The Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, an organization out of San Francisco that quietly works to reduce our daily chemical consumption, has made great strides in getting lower toxicity in many nail polish products.  Companies like OPI, Sally Hansen and others did comply and reduced their toxicity levels, but it's been a change that seems to have been kept too quiet.  

Packaging does not scream "we are healthier for you" which makes it impossible to know if you are buying your best healthy choice.  In fact, the OPI label pictured, is the first I've seen after years of compliance.  Without labeling, it is almost impossible to participate in buying cleaner products.   

Why aren't manufacturers wildly screaming that they have improved life for consumers?  My guess is that calling attention to the chemical reduction of a few items would create losses in sales for the product line items that were not altered to be less toxic.  It would also call attention to the fact that nail polish is unnecessarily toxic and that it is time for a change.

                       Regardless of the improvements, there is still reason for concern.  The list of chemicals is presented on this OPI package. It is a complex combination of chemicals that can be absorbed through the nail into the bloodstream.   After being absorbed, your body has to do the work of detoxing the unwanted chemicals.  That means an extra workload for your body and potential dangers.

Bottom line:  We need cleaner products.  One email to your favorite manufacturer could make great changes.  Ask for cleaner products and ask your friends to do the same.  Who knows what could happen.  You might also ask for a list of their improved or least toxic products.