Where To Find Non-Toxic Nail Polish in Hong Kong (Posted byLiv Magazin

In a bid for cleaner, greener manicures, Chrissy Denton explores where to pick up non-toxic nail polish in Hong Kong.

As we strive to find ways to live healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyles, one of the best ways to start is by reducing our chemical load. Nail polish tops the list of products containing harmful toxins, with nasty ingredients that may lead to headaches, dry skin, eye irritations and dizziness. But don’t give up those luxurious pedicures and fabulous spa days just yet! Instead, seek out spots that use non-toxic nail polish brands.

First, we need to understand the chemicals to look out for and what defines a good toxic-free nail polish. Let’s dive into the top three ingredients to avoid:

1. Toluene is a toxic material used as a solvent to help keep the polish smooth and even when applied.

2. Formaldehyde is used to harden and strengthen nail polish, and in larger amounts is a carcinogen (aka, a cancer-causing chemical – eek!).

3. Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) is used to minimise chipping and create a long-lasting polish effect. DBP has been linked to birth defects and may be particularly harmful to pregnant women.

When shopping for the best non-toxic nail polish brands, you’ll probably hear the terms 3-Free, 5-Free, 7-Free and 9-Free thrown around. This refers to how many toxic ingredients have been removed. At a minimum, it’s best to avoid the toxic trio (toluene, formaldehyde and DBP).

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