As with our skin and hair, nails are also composed of keratin protein that can give us clues as to our overall health. Their condition provides us with insight into that aspect of life.
Non-toxic nail products can help our nails remain strong and free of brittleness, without harmful chemicals that would typically wreak havoc with their health. Many nail polishes, cuticle oils and hand creams now come without these harmful additives.
1. Cuticle Oil
Cuticle oil is a moisturizer designed to hydrate both nails and their cuticles (the skin surrounding your fingernails). Most often made from olive, apricot, avocado or vegetable oils with added vitamins or citric acid for nail growth promotion purposes. Furthermore, keeping cuticles hydrated will prevent dryness, brittleness and cracking of cuticles over time.
No matter whether their nails are painted or uncoated, this product can bring benefits. Our tester found that when she massaged this oil into her cuticles regularly, her nails became healthier and stronger over time.
Opt for a cuticle oil that provides an easy application experience. Most use droppers to dispensing their product; others provide brush or roller applicators for quicker application when on-the-go. Greasy finishes should also be avoided in order to prevent fingerprint smudges; Saunders recommends this squeezable cuticle pen-to-brush product due to its minimal spillage, making it one of her top recommendations.
2. Cuticle Cream
Cuticle cream may not top your list of beauty needs, but it should definitely be included for healthy nails. Cuticles provide an important barrier against dirt and bacteria entering the nail bed; however, they may become dry or cracked over time [source: Gallant].
Regular use of cuticle cream will relieve dry cuticles and weak, brittle nails while providing hands and fingers with essential hydration. Cuticle cream can be used alone or combined with hand oils and other products in your routine to ensure maximum benefits.
As with cuticle oil, the best cuticle creams contain moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter and vitamin E for maximum hydration. Plus they come in various consistencies so you can choose one that best meets your personal preferences and lifestyle – thick hand creams may not appeal to everyone whereas some top cuticle creams include anti-aging properties too!
3. Nail Polish
Nail polish is an ever-evolving cosmetic product, available in an assortment of colors and formulations. Generally made with film-forming agents such as nitrocellulose or cellulose acetate butyrate, to make nail polish dry it may contain plasticizers (typically dibutyl phthalate or toluene) in addition to low levels of solvents like ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, or toluene (1).
Some nail polishes are sold as treatment products to prevent or promote nail fungus or promote overall nail health, and are therefore subject to FDA regulations regarding labeling requirements (2).
Regular nail polish comes in many colors and designs, from glitter, to crackled, speckled or iridescent. Some brands contain ingredients designed to promote nail strength or health such as peptides or linoleic acid (3). Polish is typically distributed from bottles for application on thin coats; tests are then run to gauge its quality prior to sale (4).
4. Serum
An essential element in any nail care regimen, nourishing serums are the ideal complement to brittleness, dullness and dryness in nails and cuticles. Their blend of ingredients provides nourishment to both, helping address specific nail concerns such as these.
Vitamin C-enriched serums can make nails appear younger while antioxidant-rich formulas will guard them from free radical damage. For those prone to breakouts, salicylic acid serums will help prevent blackheads and acne blemishes from appearing.
Apply a serum while your skin is still damp from cleansing; this allows it to penetrate more effectively and increase its efficacy. Following up with toner or an oil control lotion as necessary and your chosen moisturiser, and finally adding in serum overnight treatment.
