Which nail varnish remover should one use when pregnant?

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

Pregnancy is a period abundant in hormonal changes, which affect the entire body and can make the skin more sensitive. Beyond this increase in skin sensitivity, it is primarily the concern of transmitting used products to the foetus 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 are likely to 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 vapours. Therefore, it is legitimate 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 varnishes, although there are also removers containing other organic solvents, such as ethyl acetate. However, as acetone is volatile, it can easily enter the body through inhalation, quickly passing from the lungs into the bloodstream. Once in the blood, the acetone is metabolised by the liver, but a portion can cross the placental barrier and reach the foetus once the blood circulation is established between the expectant mother and her baby, usually around the fourth week of pregnancy.

The acetone found in many nail varnish removers is irritating to the respiratory tract and harmful to the nervous system of the pregnant individual and their baby.

Even though occasional exposure to a solvent containing a low concentration of acetone in a domestic setting has not been directly linked to risks during pregnancy, it is advisable to apply the precautionary principle and avoid its use during this period. Moreover, with its sharp and distinctive smell, acetone can intensify nausea which women frequently suffer from during their first trimester of pregnancy. Furthermore, this substance is of great concern for pregnant women who are exposed to acetone daily in their work, such as in nail salons. In these environments, it is important to implement measures to protect expectant mothers and their child, by encouraging them to wear gloves and a mask and ensuring proper ventilation of the premises.

However, acetone-free removers, often formulated with ethyl acetate and presented as gentler alternatives, are not without risks for pregnant women. 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 is better to avoid using nail polish remover when pregnant.

The issue is not limited to 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 foetal development. In response to these concerns, an increasing number of 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, guaranteeing 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 the nail polish remover during pregnancy.