Washington D.C. [USA]: Turns out, nail polishes with 'n-free' labels are not necessarily free of toxic compounds. Consumers are growing more knowledgeable about the potential health effects of nail polish, and manufacturers have taken action. They have started removing potentially toxic ingredients and labeling their products as being free of those substances. However, these labels aren't always accurate, and reformulated products aren't necessarily safer.

Plasticisers improve flexibility and chip resistance in nail polish. In the 2000s, concerns grew about the use of the plasticiser di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), a reproductive and developmental toxicant. In response, nail polish manufacturers began switching to other plasticisers.