Is it safe to use nail polish during pregnancy?
You should avoid nail polish during pregnancy because many formulas contain chemicals linked to reproductive harm and miscarriage.
What's actually in it
Nail polish often contains a mix of chemicals designed to make the product dry fast, stay flexible, and resist chipping. Many of these ingredients are classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These substances interfere with your body's natural hormone signals.
One common group of chemicals, such as TDCIPP (a flame retardant often found in consumer products), has been linked to severe reproductive issues. Other additives like sodium benzoate are also known to cause hormonal disruption and damage to the ovaries, according to a 2026 study in Regul Toxicol Pharmacol.
What the research says
The science is clear: the chemicals in many everyday products can have a direct impact on pregnancy health. A 2026 study in J Hazard Mater found that TDCIPP disrupts how your cells function, which can lead to DNA damage and increase the risk of miscarriage.
Furthermore, your thyroid health is critical during pregnancy. A 2026 study in Ecotoxicol Environ Saf highlights how persistent organic pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals combine to increase the risk of thyroid disease. Because your body is already working hard to support a baby, adding these chemicals to your system through nail polish or other personal care products creates an unnecessary and proven risk.
The research at a glance
What to use instead
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