It's common knowledge that pregnant women shouldn't use nail polish, but is this information a bit alarmist? Summer is here—how should we choose nail polish? Girls are very concerned about this. So we conducted a small experiment.
Experimental Materials:
Three bottles of nail polish at different price points and from different brands. Approximate prices were around 30 yuan, 60 yuan, and 160 yuan.Colors: black, nude, and glittery red. The reporter labeled them as follows: No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3.
Experimental Process:
Smell:
No. 1: Upon opening the cap, a pungent odor immediately filled the nostrils and lingered for several seconds.
#2: Less pungent than #1, though still carrying the distinct scent of nail polish.
#3: Initially released a sharp odor, followed immediately by a fruity fragrance that masked the "nail polish smell."
Application:
#1: Not very watery, applied unevenly, difficult to spread, and dried slowly.
#2: Sufficiently fluid, easy to apply and blend, dries relatively quickly.
#3: Fairly fluid, easy to apply and blend, dries quickly.
Removal:
#1: Leaves significant residue, difficult to remove.
#2: Easy to remove, leaves no residue.

Corrosion Test on Foam Board:
#1: Drops onto foam board, leaves a dark stain that is difficult to remove completely even with repeated wiping.
#2: Drops onto foam board, leaves a dark stain that is difficult to remove completely even with repeated wiping.
#3: Drops onto foam board, leaves a dark stain that is difficult to remove completely even with repeated wiping.

#1: Drops onto foam board, leaves a dark stain that is difficult to remove completely even with repeated wiping.
#2: Drops onto foam board, leaves a dark stain th
#3: Difficult to remove; glitter particles remain on nails even after repeated scrubbing.
Foam board "erosion" test:
#1: After applying one drop to foam board, only a 2mm-diameter hole formed within 45 seconds.
#2: Same amount causes immediate bubbling upon contact. Rapid "corrosion" creates a 0.8cm hole in 45 seconds.
#3: Same method and amount produces instant bubbling. Concentrated, fast "corrosion" forms a 1cm+ hole in 45 seconds.
Contains Toluene?
Three nail polish bottles were submitted to a chemical engineering PhD for instrumental testing: Due to limited instrumentation, only toluene content could be detected. Results showed none of the three contained toluene.
The participating chemical engineering PhD stated: These branded, relatively high-quality nail polishes use other substances to mask the presence of harmful chemicals.However, the absence of toluene does not guarantee the absence of benzene compounds, particularly in cheaper nail polishes. The solvent components in ordinary nail polish are mostly toxic or harmful substances. Among these, phthalates, formaldehyde, and benzene compounds pose the greatest risk to human health, followed by acetone, ethyl acetate, and others.According to relevant literature, aromatic hydrocarbons include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, isopropylbenzene, and styrene. These are organic solvents frequently used in many chemical plants and represent one of the most common causes of human poisoning. Aromatic hydrocarbons exhibit varying toxicities to humans and other organisms, capable of damaging the central nervous system and hematopoietic tissues.
The pungent odor emanates from the solvents. Regarding the "corrosion" issue, the doctor clarified that this is merely a dissolution process, not true corrosion. Since foam boards primarily consist of polystyrene, they dissolve easily in various organic solvents like acetic acid and acetone. The faster the dissolution rate, the higher the solvent concentration, and consequently, the greater the amount of toxic substances present.
Leo, a medical graduate now working in skincare, has handled nail polish for six years. He asserts that formaldehyde cannot be replaced. Addressing concerns from users, I conducted the following Q&A with Leo.
Q: What are the main components of nail polish?
A: Primarily pigments and solvents. The solvents contain substances like formaldehyde.In recent years, toluene has gradually been replaced by other toxic substances, but no suitable alternative for formaldehyde has been found. Some manufacturers use formaldehyde-based resins to reduce formaldehyde content, yet these still release formaldehyde. This substance gives nail polish water resistance, shine, and flexibility. Higher solvent content and concentration make the polish appear more vibrant.
Q: How can I choose a relatively safe nail polish?
A: The key differences between good and poor-quality nail polish are threefold: inferior products have a stronger, more pungent odor; they are harder to remove cleanly, leaving significant residue; and they are inexpensive. Therefore, to select a relatively safe nail polish, it must meet all three criteria: a mild odor, easy removal without residue, and a reputable brand.
Q: What are the risks of long-term nail polish use?
A: Brittle, dull nails; skin allergies; respiratory infections; eye mucous membrane irritation.
Q: What new nail treatments can replace nail polish?
A: Many salons now offer gel manicures, costing around ¥180 per set. While UV lamps are most common, visible light lamps are preferable since UV rays can darken and age skin.
Xiaoqiu has run her nail salon for six years but rarely does manicures herself. "The fumes are unbearable—after one customer, I feel dizzy, like I'm suffocating," she says. Though the salon now provides high-quality masks for each technician, staff still complain of overwhelming odors, breathing difficulties, and occasional eye irritation.
Lily works at a small nail salon on Hangzhou's Tiyuchang Road. Though she's only been employed for over three months, she says the constant exposure to nail polish fumes makes her cough daily. "Sometimes I cough up blood streaks. The doctor said it's throat congestion."
Qunqun, a nail technician with over two years of experience who declined to disclose her workplace, discourages others from using nail polish. "It's simple logic—why do so many salon employees wear artificial nails?" she asks.