What is 3 Free Nail Polish?

What 3 are we talking about?

In order to understand what 3 free is and why it's a good thing, you first need to know what 3 we are talking about. Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde and Toluene are chemicals often added to some nail polishes to help them dry faster and last longer. However, you can find lots of inexpensive polishes that avoid these three badies like Sally Hansen and Revlon. So now you know, but let's a look at each one individually to better understand what's up.

Dibutyl Phthalate or DBP

DBP is a plasticizer used to increase the fluidity of nail polish by acting as a binder. It helps to prevent polish from becoming too watery when applying as well as minimizing chips and providing better durability resulting in longer wear.

Studies have now shown that chronic exposure to DPB causes birth defects in laboratory animals, causing damage to sexual organs and even sterility in male fetuses. It is not clear what the effects are in humans as more testing is needed, but what is clear...we all have been exposed to DBP so it's important to weed it out of our environment to mitigate it's harmful effects.

Canada and the European Union have banned the use of DBP in nail treatments and other products, but that doesn't mean it still can't worm it's way in to your local nail salon through counterfiet nail products and illegally sourced materials. Products may be banned but they can still be sourced. Make sure your favorite nail salon get's it's OPI from a licenced distributor.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a carcinogen. This means it is directly linked to causing cancer.

While nail polish does not actually contain formaldehyde but rather formaldehyde-resin which lacks the carcinogenic qualities of straight fomaldehyde but is an irritant.

On a side note Maraschino Cherries do not contain formaldehyde, this was a misunderstanding that grew into an urban legend that lots of people still believe to this day. A columnist for a national paper confused formaldehyde with benzaldehyd, a flavoring oil extracted from cherry, walnut, or almond pits, which is used in maraschinos.

Toluene

Toluene is a solvent used in nail polish to make it smooth and easy to apply and after application it evaporates leaving a smooth shiny finish.

Short term high doses of Toluene has been shown to adversly affect cognative function as well as cause eye and respiratory irritation. Low dose effects are unknown as further study is needed.

List of 3 Free Nail Polish Brands

OPI, Morgan Taylor, Nina, Butter London, China Glaze, Essie, Sally Hansen, Revlon, Calvin Klein, Color Club, Finger Paints, Hard Candy, Maybelline, Nicole by OPI.

I'm sure I missed some brands so let'me know of any I can add to the list.

Ciao for now,

Koren Marisha Heron

Lavender Lady Nails

#3freeNailPolish