Safety Status:
Trying to Conceive: SafePregnancy: Limited
Breastfeeding: Safe
What We Know: Traditional nail polishes and manicure products may contain various chemicals including toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, camphor, and ethyl acetate. Newer “non-toxic” formulations have eliminated some of these chemicals.
For individuals trying to conceive, nail polish and manicures are generally considered safe when performed with proper ventilation. No clinical evidence suggests that occasional exposure to nail products at consumer levels significantly impacts fertility or conception. The FDA, which regulates cosmetics including nail products, has not identified fertility concerns related to typical nail polish use.
During pregnancy, nail polish and manicures receive a “Limited” classification primarily due to exposure concerns in nail salon environments. The primary concerns involve inhalation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from nail products in poorly ventilated spaces rather than absorption through the nails, which is minimal. Getting a manicure and/or pedicure in a well-ventilated area is, in all likelihood, safe. Of note, gel polish on the nails can interfere with the pulse oximeter used in medical settings to track your oxygen saturation. The pulse oximeter can be placed on the fingers or toes. If you want to get gels, consider leaving a finger or toe with regular polish that can be taken off. Avoid gel manicures and pedicures in the final weeks of pregnancy when admission to the hospital becomes more likely.
While no studies have definitively linked occasional manicures to adverse pregnancy outcomes, prolonged exposure in occupational settings has raised concerns. A study cited by the CDC found an association between working in nail salons and certain pregnancy complications, highlighting the importance of ventilation and limiting exposure time.
For breastfeeding individuals, nail polish and manicures are considered safe. The minimal systemic absorption of nail product chemicals makes significant transfer into breast milk highly unlikely. Neither the AAP nor CDC has identified concerns regarding nail polish use during lactation.
Important considerations include choosing well-ventilated salon environments, considering “3-free” or “5-free” nail polish options that eliminate potentially harmful chemicals, and limiting time in salons. For UV gel manicures specifically, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to hands before UV light exposure is recommended to protect the skin, though the limited exposure time presents minimal risk.
Sources: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Nail Product Safety Information, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Reproductive Health Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Environmental Health Resources, MotherToBaby Chemical Exposures Fact Sheets