Ingredient
Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin
Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin is flagged for pregnancy, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, PCOS, postpartum and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is fetal development and endocrine disruptor.
- Tosylamide Formaldehyde Resin
- Toluene Sulfonamide Epoxy Resin
- TS Epoxy Resin
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Fetal development
- Endocrine disruptor
- Known teratogen
Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin is a synthetic polymer compound used primarily in nail polish and nail treatments as a film-forming agent. It is derived from toluene sulfonamide, which is part of a chemical family that has raised reproductive health concerns. This ingredient should be avoided during pregnancy due to multiple concerns. The European Union banned tosylamide/formaldehyde resin from cosmetics in 2009 specifically due to concerns about formaldehyde release and potential reproductive effects. Animal studies have shown that toluene-based compounds and sulfonamides can interfere with fetal development. The ingredient may also release formaldehyde, which is a known teratogen at high exposures. California has listed tosylamide/formaldehyde resin under Proposition 65 for reproductive toxicity. While the exposure from nail polish is lower than from industrial sources, the precautionary principle applies during pregnancy when the fetus is developing. ACOG and dermatologists recommend avoiding nail products containing tosylamide resins during pregnancy. Many nail polish brands have reformulated their products to remove this ingredient, making it easier to find safer alternatives. When purchasing nail products, look for labels that specifically state they are free from tosylamide/formaldehyde resin or follow the EU Cosmetics Regulation standards.
Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Infant exposure
- Endocrine disruptor
Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin is a film-forming polymer found in some nail products. It is derived from toluene sulfonamide compounds, which have raised concerns about endocrine disruption and potential systemic effects. While specific data on transfer to breast milk is limited, this ingredient is best avoided during breastfeeding due to its potential for endocrine disruption and the theoretical risk of infant exposure through skin contact or inhalation of vapors during application. The ingredient's ban in the EU cosmetics market and its inclusion on California's Proposition 65 list for reproductive concerns suggest that minimizing exposure during sensitive periods like breastfeeding is prudent. Additionally, the potential for formaldehyde release from tosylamide resins adds another layer of concern for infant exposure. Most dermatologists and lactation experts recommend avoiding nail products containing tosylamide resins during breastfeeding. Many modern nail polish formulations have eliminated this ingredient, making it easier to find safer alternatives. Look for nail products specifically formulated without tosylamide/formaldehyde resin or those meeting EU standards.
Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
- Irritant
- Endocrine disruptor
Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin is a synthetic polymer used in nail products. While the acute risks to postpartum women not breastfeeding are lower than during pregnancy or lactation, concerns remain about this ingredient's endocrine disrupting potential and allergenic properties. For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the main concerns are potential endocrine disruption and allergic sensitization. The ingredient's ban in the EU and voluntary removal from many products in the US suggests that safer alternatives are readily available and preferable. Given that postpartum is a time of hormonal adjustment, minimizing exposure to potential endocrine disruptors is advisable even when not breastfeeding. Additionally, many women are trying to conceive again during the postpartum period, making avoidance prudent.
Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Fertility effects
- Endocrine disruptor
- Hormone disruptor
Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin is a synthetic polymer used in nail products. It is derived from toluene sulfonamide, a compound that has been associated with endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity concerns in animal studies. Women trying to conceive should avoid this ingredient due to concerns about its potential effects on reproductive health. California has listed tosylamide/formaldehyde resin under Proposition 65 for reproductive toxicity, and the EU banned it from cosmetics in 2009. Animal studies have suggested that toluene-based compounds may interfere with reproductive hormones and fertility. While exposure from nail polish is relatively minimal, it is advisable to minimize exposure to potential reproductive toxicants during the preconception period. The ingredient should be discontinued in preparation for pregnancy, and avoiding it while actively trying to conceive is the most conservative approach.
Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin and PCOS
Not Recommended
- Endocrine disruptor
- Interferes with hormones
Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin is a synthetic polymer used primarily in nail products. The ingredient is derived from toluene sulfonamide compounds, which have raised concerns about potential endocrine disrupting properties. For women with PCOS, this ingredient is concerning due to its potential for endocrine disruption. PCOS is fundamentally a hormonal disorder involving insulin resistance and androgen excess, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may worsen hormonal imbalance. While specific studies on tosylamide resins and PCOS are lacking, the general recommendation to minimize endocrine disruptor exposure applies, particularly for women with existing hormonal conditions. The EU's decision to ban this ingredient and California's listing under Proposition 65 for reproductive toxicity support a cautious approach. Women with PCOS are advised to avoid nail products containing tosylamide/epoxy resins and choose formulations that are free from this ingredient. Many modern nail polish brands now offer cleaner formulations without potentially hormone-disrupting ingredients. Look for products labeled as free from tosylamide/formaldehyde resin or those meeting EU cosmetics standards.
Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin and general use
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
- Irritant
- Endocrine disruptor
Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin is a synthetic polymer historically used in nail polish and nail treatments as a film-forming agent to improve adhesion, gloss, and durability. It is formed from toluene sulfonamide and epoxy compounds and belongs to a class of ingredients that has faced increasing scrutiny. This ingredient has raised multiple safety concerns. The European Union banned tosylamide/formaldehyde resin from cosmetics in 2009 under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 due to concerns about formaldehyde release and potential reproductive effects. Studies suggest that tosylamide resins may release formaldehyde over time, particularly in the presence of moisture. Toluene-based compounds have also been associated with endocrine disruption in animal studies. The ingredient can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals, and prolonged exposure may lead to sensitization. California lists tosylamide/formaldehyde resin under Proposition 65 for reproductive toxicity. In response to these concerns, many cosmetic companies have voluntarily removed tosylamide resins from their products, even in markets where they remain legal. Safer alternatives like polyurethane resins and acrylates copolymers provide similar film-forming properties without the associated risks. Consumers can look for nail polishes labeled as free from tosylamide/formaldehyde resin or those meeting EU cosmetic standards, which prohibit this ingredient. Those with a history of formaldehyde sensitivity should be particularly careful to avoid products containing this ingredient.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
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Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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