Nail Polish (Triphenyl Phosphate)
Moderate burden — Nail Polish (Triphenyl Phosphate) adds a moderate, reducible exposure.
Conventional polish containing TPHP as a plasticiser.
The breakdown
Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)
Evidence strength: moderate · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.
What this means for you
A Detox Score of 58 places nail polish (triphenyl phosphate) in the Moderate band. A study in Environment International measured a clear rise in a TPHP metabolite in urine after participants painted their nails, showing the plasticiser is absorbed rather than staying on the surface. TPHP-free formulations are now widely available and labelled.
Frequently asked questions
Is nail polish (triphenyl phosphate) a toxic exposure?
Nail Polish (Triphenyl Phosphate) has a Detox Score of 58 out of 100 (Moderate burden), which means it adds a moderate, reducible exposure. A study in Environment International measured a clear rise in a TPHP metabolite in urine after participants painted their nails, showing the plasticiser is absorbed rather than staying on the surface. TPHP-free formulations are now widely available and labelled.
What is a safer alternative to nail polish (triphenyl phosphate)?
A lower-exposure swap for nail polish (triphenyl phosphate) is: Polish labelled TPHP-free, and apply in a ventilated room. A study in Environment International measured a clear rise in a TPHP metabolite in urine after participants painted their nails, showing the plasticiser is absorbed rather than staying on the surface. TPHP-free formulations are now widely available and labelled.