Conventionally, in a small vial of nail varnish there are toluene and xylene harmful to the brain, formaldehyde and carcinogenic parabens , camphor and rosin which promote respiratory disorders and especially phthalates and disrupting triphenyl phosphate endocrine.

One also has to be wary of styrene, which is common in certain "natural" brands. And to say that you thought you were troubled when in fact you were at the heart of the danger with each manicure ...

Initially, varnishes without toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBT), formaldehyde

That was before the manufacturers got on tune with scientific publications. First there was the 3-free varnish: without toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBT) or formaldehyde.

Today it is easy to find 8-free which in addition to the three previous ingredients have suppressed xylene, parabens, camphor, rosin and formaldehyde resin, as well as some 10-free, even 11-free (Korres ).

Anecdotal, the phenomenon is widespread. OPI, Bourjois, Dior have revised the list of their ingredients and Alessandro has for its part enriched a 7-free without base which dries in three minutes.

New lacquers based on water, corn and potatoes

Eco-friendly varnishes are often based on water and have the advantages of not being flammable, odorless, moisturizing the nail, drying quickly and being vegan. It is the ideal choice for children. Unfortunately, the tints and the choice of colors are poor.

In order to overcome these drawbacks, certain brands that are used by agro-solvents from the maize, potato or manioc that make the varnish are also unctuous, tenacious and easy to apply to the small French Aroma-Zone and Kure Bazar that it contained a solvent derived from petrochemicals, without having the disadvantages.

Eco-friendly varnish: a still limited color chart

The weak point of the "green" varnishes is to offer a limited range of colors. Few blues and greens because these tones are rarely available in natural pigments. Too bad because the green is the color 2017, dixit Pantone.

Better to fall back on the browns and the reds, except for Priti NYC, a New York range, ultra catwalks present and which therefore has a hundred ultra trendy colors.

Nail care: organic growth

No manicure can be perfect without the right care products.

HerĂ´me has designed a nail hardener , a base, a cuticle softener and three other all organic products. The hand cream formulated with Uttwiler Spatlauber apple stem cells requires only a hazelnut to nourish, soothe and protect without leaving a greasy film. In mask in the evening it is not bad too.

And the solvent ? Frankly it's getting harder. Some contain ethyl lactate, derived from sugar and biodegradable. Unfortunately, it remains allergenic and it is a flammable product therefore to be monitored. On the other hand, that of Priti NY, which contains soy is really top and works with all varnishes. There is also in wipes format, a must for those who travel!