pretty nails and good karma

Ah nail polish... the grand finale of any mani pedi. However, did you know the toxins in conventional nail polish are powerful enough to harm a growing fetus?!? Dibutyl phthalate, or DBP, is the name and birth defects are its game. If DBP can travel from your fingernails to your hypothetical baby bump it can travel to other vital organs too. Phtalates are not the only offender, here is an excerpt from a great article on ecoki.com:

The primary culprits are named the Toxic Trio.

Toxic Chemical 1: Toluene
Why is it in the Polish? Responsible for a nail finish that is smooth and prevents the pigment from separating from the liquid.

What is it? Clear liquid that is released into the air and can impact the Central Nervous System.

Potential Health Effects: Irritation of the eyes, throat and lungs and is a possible reproductive toxin. Low levels of exposure can cause confusion, tiredness, weakness, hearing loss, etc.

Toxic Chemical 2: Formaldehyde
Why is it in the Polish? A nail hardening agent.

What is it? Flammable, colorless gas with a pungent odor. It can evaporate into the air of a salon.

Potential Health Effects: Carcinogen (know to cause cancer). Irritation of eyes, nose, throat and skin.

Toxic Chemical 3: Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
Why is it in the Polish? Provides flexibility to nail polish and acts as a moisturizing sheen.

What is it? Fragrance ingredient, solvent & plasticizer (added to products to increase its fluidity)

It brings up another issue I think about a lot; We are extremely susceptible to whatever we put on our skin/nails/hair, temporarily or otherwise. From hand cream to laundry detergent we absorb everything and these chemicals don't stay put. They migrate to our organs and can wreak havoc.

This is why I was thrilled when I found Karma Organic nail polish and polish remover. Not only is it better for us but biodegradable too! Conventional nail polish remover on your little cotton pad doesn't stay put when you throw it in the trash... and don't even think about tossing it in the toilet bowl! When I use Karma Organic I know that not only is my body not absorbing harsh chemicals, but the planet isn't taking a beating because I prefer my nails to be red on a Tuesday. The polish remover I have smells like lavender and the polish dries super fast! If you are craving a professional mani pedi (oh, the massages!) you can bring your own polish and remover to the nail salon (they don't mind) and I even bring paraben free moisturizer... non-toxic nail polish revolution anyone?

uncommon goods is a great site and they carry Karma Organics Polish Remover:
UncommonGoods

Karma Organics Site for a selection of polish and remover:
http://www.karmaorganicspa.com/