How to Make a Kid Safe Fingernail Polish

Use natural products to give your child a safe manicure.

Many commercial nail polishes contain toxic chemicals such as methyl methacrylate, acetonitrile and formaldehyde. Combine this knowledge with the suspicion that these chemicals are absorbed through your nail beds and you may think twice about using nail polish on your child. Try a safer approach by making a natural nail polish at home. The polish will fade away after about a week of normal washing, but you can also remove it with a nontoxic nail polish remover.

Things You'll Need

• Small bowl
• Spoon
• Olive oil
• White or red clay powder
• Cotton pads
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Mix 1 tbsp. of olive oil with ½ tbsp. of white or red clay powder in a small bowl. Continue mixing until it becomes a smooth cream. If the mixture doesn't become smooth, add more olive oil and continue stirring.

2. Massage a small amount of the mixture onto your child's nails using your own fingertips. Wipe off any excess with a cotton pad.

3. Lightly buff her nails with a clean cotton pad. Cover any extra polish in the bowl with plastic wrap.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for French clay (in red or white) or Kaolin white clay at a health food store.

References

• "Natural Beauty at Home: More Than 250 Easy-to-Use Recipes for Body, Bath and Home"; Janice Cox; 2002
• "Pregnancy Do's and Don'ts: The Smart Woman's A-Z Pocket Companion for a Safe"; Elisabeth A. Aron; 2006