Is Nail Polish Toxic?

Some nail products have contained chemicals of concern. The FDA says nail products containing formaldehyde may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, that toluene is used as a solvent in some nail polishes, hardeners and removers though its use is being phased out, and that dibutyl phthalate has been used most commonly in nail polishes. In the FDA’s 2010 survey, DBP was found in only a few nail polishes.

Nail products, like other cosmetics, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market, except for most color additives, the FDA says.

Claims on the label have been tested. OSHA’s guide for nail salon workers reports that California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control tested 25 nail products in May 2011, and that of the 12 claiming to be toxic-free, 10 contained toluene and four contained dibutyl phthalate. The guide lists formaldehyde, found in nail polish and hardener, with effects including difficulty breathing, allergic reactions and irritated eyes, skin and throat, and says formaldehyde can cause cancer.

Sources checked September 15, 2026. Every point below links the page it came from.

The sources behind this answer

  • Government sourceThe FDA says nail products that contain formaldehyde may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, and that frequent use of some nail hardeners may make nails brittle. US FDA ↗
  • Independent testThe FDA says dibutyl phthalate has been used most commonly in nail polishes, but its 2010 survey found DBP in only a few nail polishes. US FDA ↗
  • Government sourceThe FDA says toluene is used as a solvent in some nail polishes, hardeners and removers, and that its use is being phased out. US FDA ↗
  • Regulatory filingThe FDA says cosmetic products and ingredients, including nail products, do not need FDA approval before going on the market, except for most color additives. US FDA ↗
  • Government sourceOSHA’s nail salon worker guide lists formaldehyde in nail polish and hardener with effects including difficulty breathing, allergic reactions and irritated eyes, skin and throat, and says it can cause cancer. OSHA, US Department of Labor ↗
  • Independent testOSHA reports that California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control tested 25 nail products in May 2011, and 10 of the 12 claiming to be toxic-free contained toluene and four contained dibutyl phthalate. OSHA, US Department of Labor ↗

Sources checked September 15, 2026. A brand statement is the company’s own claim, which we report but have not verified. Our grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests.

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