The decision to “Go Green” comes from the ever-evolving green movement of the 21st century. Traditional nail polish typically contains formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, BPA, and ethyl acetate, which are potentially dangerous and allergenic. These controversial ingredients are a motivating factor for the new water-based nail polishes.
Water-based alternatives offer many advantages and are typically completely free of toxins. New water-based nail polish formulations are now more durable, quick-drying and offer many long-lasting colors choices. Water-based solutions are less likely to dry out or stain the fingernails and after application, last about a week.
This allows corn and soya based removers to be used that are free of acetone. While using a remover is the preferred method, it is also possible to remove water-based nail polish without any product at all by soaking fingers in hot water for five minutes.
In these water-based nail polish formulas, the chemical solvents are replaced by water. The products consist mostly of water, and therefore when it evaporates into the air, there are no toxic chemical fumes to be inhaled.
The small color particles are suspended in water and when it evaporates, the particles form a hard durable film, which cannot be removed easily.
Companies buying into the trend
Sensient Cosmetic Technologies is a raw material and ingredient supplier to nail polish contract manufacturers and its technology provides dispersion of pigments in a polymer base which is admissible into a water base nail enamel system. With this technology water based nail enamel manufacturers are able to compete in the growing market.
This new approach to nail polish is competitive with traditional chemical based brands with prices ranging from seven to fourteen dollars a bottle. There are a variety of natural brands that have developed this product line as discussed below.
Nail care company Piggy Paint offers a formula with natural ingredients that dries to a hard, durable finish. Likewise, Scotch Naturals is intended to nourish and strengthen nails with continual use. Their formula boasts that it is non-yellowing, and requires no base or top coat.
Kai House Bio Polish has a variety of colors with trendy names to entice users to try multiple natural shades. Acquarella nail polish is both completely water-based and non-toxic.
Honeybee Gardens uses an emulsion resin to create their natural polish. Sula, Paint and Peel duos, offer a pocket sized trendy shape. Sula suggests a Long Lasting Love top-coat and the ability to remove without a remover. Their formula contains vitamin B5 to strength the nails.
In keeping with the green movement, nail polish manufacturers are making great strides in being cost competitive while offering a similar, non-toxic product, much to the delight of providers and consumers alike.