Best Eco-Beauty & Health Gift Guide: Scotch Naturals
One for them, two for you: We found healthy and beauty buys perfect for stocking stuffing—or stocking up! Now through New Year’s, the Eco-Beauty & Health Gift Guide showcases our Best of 2010 favorites at 25% off—or more—in EcoStiletto SHOP. Part Six of Nine.
Can nail polish be “natural?” Let’s get real: No matter how many eco-friendly labels get slapped on the bottle, most of these products do contain chemicals—some of which can be dangerous to our health, and to the environment. Don’t let those labels fool you: Even so called “non-toxic” polishes should be disposed of as hazardous waste according to Earth911.com. Remember, unless a beauty product is USDA Certified Organic, its manufacturer is not required to list ingredients on the label. Which is why we get “fragrance,” and it can mean 3,100 different chems. Literally.
But what about “organic?” The word is defined by the Random House Dictionary as “noting or pertaining to a class of chemical compounds that formerly comprised only those existing in or derived from plants or animals, but that now includes all other compounds of carbon.” Basically, “organic” material comes from formerly living substances and is not necessarily good for you. Think motor oil. Organic, yes. USDA Certified Organic, no.
But we digress. Even an ecoista uses nail polish once in a while. And, thankfully, most of the major polish brands are going “big three free,” meaning they’ve taken the most well known toxic ingredients—formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)—out of their formulas. But many still contain chemical solvents, typically acetate derivatives (that’s the stuff that makes it stinky). And some have gotten flak for “hidden” ingredients like formaldehyde resin, which may not be listed on labels.
Looking for big-three and petrochemical-solvent free—including acetates? Look no further than water-based polishes like the truly amazing Scotch Naturals, which use the aforementioned H20 as a solvent, won’t yellow the nails and aren’t considered hazardous materials. Plus, how cute would those bottles look in a stocking?
Now through 12.31.10, buy one, get one 50% of with all Scotch Naturals polishes at EcoStiletto SHOP with “ecoholiday” at checkout. Want more? Check out a DIY organic bath salt recipe, customized organic skincare, giftable green tea, multitasking beauty essential and amazing organic perfume also featured in our Beauty & Health Gift Guide.
