Which nail polish remover should be used during pregnancy?

While numbers may vary from one study to another, most suggest that pregnancy encourages women to moderate their use of nail polish.

Pregnancy is a time of significant hormonal changes, which affect the entire body and can make the skin more sensitive. Beyond this increase in skin sensitivity, it's primarily the concern of transmitting used products to the fetus that often worries expectant mothers. Indeed, certain cosmetic ingredients can penetrate the skin or be inhaled and have mutagenic or teratogenic effects. To clarify, mutagenic molecules can cause mutations in DNA, while teratogenic compounds increase the risks of malformations in the embryo. Solvents are cosmetics that require direct contact with the skin and exposure to chemical vapors. Therefore, it's reasonable to question their safety during pregnancy.

Even today, a majority of nail polish removers are formulated with acetone, a potent solvent capable of effectively dissolving the resins and pigments in nail polish, although there are also removers that contain other organic solvents, such as ethyl acetate. However, since acetone is volatile, it can easily enter the body through inhalation, quickly moving from the lungs to the bloodstream. Once in the blood, the acetone is metabolized by the liver, but a portion can cross the placental barrier and reach the fetus once the blood circulation is established between the expectant mother and her baby, typically around the fourth week of pregnancy.

The acetone found in many nail polish removers is irritating to the respiratory tract and harmful to the nervous system of the pregnant woman and her baby.

Even though occasional exposure to a solvent containing a low concentration of acetone in a household setting has not been directly linked to risks during pregnancy, it is best to apply the precautionary principle and avoid its use during this time. Additionally, with its sharp and distinctive odor, acetone can intensify nausea which women frequently suffer from during their first trimester of pregnancy. Moreover, this substance is very concerning for pregnant women who are exposed to acetone daily in their work environment, such as in nail salons. In these settings, it is important to implement measures to protect expectant mothers and their child, by encouraging them to wear gloves and a mask and by properly ventilating the premises.

However, acetone-free removers, often formulated with ethyl acetate and presented as gentler alternatives, are not without risks for pregnant women either. Indeed, while ethyl acetate is generally better tolerated and less damaging to the nails, it remains a volatile solvent that can be inhaled. Its toxicity during pregnancy has been less studied, but it has been shown that it can also irritate the respiratory tract and exacerbate nausea.

As a precautionary principle, it's better to avoid using nail polish remover when pregnant.

The issue extends beyond just nail polish removers. Nail polishes themselves often contain ingredients that are controversial during pregnancy. These include formaldehyde, classified as a possible carcinogen in Europe and considered a potential endocrine disruptor, toluene, a neurotoxin, and phthalates, suspected of potentially affecting fetal development. In response to these concerns, more and more brands are offering nail polishes formulated without these problematic substances. "3-free" nail polishes exclude formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates. "5-free" nail polishes additionally eliminate camphor and xylene. Some go even further with "8-free" or "10-free" formulas, ensuring a safer composition. Regardless, the application of nail polish during pregnancy should remain occasional.

Advice : White vinegar, baking soda, or even certain vegetable oils can be interesting alternatives to replace nail polish remover during pregnancy.