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Allergenic ingredients in nail polishes
E L Sainio1, K Engström, M L Henriks-Eckerman
1National Consumer Administration/Product Safety, Helsinki, Finland.
Contact Dermatitis
|February 12, 1998
Summary
Nail polishes commonly contain toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde resins (TSFR) and formaldehyde, posing allergy risks. Consumers should check ingredient labels to avoid potential dermatitis from these common nail polish allergens.
Area of Science:
- Cosmetic Science
- Dermatology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Nail polishes have been known to contain allergens since the 1940s.
- Consumer safety necessitates understanding current allergen levels in nail polish formulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the presence and concentration of key allergens in contemporary nail polishes.
- To identify common organic solvents used in nail polish formulations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 42 nail polish samples from 20 brands.
- Quantification of toluene, toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde resins (TSFR), free formaldehyde, acrylates, methacrylates, and organic solvents.
Main Results:
- All analyzed nail polishes contained TSFR (0.08–11.0%) and formaldehyde (0.02–0.5%).
- Higher TSFR concentrations correlated with increased formaldehyde levels.
- Acrylates/methacrylates were present in low concentrations, relevant only to pre-sensitized individuals.
- Toluene was a prevalent solvent; xylene was detected in only one product.
Conclusions:
- Current nail polishes contain significant allergens (TSFR, formaldehyde), potentially causing dermatitis in susceptible individuals.
- EU ingredient labeling regulations (effective 1998) aid consumer avoidance.
- Substituting highly allergenic ingredients with less potent alternatives is recommended.