The Chanel company, also referred to as Chanel S.A. or Chanel House, specializes in luxury goods, including nail polish. Chanel produces dozens of varieties of nail polish in a multitude of colors from black pearl to dragon red. However, although the Food and Drug Administration regulates nail polish products, they many still contain potentially harmful ingredients.
Background
Chanel, founded in 1909 by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, has served as a fashion trendsetter and leader in elegant apparel, beauty products and fashion accessories since its inception. Gabrielle Chanel, a French fashion designer, focused company efforts on establishing new fashion designs and becoming a leader in luxury items. Chanel makes its products, including nail polish, available in Chanel boutiques in major cities around the world, including New York City, Beverly Hills and Paris.
Primary Ingredients
Chanel nail polish contains a host of ingredients, including solvents, resins and pigments. Some of the primary ingredients include butylacetate, ethylacetate, nitrocellulose, phthalic anhydride and isopropyl alcohol. Butylacetate, the first ingredient in Chanel nail polish, poses potential harmful side effects, such as irritation to the eyes, and respiratory tract and central nervous system side effects, according to the International Programme on Chemical Safety's INCHEM website.
Pigments
Chanel offers an assortment of nail polish products, including base protective coating polish, lacquer top coat products and traditional pigmented nail polish varieties. Chanel describes its nail polish as one that strengthens and moisturizes nails and provides a long-lasting, high-shine and chip-resistant color.
Each Chanel nail polish contains a unique mixture of pigment ingredients such as red 7 lake, yellow 6 lake, iron oxide and manganese violet. Available colors include pearl drop, pulsion, rose paradise, rouge fatal, diabolic, forbidden, orange fizz, black velvet and gold lamé.
Acetates
Ethyl acetate, another major ingredient in Chanel nail polish, acts as a solvent and allows the polish to dry quickly after its applied. It's a clear flammable liquid that contains a fruity odor. Exposure to ethyl acetate through inhalation or skin contact may cause eye and upper respiratory tract irritation, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Apply nail polish products that contain ethyl acetate in a well-ventilated room to prevent overexposure.
Plasticizers
Plasticizers, such as dibutyl phthalate, give the nail polish flexibility and water-resistant properties. Dibutyl phthalate may pose health risks, such as birth defects and reproductive organ mutations, according to the Environmental Working Group. Because cosmetic companies periodically change the formulas of their products, check ingredient labels before purchasing.
Member Comments