Is Nail Polish Poisonous?

What is nail polish?

Nail polish is typically made of color pigments, solvents, and binding agents. Some formulations of nail polish also include alcohol, such as ethanol or rubbing alcohol.

Is nail polish poisonous? What happens if you eat nail polish?

Nail polish is not poisonous when used as intended. If you eat nail polish, you are likely to develop nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Typically, a taste or lick of nail polish is not likely to result in significant toxicity.

Is the smell of nail polish bad for you? Are nail salons safe?

If you have ever been in a nail salon, it is hard to ignore the strong odor permeating the air. For the most part, being in a nail salon and getting your nails done are not sufficient to cause a serious poisoning. The combination of chemicals in nail salons may create fumes that cause headaches, as well as irritation to the eyes and nose when inhaled. Proper ventilation and access to fresh air is important for reducing the risk of developing these symptoms. 

Toluene (found in nail polish and nail glue), formaldehyde (found in nail polish and nail hardeners), and dibutyl Phthalate (found in nail polish) are known as the “toxic trio” of nail salon chemicals. Some evidence suggests that long-term exposure to the chemicals in nail salons can lead to asthma, liver or kidney problems, and cancer in people who work there.

Is nail polish safe to use during pregnancy?

While nail polish is generally safe for pregnant individuals to wear, people who work in nail salons are at higher risk for complications during pregnancy due to their long-term exposure to nail salon chemicals. Examples of nail salon chemicals that may be harmful during pregnancy are ethyl methacrylate (found in artificial nail liquid) and toluene (found in nail polish and nail glue).

Can you be allergic to nail polish?

In some cases, people can have allergic reactions to nail polish. Most nail polish skin allergies can be attributed to acrylates that may be present in nail polish. Other nail products such as acrylic nails, primers, nail removers, and hardeners also may contain allergens. Hypersensitivity reactions may also occur when repeatedly exposed to substances that trigger the immune system. A hypersensitivity reaction might appear as red or itchy skin, blistering, and throbbing pain. 

What to do if you get nail polish in your eye or mouth.

If you get nail polish in your eye, rinse your eyes with room temperature water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, or sensitivity to light continues after rinsing, Poison Control recommends you go to an urgent care or emergency room to be seen.

If you get nail polish in your mouth, wipe out as much as possible and drink small sips of water to rinse any remaining residue.

If someone swallows nail polish, gets nail polish in the eyes or on the skin, or if you have a question about using nail polish safely, help from experts is available through the webPOISONCONTROL online tool and by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control’s expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Karen Crisostomo, BSN, RN
Specialist in Poison Information

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