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Is it safe to use nail polish during pregnancy?
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Definitely, YES! However, this does not mean that you can pick just any nail polish and color your nails with it!
Many nail polishes contain toxic chemicals that can cause hormone disruption. This harms not only you but also the baby in your womb.
Need help in choosing the best nail polish that is safe to use during pregnancy?
We are here to extend a helping hand! The rest of this post tackles some of the best choices that you might want to take into consideration!
Watch Out When Using Nail Polish During Pregnancy
While it is completely safe to use nail polish when you are pregnant, you need to be as cautious as possible. You can paint your nails as long as you are careful with the product that you are using. You need to do your research to have an assurance that the nail polish will not pose any significant health risk.
A lot of nail polishes have a strong and irritating odor. From the moment you smell it, you can already tell that it is chemical-laden, and hence, a health risk. Look for a nail polish with no or minimal odor just to be sure that it is safe.
Keep an Eye on These Ingredients
To be sure that the nail polish is pregnancy-safe, this section will briefly tackle some of the ingredients that you need to avoid.
Toluene
One of the main ingredients in a nail polish, this is the one that is responsible for making it glide smoothly. This allows the application to be smoother and quicker, providing your nails with a seamless look.
Exposure to toluene, especially at high levels, can be harmful to your health. Among others, it can cause nervous system damages and birth defects in an unborn baby. Inhalation of toluene can also irritate the lungs, eyes, and throat.
Formaldehyde
The main function of this ingredient is to harden the nail polish and to provide protection against bacteria. It is a colorless and flammable gas that is found not only in nail polish but also in other cosmetics, such as makeup.
The most common side effect of exposure to formaldehyde is skin irritation. Also, when exposed in a significant amount, it is also known as a carcinogen. The latter is common in industrial settings in a job that requires exposure to such chemical.
Dibutyl Phthalate
This chemical is a plasticizer and a solvent. It is odorless and colorless. This is also one of the chemicals that make nail polish more flexible. This also prevents the nail polish from being brittle. It is a toxic chemical, so you have to stay out of it!
It can be absorbed by the skin and can harm even your unborn child. In laboratory tests, this chemical has been linked to developmental defects. It is also known as an endocrine disruptor, and hence, it can interfere with the normal functions of your hormones.
Finding the Perfect Pregnancy-Safe Nail Polish
As you try to narrow down the options and make the right decision, these are some of the most important factors that you need to take into account:
- Cruelty-Free: Look at the label and see to it that it says the nail polish is cruelty-free. It will also help if it is PETA-certified. If it is cruelty-free, this means that no animals were harmed in its production, especially when it comes to testing.
- Long-Lasting: It can be frustrating if the nail polish won’t last long. Some of the best options will last from seven to ten days. This means that you won’t need to reapply the nail polish frequently.
- Chip-Resistant: A nail polish with inferior quality will most probably chip easily. With this, look for a nail polish that is strong enough to resist chipping.
- Easy to Apply: Make your life a lot easier by looking for a nail polish that glides smoothly and effortlessly. Nonetheless, while it is easy to apply see to it that it is free of chemicals that are supposed to make it smoother.
- Brush: Do not ignore the quality of the brush that comes along with the nail polish. A wider brush is preferred by many because it makes the application quicker. A single stroke will be able to cover a wider area of each nail.
Make the Most out of your Nail Polish
More than just choosing a nail polish that is pregnancy-safe, here are some of the tips that you have to keep in mind to have beautifully painted nails without worrying about health risks:
- To err on the side of caution, use nail polish only occasionally. Look for one that is long-lasting and chip-resistant so that there is no need to apply often.
- Apply nail polish in a room that is open or well-ventilated. This will allow you to get rid of the strong smell. Better yet, look for one that is odor-free.
- Use only one coat of nail polish. Look for a nail polish that is thick enough so that it won’t require a second coating.
- Once the nail polish has dried, wash your hand with soap. This will remove any residue on your finger, which can be possibly absorbed by your skin.
- Choose a color that suits your skin tone. For light or medium skin tone, light shades are good. Pastels are good for a darker complexion.
Our Top Picks for Pregnancy-Safe Nail Polish
Here are some of the products that will make a great choice for painting your nails during pregnancy. They are free of chemicals that can harm you and your baby!
Zoya Nail Polish
The Women’s Health Magazine has awarded this product as the longest lasting natural nail polish, which should already provide you with a good reason to have it chosen over others.
