You might see 3 Free written on nail polish, or even 5 Free, 7 free or 10 Free. 

But what does this all mean? At KolorsbyK we will explain the difference and why it's important you know what is in your nail polish.

In many nail polishes you'll find some pretty toxic ingredients including DBP, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and camphor. If you had a choice you'd certainly stay away from putting these ingredients on your skin and we explain why below.

10 Free Nail Polish avoids these ingredients along with xylene, parabens, fragrances, phthalates, and animal ingredients. 

A quick guide to ingredients to avoid in nail polish:

Camphor - this acts as a plasticiser and in very small doses camphor can cause reactions such as a really fast heartbeat, skin vasodilation (flushed skin - we often get this with alcohol), slowed breathing, and increased perspiration. In large doses it is very toxic. 

Dibutyl Phthalate/ Phthalates- Also known as DPB is one of the many ingredients to contain phthalates. These are ingredients that should definitely be avoided. In both Europe and the United States, phthalates are listed as a suspected endocrine disruptor, as there is evidence that it interferes with normal hormone function. So it can affect fertility, and can cause developmental defects in unborn children. Not to stop there it can also cause health issues such as liver and kidney failure in young children. Avoid!

Ethyl Tosylamide- Is a highly viscous, amber liquid used primarily as plasticizer and film former in coatings like nail polish. Ethyl Tosylamide also as acts as a secondary film former. The ingredient has already been barred from personal care products in Europe due to its antibiotic properties and concern over antibiotic resistance

Formaldehyde/ Formaldehyde Resins - often used as a germicide, fungicide, disinfectant and preservative research has suggested its properties are carcinogenic. We'd rather not chance it. 

Fragrances- To ensure the safety of your overall health as well as nails, our polishes are fragrance free.

Toluene - present in paints, varnishes, glues and many, many nail polishes it can cause irritation to our eyes, nose and throats. Not an ingredient you want to be around. 

Parabens - they are a preservative and suspected of having carcinogenic properties. 

Xylene- This chemical has an odor that you may recognize when you paint your nails. Sadly, it appears in many kinds of nail polish and can cause all sorts of problem. Its vapors can cause eye irritation, skin irritation, headache, dizziness and nausea. Prolonged exposure can lead to liver and kidney damage, respiratory issues and even death.