nail polish is better for you and the environment.

Why should I opt for natural nail polish?

Natural nail polish is all the rage; you may wonder what makes it much better than the conventional stuff. Natural nail polishes are made from organic ingredients such as plant-based resins, minerals, and waxes rather than harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates commonly found in traditional polishes. Not only do natural ingredients have a lesser impact on our environment, but since your skin can easily absorb these harmful chemicals, they also have better benefits for your health. Opting for a natural polish is a choice to be kinder to yourself, the planet, and everyone around you.

What are some harmful chemicals found in traditional polishes?

Nail polishes have long been a popular way to switch up your manicure game. But did you know that many traditional nail polishes are filled with chemicals that can be hazardous to your health? It is well-documented that many nail polishes contain three hazardous compounds, otherwise known as the "Big 3": formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).

Formaldehyde is a notorious chemical added to nail polishes that act as a nail hardener. This hazardous ingredient is commonly found in plywood, particleboard and other building materials and can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. It has also been linked to various forms of cancer, particularly in the nose and lungs.

Dibutyl Phthalate or DBP, is used to make nail polish more pliable and resilient against chips, cracks, and other irritations. Unfortunately, this chemical is associated with reproductive problems and can cause damage to the liver, kidneys and lungs.

Toluene is used in manufacturing paints, lacquers, explosives and glues, and nail polish to give it a smooth consistency and finish. Some potential adverse effects of the common nail polish additive are dizziness, headaches, nausea and eye irritation.

Thankfully, in recent years more natural alternatives have become available that don't include these harsh ingredients and provide us with greater peace of mind regarding our nails!

What environmental toll do nail products take on our planet?

With beauty trends ever-changing and constantly improving, a chip-free mani is highly sought after in the modern world. However, we are too used to grabbing a bottle off the shelf without considering where it might have come from and what kind of impact it leaves on our planet. We must remember that these polishes are made up of many toxins that seep into the atmosphere in their production. Also, the bottles that polish comes in is not often able to be recycled. This means they accumulate in landfills, seeping toxic components into the surrounding soil and water sources while increasing their carbon footprint. As an alternative to traditional nail polishes, natural versions are the better option, with non-toxic ingredients being a far more eco-friendly choice. Going natural ensures your polish is free from chemicals, producing fewer waste materials. So not only will your nails thank you for switching them out, but the environment will too!

Conclusion

Nail polish is something most of us use regularly, but how often do we really think about what's in it? It turns out that there are some pretty harmful chemicals lurking inside those little bottles of coloured lacquer. If you're in the market for some new nail polishes, why not go green and switch to natural polishes? Natural nail polishes are made with non-toxic ingredients, unlike conventional polishes, which typically contain a host of toxic chemicals linked to various health risks. Additionally, natural strengthening nail polish removers are acetone-free and gentler on nails, so they don't dry out or become brittle like removing polish with conventional formulas. Using natural formulas also results in fewer environmental pollutants since no harsh chemicals are associated with their production. So ditch the  dodgy stuff and switch to a natural option for an easier way to keep your nails looking elegant and healthy!

If you're looking for a natural nail polish alternative that doesn't sacrifice quality or colour selection, look no further than Sienna. Our polishes come in a host of vibrant and striking colours and classic colours to keep your nails looking fab while taking care of the environment.