There is no need to worry about using this during pregnancy. It has a non-toxic formulation, which makes it free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, TPHP, camphor, parabens, lead, ethyl tosylamide, and xylene.
Aside from being safe, another reason to love this nail polish is that it is available in 300 shades, which means that there is something for everyone! Whether you want to paint your nails light or dark, there is a color that you will love!
Karma Organic Nail Polish
This is another pregnancy-safe nail polish that should be part of your list. It does not contain formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, xylene, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. This is also great for people who suffer from allergies. It does not contain a harsh odor that can irritate the nose.
The durability of the nail polish is also worth noting. It is not only long-lasting, but it is also chip-resistant.
It is also exceptional because it contains calcium and coffee extracts. These are known as natural strengtheners, which are perfect for thin and brittle nails.
Essie Nail Polish
Essie is a brand that has been around since 1981, making it one of the trusted nail polishes in US salons. This can give you the confidence that its quality will be hard to match.
To make it safe for pregnant women, it has a formulation that is free of toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP.
You will never run out of choices when it comes to shades and colors. There are hundreds of colors that are available to suit individual preferences.
Ella+Mila Nail Polish
Add color to your nails without worrying about possible toxicity! This nail polish is formulated free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and camphor.
Aside from being free of toxic chemicals, it is also vegan and cruelty-free. In fact, it is even PETA-certified. You can have an assurance that it has not been tested in animals.
Their nail polish is also long-lasting and chip-resistant. This is unlike others that will frequently require re-application. Plus, you will also love how it dries quickly. No more need to wait for a long time after the application of the polish.
Acquarella Nail Polish
Another top option for a non-toxic nail polish, it is also free of toluene, phthalates, formaldehyde, and other types of petrochemicals that can be harmful during pregnancy. More than being safe, it also does not come with a strong and irritating odor.
Ease of use is one more thing that we love in this nail polish. All that you have to do is to apply two thin coats after preparing your nails. There is no need for a top or base coat.
The nail polish is also vegan and has been never tested in animals.
Sophi Nail Polish
Sophi is a company that was created after the success of Piggy Paint, a company known for toxic-free nail polish for children.
The main reason why it is pregnancy-safe is that it does not contain toxic chemicals, similar to the other products that have been mentioned in this post. Since it does not have harsh chemicals, it won’t hurt moms and their babies.
It is also a good thing that the nail polish is chip-resistant, making it an excellent choice if you are looking for durability.
BONTIME Non-Toxic Nail Polish
Don’t you hate it when you have to wait for a long time before your nail polish dries? Such can be frustrating! Luckily, with this nail polish, such will never be a problem as it is made in such a way that it is quick-drying.
It is a water-based nail polish, so expect that there will be no chemical-like smell. It is also eco-friendly. There are no chemical solvents that are used in the formulation of this nail polish.
This specific set comes with six colors, so there is something for every taste!
Cirque Colors Crème Nail Polish
This high-quality nail polish comes with a vibrant color that is sure to give life to your boring nails. When you apply two coats, the nail polish is opaque.
To make it safe to be used even for pregnant women, it does not use toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and formaldehyde resin. It is also cruelty-free and vegan. This is the perfect choice for eco-conscious would-be moms.
It is also worth mentioning that each nail polish from the company is hand-made and produced in small batches in their manufacturing facility in New York.
Mineral Fusion Nail Polish
The purity of the formula of this nail polish is one thing that makes it pregnancy-safe. It is not only 100% vegan, it also does not contain toluene, camphor, DBP, and formaldehyde. It is also manufactured in a manner that is cruelty-free.
It comes with a custom and extra-thick brush, which will make the application of the nail polish almost effortless on your end.
Lastly, it is also chip-resistant and long-lasting.
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish
Color that cares while you wear – this is what the manufacturer promises with this nail polish. It provides intensive nourishment and not just a vivid color to your nails.
The nail polish is long-lasting and chip-resistant. In fact, it will be fade-proof for up to 10 days, minimizing the need for frequent application.
It does not also contain toxic chemicals that can harm pregnant women and the fetus in their belly. It uses natural-derived ingredients to provide color to the nails.
Conclusion
With a pregnancy-safe nail polish, you can look beautiful without the need to worry about toxicity. Keep an eye on the products that have been mentioned below to ensure not only your safety but also of the fetus in your womb! They are guaranteed safe and pretty, perfect for those who would like to look stylish even during their pregnancy!
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