At Orosa Beauty, we're committed to producing safe nail, nail care, and beauty products.

Meet the Nope List, a group of 14 questionable, harmful, or unethical ingredients that we're committed to never using.

Here's what we steer clear from, and why.

 

Formaldehyde may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. In conventional nail polishes, it is used to bond with keratin to harden nails and effect adherence.

There is some evidence that Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) causes reproductive toxicity. Some nail polishes use it to increase flexibility of nail polish after drying.

Formaldehyde Resin may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. It is used to reduce chipping and enhance the finish of conventional nail polishes.

Toluene can cause temporary symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and nausea when inhaled. Chronic exposure may lead to lasting neurological effects. Toluene is a common solvent that dissolves other ingredients in nail polish.

Camphor is toxic if ingested and longer term exposure may cause liver damage. It is used in nail polish to increase flexibility and enhance the finish.

Triphenyl Phosphate may be toxic to reproductive and endocrine systems and is highly toxic to aquatic life. It is used in conventional nail polish to reduce chipping.

Ethyl Tosylamide is banned in the EU because of its molecular similarity to some antibiotics. There is concern that exposure to Ethyl Tosylamide could help the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It helps to level nail polish on the nails and adds flexibility to the formula. 

Exposure to Xylene may cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. It is used as a solvent to dissolve other components of the nail polish, evaporating as polish dries.

MEHQ (Mequinol)/HQ (Hydroquinone) may be carcinogenic and can cause skin sensitivity. They act as stabilizers, helping to maintain the texture of nail polish.

MIT (Methylisothiazolinone) may cause contact dermatitis. It is used as a preservative to maintain the texture of nail polish.

Global demand for Palm Oil has lead to significant deforestation and environmental damage. Any palm oil used in the formulation of Pure Cover Nail Paint is sourced responsibly from RSPO-certified suppliers.

Parabens are potentially linked to a number of conditions including breast cancer, skin reactions, and increased sensitivity to UV radiation. They are common preservatives that help extend the life of polish in the bottle.

Animal-Derived Ingredients are not harmful to humans, but we prefer to make our products without killing other beings. Animal-derived ingredients are often used for pigments in nail polish.

Believe it or not, Gluten in nail polish can cause irritation in people with Celiac disease. It is sometimes found in nail polish in the form of Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, which binds to keratin and helps strengthen the nail.

 

To read more about specific ingredients, visit cir-safety.org and ewg.org. 

Still have questions? Check out our FAQ, or contact us for more details.