WHAT IS 5 FREE NAIL VARNISH?
Most of us are concerned with what we’re putting into our bodies when it comes to diet, but when it’s something to do with what we’re putting on our skin or nails we’re often less bothered. We’re already massive champions of natural skincare and haircare here at Hopscotch, but when we started looking into what we were putting onto our nails we were shocked. Since we introduced our signature range of polishes, we’ve been regularly asked “what is 5 free nail varnish?” — so we thought we’d write this to explain a little bit more.
Nail varnish, or nail polish, was first invented in France in the 1920s, and incredibly it was just an adapted version of the glossy enamel paint that was put on cars at the time. Luckily, knowledge of harmful chemicals now means we can make better choices about what we put onto our nails. Although harmful chemicals can’t be absorbed directly by the nail, breathing in high volumes of fumes or getting any polish on your skin (which lets be honest, we all do, especially when it comes to painting the wrong hand!) means it can be absorbed into the body.
So what exactly is in regular polish that makes it so bad? We’ve made a quick cheat sheet below for you to see what’s going on in these standard varnishes.
Toluene
Toluene is used as a solvent and has the smell of paint thinner. Inhaled in large doses it can do harm to your nervous system, as well as causing light headedness and nausea. It’s also a toxin which, in large doses, can cause developmental problems in children of pregnant women.
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
Dibutyl Phthalate is used most as a plasticiser and has been linked to cancer, as well as birth defects in lab animals.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is used to embalm dead bodies, its vapour can cause irritation to asthma sufferers, and its a known carcinogen, with direct links to causing cancer.
Formaldehyde Resin
Formaldehyde Resin is a derivative of formaldehyde — although less potent, it can still cause irritation.
Camphor
Camphor is a poison that can cause disorientation and seizures in high doses. It also blocks nutrients, which causes yellow staining of the nails.
Shocking, right? When we found out all this was in what we were putting onto our fingers, we wanted to find a solution — hello 5 free nail varnish! Our signature 5 free polish contains none of the chemicals we mentioned above, while still retaining the long lasting, high pigmented colour you expect from a good varnish. Along with not containing any of these nasties, our formula is also completely vegan. Did you know the iridescent shine you get in many polishes comes from ground up fish scales? Or, that many pigments come from crushed beetles? Fear not! Every bottle of Hopscotch nail varnish is totally animal cruelty free, and contains zero animal products.
We think it’s so important to know what you’re putting into, and onto, your body — and who says being healthy can’t be fun and beautiful? All our 5 free nail varnish is made in London, and comes in our beautiful white lidded bottles, with signature sleek and minimal Hopscotch packaging — something to look beautiful on your vanity or bedside table.
We’ve got a gorgeous range of colours to suit any style. Whether it’s an edgy look with our glossy black, a chic and timeless flourish with our classic red, or a fun pop of colour with our dreamy lilac or vibrant hot pink, you’re sure to get comments on your digits!
So next time someone asks you “what is 5 free nail varnish?”, you’ll know the answer! Find the whole collection in our Beauty section.
