Renee Ong, Simple Living LLP: non-toxic nail polish range
renee@simple-living.com.sg
Business established: two years
Niche: Non-toxic cosmetics and healthcare products
While researching online for a safe, non-toxic nail polish for her four year old daughter, Renee stumbled upon the US based Hopscotch Kids' Watercolour nail polish range. Realising this could fill the missing gap in the local nail polish market, Renee decided to introduce both Hopscotch Kids and the adult range SCOTCH Naturals Watercolour to Singapore and the region. She has since embarked on a quest for simple, holistic, natural products with the introduction of Tinderbox - an Australian handmade herbal products range.
TF: Tell us more about the SCOTCH Naturals and Hopscotch Kids nail polish range.
RO: One of the safest in the world, both nail polishes are free of the toxic trio - Toluene, Formaldehyde and Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) - and other harmful chemicals found in traditional solvent based nail polish. Easy to apply and quick to dry, they're odourless and don't stain your nails. And because it's toxic-free it's suitable for divas of all ages, including pregnant mums. Continued use in conjunction with our specially formulated remover also improves the health of your nails and promotes lasting polish adhesion.
TF: How harmful are traditional solvent based nail polishes?
RO: Traditional nail polish, polish removers and artificial nail products contain a host of toxic chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive challenges, asthma, skin irritation, dizziness, headaches and eye, nose and throat irritation. The most infamous is the toxic trio - a concern to pregnant women since it's transmitted to the foetus via the placenta and onto the infant through breast milk. DBP acts as a plasticizer, adding flexibility and sheen but this chemical is a reproductive and developmental toxin linked to birth defects and reproductive organ damage.
Toluene is a colourless liquid used in nail polish, paints, thinners and inks. When released into the air, it causes headache, dizziness, fatigue and irritates the eyes, nose and throat. It's also toxic to the kidneys and liver. Formaldehyde stops polish from chipping but is also an irritant to the eyes, nose and throat and cause an allergic rash called dermatitis. Breathing in the fumes often leads to coughing and wheezing.
RO: While the women today are well read and aware of the harmful chemicals in cosmetics, they may not be aware of the existence of safer alternatives. Making the switch to lesser known brands can be a challenge despite the benefits. We've been working across various media platforms to spread the word and are also working to increase the range of non-toxic cosmetics and products making it easier to switch.
Get well-manicured and healthy nails...
- Remove existing nail polish
- Apply a drop of jojoba oil to nail bed and buff. Buffing drives the natural oils into the nail so the nail polish adheres better.
- Wash hands to remove residue and buffing dust.
- Dry hands and nails thoroughly.
- Apply up to two coats of polish.
- Allow ample time in between coats to avoid streaking.
- If you're using Simple Living's range of nail polish, no base or top coat is needed.
- After a few days, rebuff nails using the smooth side of the buffer for a new shiny finish.
Posted Jan 2012
