58/100

Personal Care

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)

Chemical hazard
4
Everyday exposure
4
Persistence
4

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. None of the three drivers is severe, which keeps the burden manageable. 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.

Cleaner swap → Polish labelled TPHP-free, and apply in a ventilated room.
See where your whole exposure load is highest — free Exposure Score →

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.

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