What Does 13-Free Mean?
Understanding "Free-From" Nail Products: What Does 13-Free Mean?
In the world of nail care, especially within the Korean beauty industry, you've likely come across terms like "5-free," "10-free," "13-free," or even "14-free" on nail polish and gel labels. These terms indicate that the product is formulated without certain potentially harmful ingredients. But what do these numbers actually mean, and why should you care? In this blog post, we'll delve into the common denominators of these "free-from" lists and explore why these ingredients are considered harmful.
The Rise of "Free-From" Nail Products
As consumers become more conscious about the ingredients in their beauty products, the demand for cleaner, safer alternatives has skyrocketed. The nail industry has responded by creating formulations that exclude a growing list of controversial chemicals. However, there's no universal standard for which ingredients are excluded at each "free-from" level. This lack of consensus can make it challenging to understand what you're actually getting—or avoiding—in your nail products.
Commonly Excluded Ingredients
While the specific ingredients can vary between brands, certain chemicals are commonly left out of "free-from" formulations. Below, we've compiled a list of ingredients that are most frequently excluded, along with explanations of why they are considered harmful.
1. Formaldehyde
What it is: A colorless, strong-smelling gas used in nail hardeners and disinfectants.
Why it's harmful: Formaldehyde is known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as a human carcinogen, meaning it can potentially cause cancer with prolonged exposure.
2. Toluene
What it is: A solvent that helps nail polish glide on smoothly.
Why it's harmful: Toluene can affect the central nervous system, leading to headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Long-term exposure may cause more severe health issues, including reproductive harm.
3. Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
What it is: A plasticizer that prevents nail polish from becoming brittle.
Why it's harmful: DBP is linked to reproductive issues and endocrine disruption. It's banned in the European Union for use in cosmetics due to its potential health risks.
4. Formaldehyde Resin
What it is: A derivative of formaldehyde used to improve adhesion and durability.
Why it's harmful: This ingredient can cause allergic reactions and skin sensitization, leading to dermatitis upon contact.
5. Camphor
What it is: A fragrant compound used to give nail polish a glossy finish.
Why it's harmful: In large doses, camphor can cause nausea, dizziness, and headaches. It can also lead to skin irritation when applied directly.
6. Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP)
What it is: A plasticizer and flame retardant.
Why it's harmful: TPHP is a suspected endocrine disruptor that may affect hormone regulation and reproductive health.
7. Xylene
What it is: A solvent that prevents nail polish from becoming too thick.
Why it's harmful: Xylene can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues upon inhalation. Long-term exposure may lead to more serious health problems.
8. Ethyl Tosylamide
What it is: A plasticizer that improves the durability and drying time of nail polish.
Why it's harmful: This ingredient is banned in the European Union due to concerns about antibiotic resistance.
9. Parabens
What they are: Preservatives used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Why they're harmful: Parabens are potential endocrine disruptors linked to hormonal imbalances and reproductive issues.
10. Gluten
What it is: A protein found in wheat and other grains, sometimes used as a binding agent.
Why it's harmful: While not harmful to most people, gluten can cause adverse reactions in individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
11. Animal-Derived Ingredients
What they are: Ingredients like guanine (from fish scales) used for shimmer effects.
Why they're harmful: Besides ethical concerns for vegans and animal rights activists, these ingredients can also cause allergic reactions.
12. Sulfates
What they are: Cleaning agents that can also be found in nail products.
Why they're harmful: Sulfates can cause skin irritation and strip natural oils from the skin and nails.
13. Lead
What it is: A heavy metal that can sometimes be found as a contaminant in cosmetics.
Why it's harmful: Lead is toxic to multiple body systems and can cause neurological problems, especially in children and pregnant women.
14. Benzophenones (e.g., Benzophenone-1)
What they are: UV blockers that prevent discoloration of nail polish when exposed to sunlight.
Why they're harmful: Benzophenones are potential endocrine disruptors and can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Understanding the Numbers: What Does "13-Free" Really Mean?
- Common Denominator: The first five ingredients—Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate, Formaldehyde Resin, and Camphor—are almost universally excluded in "5-free" formulations and above.
- Additional Exclusions: As the number increases (e.g., "10-free," "13-free"), brands exclude more ingredients, often based on emerging research or consumer demand.
- Lack of Standardization: Different brands may substitute ingredients on their exclusion lists, so it's crucial to read product labels for specifics.
Why Should You Care?
Health Risks
Many of these chemicals are linked to serious health issues, including cancer, reproductive problems, and hormonal imbalances. Reducing exposure can minimize potential risks to your health.
Allergic Reactions
Ingredients like Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor can result in sensitization, which over time can cause allergic responses, leading to discomfort.
Environmental Impact
Some of these chemicals are harmful to the environment, affecting wildlife and ecosystems when they enter waterways through waste disposal.
The European Union's Stance on Cosmetic Safety
In the European Union, cosmetic products—including nail care items—must comply with strict regulations to ensure consumer safety. The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 mandates that all cosmetic products undergo a thorough safety assessment before they can be marketed. This assessment evaluates the product's ingredients, formulation, and potential risks to human health.
Forbidden and Restricted Substances
The EU maintains comprehensive lists of substances that are either forbidden or restricted in cosmetic products:
- Forbidden Substances: Ingredients that are completely banned due to their hazardous nature. These include certain carcinogens, mutagens, and reproductive toxins.
- Restricted Substances: Ingredients that are allowed in cosmetics but only under specific conditions, such as limited concentrations or usage restrictions.
By adhering to these regulations, products sold in the EU are verified to be safe and free from certain harmful ingredients. This provides an additional layer of assurance for consumers looking to make safer choices in their beauty routines.
Making Informed Choices
While "free-from" labels can guide you toward safer nail products, it's essential to do your own research due to the lack of industry-wide standards. Here are some tips:
- Read the Ingredient List: Always check the mandatory product label for specific ingredients that you want to avoid - if your gel bottle or the box does not have a label, the products are most likely importer illegally in the EU-zone.
- Ask your Supplier: The shop or the webshop where you buy the product can normally help you, or they can reach out to the importer of the products into the EU.
- Ask the Responsible Person: When in doubt, reach out to the Responsible Person who is mentioned on the mandatory label in the EU. They can provide additional information on the ingredients.
At Pretty Yeppuda we are always available to answer your questions regarding the products we sell. The products are properly labeled in the official EU language and if you have any questions - we are happy to help - either directly or through our contacts with the Korean brands and manufacturers.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of "free-from" nail products can be confusing, but understanding the common harmful ingredients and why they're excluded is a significant first step. By making informed choices and being aware of regulatory standards like those in the European Union, you can enjoy beautiful nails without compromising your health or the environment.