There are many questions surrounding the labeling of nail polishes and treatments as 5-Free, 7-Free, or 9-Free. This is the real difference:
Generally, the nail polish or treatment should be at least 3-Free. This means that the nail polish is free of what is known as the “toxic trio”, which are dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and toluene. These ingredients are commonly used to help reduce cracking and improve flexibility.
5-Free is the most common standard currently. In addition to being free of the “toxic trio”, it is also free of formaldehyde resin and camphor.
In addition to 3-Free and 5-Free, many companies are increasing the number of chemicals they are removing from nail polishes and treatments. 7-Free polishes and treatments, in addition to meeting the characteristics of 5-Free, are free of ethyl tosylamide and xylene.
The number of chemical ingredients being removed from nail polishes and treatments tends to keep increasing. Our polishes and treatments are 9-Free, meaning they have the characteristics of 7-Free and are also free of Parabens and Acetone.
