Did you know that formaldehyde is in several of the household products you use every day, your carpets, your hardwood floors and furniture, shampoos, nail polish, and especially the keratin treatments we use to tame frizz… and it could be making you VERY sick. Formaldehyde is the colorless gas better known for preserving disgusting little creatures in jars, but it’s more commonly used in your beauty products and household furniture and cleaning products. That’s pretty scary because it irritates eyes, mucous membranes, and the upper respiratory system with relative ease. Even in tiny amounts formaldehyde can contribute to an ongoing runny nose, sore throat, sleeping difficulties, headaches, fatigue, sinus irritation, chest pain, nausea, and decreased lung capacity.
Here are some surprising products to watch out for in your own home:
- Nail Polish
- Deodorant
- Furniture (especially treated wood)
- Hardwood Floors
- Carpet
- Shampoo
- Keratin Treatments for Hair
- Laundry and other detergents
- Cigarette Smoke
- Air deodorizers and fresheners
It’s obviously difficult for most people to live formaldehyde-free, but we can all make small changes to our every day patterns that will really help.
Zoya makes formaldehyde-free nail polish that seems to last even longer than regular nail polish, and you can feel good about using it. Plus, they have a full range of colors. Ecos laundry detergent is free of formaldehyde as well, and will make you feel better about the clothes you wear and the sheets your whole family sleeps on, and makes deodorant that will leave you fresh and free of harmful side effects.
If you’re in NYC you can also check out Polished Beauty Bar for a totally formaldehyde-free manicure/pedicure experience. It’s perfect for health nuts, expecting moms, and people prone to allergies.
