Water-based nail polish: an alternative to solvent-based

 Fewer chemicals, more natural raw materials – ideally, even vegan. According to Mintel’s ‘Nail Color and Care US 2015 Report’, natural and gentle nail polishes are currently enjoying great popularity among women between the ages of 25 and 34. One recent report from Duke University is among the studies that have further inflamed the debate concerning chemical ingredients. The US research team tested ten different nail polishes and found that eight of these contained triphenylphosphate (TPHP), a material that is normally used as a flame retardant. After 10 to 14 hours, as the body carries out its metabolic processes, there is an observable buildup of the metabolite diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), a substance that is suspected of causing hormonal disruptions. This is a hazard that should not be underestimated, particularly for teenagers who are still growing and developing. 

Up to now, the market for gentle nail polishes that are kind to the hands has been quite limited. Various producers have made initial attempts and brought water based nail polishes to the market. However, these have mostly been compromise solutions containing raw materials of technical quality whose performance (for example, in terms of coverage and durability) are only very conditionally up to the standard of solvent-based nail polishes. Many are not stocked at all in stores, but rather are only available from internet sources. Mass-market? Impossible. 

This situation is quite astonishing, as the worldwide market for nail polish is booming as much as ever. While women many years ago were generally content to make use of two or three bottles at a time, in today’s world, ten or more colours are the rule.