Nailed it: California is making nail products safer

SACRAMENTO - As part of its ongoing work to protect consumers from hazardous chemicals in commonly used products, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) announced today that nearly all nail products sold in California contain little to no toluene, a significant improvement tied to the state's proactive regulatory action.

Under its Safer Consumer Products program, DTSC adopted a regulation in 2023 to address the use of this toxic chemical commonly found in nail-related products. Toluene is a solvent that can be harmful to people who breathe in its fumes. Extended exposure has been linked to damage to the nervous system, respiratory tract and immune system. Exposure in the workplace has also been associated with developmental effects in babies born to women who are pregnant or of childbearing age, including an increased risk of low birthweight.

DTSC tested more than 500 nail products from 142 unique brands for toluene. Nail products were purchased from online retainers and brick-and-mortar stores including independent shops, professional beauty supply chains and discounts stores. DTSC's analysis shows that 95% of the nail products purchased either did not contain toluene or contained very low levels, well below the regulatory threshold.