is Seche Vite dangerous??

Nov 2, 2011

Diana A.

Hi guys, the other day I eyeballed Seche Vite top coat polish when I went to CVS and now I really think im going to get it..

I was hesitant and wasnt going to get it months ago because of the warning it has on the back

"WARNING! This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm."

That kinda scared me and didnt want to make me get it..

what should I do?? Is it safe??

Nov 3, 2011

Nancy-Lee C.

You ran against Prop 65?
so sorry. In the state of California they must tell you anytime something contains lead, no matter how miniscule. Is it possible for lead and formaldehyde to 'absorb' into your nails? Sure, but you would have to drink it for it to kill you. Actually, the polish would kill you before the ingredient that stirred the Prop65 sign in the first place, would. ;-)

Now I'm not a medical professional, just a beauty blogger, but personally, I never let that sign steer my decision. (PS- I was a store a manger of Williams-Sonoma for 8 years, where we had to put that sign up, so I am familiar with it.)

You will also find prop65 signs at all California Starbucks, Crate & Barrel, grocery stores where the balsamic vinegar is.... 

Nov 3, 2011

Selena B.

I also live in cali and I've been seeing those warning signs everywhere! Going into restaurents coming out of grocery stores its really starting to scare the crap out of me! I even saw it on this really cute purse I wanted to buy when I was shopping.

Nov 3, 2011

Drea L.

I believe this warning sign is on every bottle - the polish contains Tolune. Inhalation, absorption through skin and ingestion can cause birth defects, reproductive problems and kidney and liver problems.

Nov 3, 2011

Diana A.

well thats stupid, it just scares me because I already have a son and plan on having another sometime in the future and I dont want to harm my future child, I hope its not true.

Nov 3, 2011

Erica H.

I don't think anything will end up happening, but then again is it really worth the risk over a nail polish?

Nov 3, 2011

Diana A.

thats extacly what im saying, i can not but is it worth the risk...
ugh im just so tempted because everyone says its the best

Nov 3, 2011

Nancy-Lee C.

Personally, I think the signage is more of a scare tactic than an actually informative piece of paper.  

Nov 3, 2011

Diana A.

and is it really worth it?? like is it the best top coat? or have you tried a better one?

Nov 3, 2011

Jen C.

I freaked too when I saw the same sign. I talked to my boyfriend's mother who is a nail tech. She laughed. She's pretty health conscious and knows her stuff, and said I shouldn't worry unless I'm pregnant. Needless to say I've moved on from my Seche to Poshe.

Nov 3, 2011

Diana A.

haa yeah thats the thing "unless your pregnant"
what if you are but dont know it lol
ahh i think i'd rather not risk the health of my family and keep looking for a really good top coat :)

Nov 3, 2011

Kallie Nicole G.

I took the risk. I've been using Seche Vite for a few years. I consider it an HG top coat.

However, I am also concerned about the toulene being a known carcinogenic. The smell is rather pungent as well. I always have to properly ventilate when I use it. Until I find something as great as Seche, I will definitely stop using.

Until then, I'm a Seche-holic.

Nov 3, 2011

Diana A.

lol yeah a lot of people consider it their HG but im also seeing some great reviews on Poshe like Jen said

Nov 3, 2011

Shelly T.

Here's the full ingredient list, which I got off a beauty blog (Seche doesn't list ingredients on their website -- something I wish ALL cosmetics/beauty product manufacturers and companies would do... it's 2011-going-on-2012, ffs!)

http://claresauntie.typepad.com/beauty_school/2010/02/on-seche-vite.html

Butyl Acetate, Toluene, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Benzophenone-1.

And here's the page on Toluene from cosmeticsinfo.org
http://cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient_details.php?ingredient_id=285

On the bottom of that page, it says: "The name Toluene was derived from the older name toluol that refers to tolu balsam, an aromatic extract from the tropical American tree Myroxylon balsamum, from which it was first isolated."

On the second page of the Cosmetics Info entry, it says this: "Although Toluene is a potential skin irritant, no skin irritation or sentization has been observed in cosmetic products containing up to 33% Toluene. However, the sole cosmetic use of Toluene is in products intended to be applied directly to the nail. Therefore, human skin exposure to this ingredient will be minimal under conditions of cosmetic use. THe CIR Expert Panel noted that benzene, a carcinogen may be a possible impurity in Toluene, and they indicated that products formulated with Toluene should be benzene-free. Based on the safety data and the limited skin exposure from nail products containing Toluene, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that Tolene was safe as used."

Seche Vite is benzene-free. (The last ingredient in SV is not a derivative of benzene at all.)

I've never used Seche Vite. In fact, I don't use top coats at all for whatever reason. (!) That said, I think it comes down to personal preference and whether or not it works well for you. For some of you, it may be an excellent option; for others, you may want something different.

Nov 4, 2011

Diana A.

Thank for all the info!! I think Im going to stick to staying away 

Jun 19, 2014

Lucy M.

This is exactly the reason why I use organic and natural cosmetics. Try Jacava London, they're fantastic colours and 8-free. The top coat is made of argan oil and jojoba oil and it is AMAZING!!