In recent months, you have probably heard news stories questioning the safety of certain beauty products in terms of both consumer and salon use. Among the types of products discussed have been hair dye and shampoo, lipstick and mascara, antiperspirants and deodorants, perfume, and nail polish – major segments of the beauty industry.

We want to assure you that OPI is committed to the safety of our consumers and of Beauty Professionals, and emphasize that we have always taken the necessary steps to ensure that our products exceed safety standards. In light of these most recent concerns, however, and even though our products have always been safe, we have taken the unprecedented step of reformulating our Nail Lacquers, Nail Treatments, and Nail Hardeners to remove some of the ingredients that have been the topic of recent discussion, while maintaining the high product quality standards we and you expect:

Since 2006, OPI has reformulated its entire line of Nail Lacquers, Nail Treatments, and Nail Hardeners to eliminate DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and Toluene.

Formaldehyde has never been an ingredient in OPI Nail Lacquers or Nail Treatments.

Some OPI Nail Hardeners do contain formaldehyde, while others are formulated without it to give consumers a choice. The levels of formaldehyde are more than four times lower than the safe levels established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In fact, according to a study conducted under the auspices of the California authorities, the levels of formaldehyde, even in nail salons, are no higher than those found in many common work places, such as offices, where no nail products whatsoever are present. OPI continues to search for effective alternates to formaldehyde.

Through improving our formulas, we continue in our tradition of supplying our customers with safe, effective, innovative products that promise beautiful results. In addition, as the world leader in professional nail care, OPI is proud to help lead the industry in transitioning to these newer, “greener” formulations.

Our progress in this area has resulted in praise from Women’s Voices for the Earth, one of the strongest, most vocal proponents for making these changes and a founding member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Alexandra Gorman, Director of Science & Research at Women’s Voices for the Earth, supported OPI’s action: “OPI is doing the right thing with this decision.” She went on to say that, “This recent move is an example of the good faith efforts of manufacturers … this is good news for women everywhere.” According to Gorman, “It is a great first step along a path toward real change in the industry.

To read OPI's letter to Women's Voices for the Earth, click on OPI letter.