Side Effects

10 chemicals & the side effects found in most polishes.  Liv Polish does NOT contain the following: 

  1. Formaldehyde:  When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels higher than 0.1 parts per million (ppm), some people may have health effects, such as watery eyes, burning sensations of the eyes, nose, coughing, wheezing, nausea and skin irritation.
  2. Toluene:  Exposure to low to moderate levels of toluene can cause confusion, light-headedness, dizziness, headache, fatigue, weakness, memory loss, nausea, appetite loss, coughing, wheezing, and hearing and color vision loss. 
  3. DBP:  The substance Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) has long been a common ingredient in nail polish. Repeated and heavy exposure to DBP may cause nausea and/or vomiting, watery eyes, dizziness and headache. Long-term exposures are linked to kidney and liver damage.
  4. Camphor:  Can cause some minor side effects such as skin redness and irritation. Do not use undiluted camphor products or products containing more than 11% camphor. These can be irritating and unsafe. Camphor is also LIKELY SAFE for most adults when inhaled as vapor in small amounts as a part of aromatherapy. 
  5. Formaldehyde Resin:  Aside from ALS risk or other nervous system consequences, formaldehyde is a respiratory irritant that causes chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, and nose and throat irritation, according to the ATSDR. It can also cause cancer, and has been linked to an increased risk of asthma and allergies in kids.
  6. Xylene:  It is volatile, readily producing flammable and toxic concentrations at room temperature. Its vapor is heavier than air and may accumulate in low-lying areas. Xylene'sodor generally provides adequate warning of hazardous concentrations. Xylene is rapidly absorbed after inhalation and ingestion.
  7. Parabens:  There's a chance that they're harmful. Studies have shown that some parabens can mimic the activity of the hormone estrogen in the body's cells, and while estrogenicactivity is associated with certain forms of breast cancer, parabens have been found present in breast tumors.
  8. Ethyl Tosylamide: Europe has banned this product due to its antibacterial properties and concern over antibiotic resistance. 
  9. TPHP:  This chemical allows polish to be more durable. TPHP is an endocrine disruptor, and is known to cause developmental and reproductive problems in animals.
  10. Fragrance:  The AAD reports that allergies to fragrances are the main cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis -- a condition that can range from skin itching and redness to blisters and swelling.