Free?

Ever wonder what it means when a nail polish brand markets itself as '3-free' or '5-free'...

'3-Free' is the toxic trio

1. Toluene 
• Role in polish - help polish go on smoothly
• Side effect - Harmful to nervous system if inhaled in large amounts, light-headedness and nausea
2. DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate)
• Role in polish - keep nail polish from chipping
• Side effect - Some studies have shown a link to cancer and birth defects
3. Formaldehyde
• Side effect - Carcinogen

Some well known brands include and are not limited to: Butter London, Deborah Lippman, Essie, OPI, and Zoya (4-Free)

'5-Free' the next step

1. Toluene
2. DBP
3. Formaldehyde
4. Formaldehyde Resin
• Derivative of formaldehyde 
5. Camphor
• Ingestion at large dose can be poisonous and lead to seizure

Some well known brands include and are not limited to: Chanel, Dior, L'Oreal, and Revlon

The information presented was seen on a blog by the famous Michelle Phan. She is amazing and one of my beauty idols. I have learned a lot from her the past several years. Please look her up if you haven't heard of her!