Is one nail polish better then another? People ask the same questions. Like "What is nail polish made of?" or "Why are the chemicals so bad for you?" Let's start with "what is nail polish made of?"
Nail polish today is made out of toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate). Toluene is formerly known as toluol, is a clear, water-insoluble liquid with the typical smell of paint thinners. Formaldehyde is an organic compound with the formula CH2O. It is the simplest form of aldehyde, hence its systematic name methanal. The common name of the substance comes from its similarity and relation to formic acid. Last, Dibutyl Phthalate is a commonly used plasticizer. It is also used as an additive to adhesives or printing inks. It is soluble in various organic solvents, e.g. in alcohol, ether and benzene. DBP is also used as an ectoparasiticide ( 10/05 [online]).
The chemicals are bad for you because, the chemicals aren't so much the problem it is mostly the fumes that come from the polish and remover. Even though, formaldehyde is the F-word of manicures-it is not necessary to use and if it is in your polish, listen up, because there could be serious repercussions. This colorless and strong-smelling gas was also used in embalming, it can also be found in countless common household items, including glue, plywood, adhesives and yes, even as a hardener and preservative in nail polish. Last but not least: its proven carcinogen. In fact, as of June 10,2011, the US Department of Health and Human Services updated its National Toxicology Program Report on Carcinogens (RoC) to state that formaldehyde is a "known to be a human carcinogen" replacing the previous and more ambiguous "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" ( ! [online]).