I love the look of a fresh manicure and pedicure but I am not a fan of all the toxins lurking in those little bottles. I am slowly purging my nail polish supply of any colours that are not free of the “Big 3” toxins and purchasing from only those companies that make it a priority to offer formulas that are not only “3 free” but also wear well.

What are the “Big 3”?

These are 3 of the chemicals that many nail polish formulas contain: Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formadehyde and Toluene.

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) – This is a plasticiser that is added to polish formulas to prevent chips and cracking. DBP is a reproductive and developmental toxin that has been linked to feminizing effects in infant boys and an increased risk of birth defects and should, at the very least, be avoided in pregnancy

Formaldehyde – This is used as a nail hardener but it is also a known human carcinogen (meaning exposure to it can cause cancer).

Toluene – This acts as a solvent to help suspend the colour evenly and to make the polish apply smoothly.  Unfortunately, toluene affects the central nervous system leading to headaches, dizziness, depression and fatigue. It is also a potential reproductive and developmental toxin.

What brands are “3 free”?

• OPI
• Orly
• Essie
• Zoya
• Most Sally Hansen products
• Butter London
• Cheeky Monkey

Since learning that dairy products and I are not on the best of terms, though I still indulge on occasion, I have been a die-hard fan of Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla almond milk. I have even managed to convert my boyfriend over to using almond milk on his cereal, though he definitely prefers the sweetened variety.

Recently, I noticed that Silk had come out with almond milk called Silk True Almond and was curious to give their unsweetened version a try. I was skeptical since I have tried other non-dairy milk products and always returned to the Almond Breeze but was pleasantly surprised by True Almond. It is thicker than the Almond Breeze and has a more “milk-like” consistency. It also steams slightly better on my espresso machine than the Almond Breeze does, though neither produces thick dense foam.

Comparing the nutritional information:

I think the Silk True Almond will become my new go-to milk substitute. While I doubt I will be ever be the type of person to drink a cup of “milk” on its own, Tue Almond is fantastic on cereal, used as a replacement for cow’s milk in cooking and baking, and holds its own in my morning coffee.