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Formaldehyde in "nontoxic" Nail Polish

Voller, Lindsey M. ; Persson, Lena LU ; Bruze, Magnus LU ; Ericson, Marna E. and Hylwa, Sara A. (2019) In Dermatitis 30(4). p.259-263
Abstract

Background: Nail polish is known to contain potentially hazardous chemicals that have been linked to adverse health effects after overexposure. Formaldehyde is used as an antimicrobial, preservative, and nail hardener in select nail products, yet it is a recognized carcinogen and potent allergen in allergic contact dermatitis. 

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether formaldehyde is present in nail polishes marketed as formaldehyde-free. 

Methods: Twenty-nine cosmetic nail polishes were purchased for analysis; of these, 28 were advertised as formaldehyde-free and/or did not declare formaldehyde in their ingredient lists. Initial testing was pursued using the chromotropic acid method, which uses a... (More)

Background: Nail polish is known to contain potentially hazardous chemicals that have been linked to adverse health effects after overexposure. Formaldehyde is used as an antimicrobial, preservative, and nail hardener in select nail products, yet it is a recognized carcinogen and potent allergen in allergic contact dermatitis. 

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether formaldehyde is present in nail polishes marketed as formaldehyde-free. 

Methods: Twenty-nine cosmetic nail polishes were purchased for analysis; of these, 28 were advertised as formaldehyde-free and/or did not declare formaldehyde in their ingredient lists. Initial testing was pursued using the chromotropic acid method, which uses a red-purple color change to indicate the presence of formaldehyde. Products were subsequently analyzed at least twice using high-performance liquid chromatography, quantifying formaldehyde amount above the detection limit of 2 ppm. 

Conclusions: High-performance liquid chromatography analysis found 5 of 29 products containing formaldehyde, 4 of which were advertised as formaldehyde-free. All other products were negative for formaldehyde (<2 ppm). Further investigation is warranted among brands testing positive and whether multiple products within the same line contain formaldehyde. Nail products must be labeled appropriately to avoid adverse reactions among individuals with cutaneous sensitivities.

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author
; ; ; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
in
Dermatitis
volume
30
issue
4
pages
5 pages
publisher
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
external identifiers
  • scopus:85069444950
  • pmid:31261225
ISSN
1710-3568
DOI
10.1097/DER.0000000000000493
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
b3d41957-b193-4d62-bf01-90d7152501b6
date added to LUP
2019-08-06 09:50:06
date last changed
2024-06-26 00:33:07
@article{b3d41957-b193-4d62-bf01-90d7152501b6,
  abstract     = {{<p>Background: Nail polish is known to contain potentially hazardous chemicals that have been linked to adverse health effects after overexposure. Formaldehyde is used as an antimicrobial, preservative, and nail hardener in select nail products, yet it is a recognized carcinogen and potent allergen in allergic contact dermatitis. </p><p>Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether formaldehyde is present in nail polishes marketed as formaldehyde-free. </p><p>Methods: Twenty-nine cosmetic nail polishes were purchased for analysis; of these, 28 were advertised as formaldehyde-free and/or did not declare formaldehyde in their ingredient lists. Initial testing was pursued using the chromotropic acid method, which uses a red-purple color change to indicate the presence of formaldehyde. Products were subsequently analyzed at least twice using high-performance liquid chromatography, quantifying formaldehyde amount above the detection limit of 2 ppm. </p><p>Conclusions: High-performance liquid chromatography analysis found 5 of 29 products containing formaldehyde, 4 of which were advertised as formaldehyde-free. All other products were negative for formaldehyde (&lt;2 ppm). Further investigation is warranted among brands testing positive and whether multiple products within the same line contain formaldehyde. Nail products must be labeled appropriately to avoid adverse reactions among individuals with cutaneous sensitivities.</p>}},
  author       = {{Voller, Lindsey M. and Persson, Lena and Bruze, Magnus and Ericson, Marna E. and Hylwa, Sara A.}},
  issn         = {{1710-3568}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{4}},
  pages        = {{259--263}},
  publisher    = {{Lippincott Williams & Wilkins}},
  series       = {{Dermatitis}},
  title        = {{Formaldehyde in "nontoxic" Nail Polish}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/DER.0000000000000493}},
  doi          = {{10.1097/DER.0000000000000493}},
  volume       = {{30}},
  year         = {{2019}},
}