Fall is here, big time, and with it come sumptuous plums, decadent chocolates and mesmerizing jewel tones to adorn bodies, feet, and of course, fingers and toes. The perfect polish completes your seasonal look, and this fall’s purples, metallics, gem tones and neutrals will no doubt seal the deal in a big way. But its important for your style to be safe, and a number of nail polishes on the market may not be. Many polishes on the market are laced with a “Toxic Trio” of chemicals, including dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene. These substances have been shown to prompt hormone imbalance, and are also known carcinogens.
According to the Environment News Service, San Franisco nail salons that replace toxic polishes with eco-friendlier alternatives may be recognized by the city. ENS reports that the potential Salon Recognition Program is intended to “encourage local salons to protect the health of customers and workers.” A step in the right direction for sure, but not all salons have turned to healthier laquer option.
Toxic tootsies are a scary concept, but don’t let fear stop you from decorating your digits. There are a number of trio-free polishes on the market, with which to keep your nails primped and sexy, without making you – or your nail practitioner – ill.
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Butter London - Not only does this company offer 47 dazzling trio-free shades, but they also have an airport nail salon! Sadly, the salon isn’t in SFO, but if you happen to fly into Seatac, WA, stop in. Find Butter London Laquers at Beauty Company, Clary Sage Organics, Jest Jewels or Metropolitan Club.
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American Apparel Brand - American Apparel offers 24 eye-catching nail polish shades, all trio-free. Order online, or pick up at the Haight Ashury, Union Square or Cow Hollow locations.
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Suncoat - This Canadian brand offers a line of 33 water-based nail products, many of which are vegan. This polish contains no chemical solvents, and should not discolor or weaken nails as chemical-based polishes will. Order online or find at Real Food Co on Polk St, San Franiso.
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O.P.I. - The O.P.I. Designer Series, Suede and Pink laquer lines are all trio-free. O.P.I. is a leader in fashion-forward, long-lasting nail color, so you’re bound to find the perfect “shade-of-the-moment” to suit your mood.
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Zoya - This nail polish was named the longest wearing natural nail polish by an independent panel in Women’s Health Magazine. The polish, which comes in over 300 colors, is trio free, and also does not include camphor. Find Zoya online, or at Z Beauty Lounge and Lux Salon.
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Hard Candy - This brand is making a serious comeback. Find 15 tri-free shades sold exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com.
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Honey Bee Gardens Nail Enamels - This is another water-based polish which can be removed with rubbing alcohol, vodka/rice grain aolochol, or Honey Bee’s odorless polish remover. Purhase online at BeWellStayWell.com or HoneyBeeGardens.com.
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No-Miss Nail Polish - Another trio-free, healthier alternative, these polishes contain UV inhibitors to protect nails from the sun’s rays. Chose from 150 shades, which you can purchase at NoMiss.com. You may also find them at some Wholefoods locations.
- Acquarella - A fast drying, water-based polish, Acquarella claims to have “virtually no odor,” and dries to touch in 3 minutes. Acquarella features a system of polish, conditioner, remover and moisturizer to keep nails healthy. Purchase any of their 21 shades online at www.acquarellapolish.com.
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