Nail CARE: The Big-Three-Free Nail Lacquer and Scottsdale Salon Polish for the Cure

Toluene. Formaldehyde. Dibutyl phthalate. Pretty big words to throw around on a sunny Thursday morning before my first cup of coffee. But if you're a health head, you're likely familiar with them. These are the "big three" controversial chemicals found in standard nail polish formulas that have been strongly linked to cancer and health defects in humans. Of the handful of manufacturers dedicated to toxic-free products, SpaRitual has been a pioneer in creating richly hued, long-wearing nail lacquers free of the big three and relying instead on vegan ingredients and natural dyes. Another company on the non-toxic forefront is Nubar and here's a great excuse to give this line a try: For every bottle of Oh Baby Pink nail lacquer purchased, Nubar will donate 10 percent to the City of Hope breast cancer research and treatment center. The sassy new pink polish is $6.99 per bottle. They also offer a Support the Cure four-pack with two pretty pink shades, a base coat, and a Diamont Seal & Shine for $28 with a portion going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Cancer Treatment Research Foundation and the City of Hope. Buy Nubar products or find out more about them at www.bynubar.com.

On the local front, an intimate eco-chic salon tucked in a Scottsdale beauty mall is offering a way for you to support breast cancer research and awareness. Through October, Organicures Nail Spa will donate $5 from every service to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a leader in the global breast cancer movement. They are also offering free manicures to breast cancer patients and survivors. Organicures is fastidiously dedicated to offering healthy, safe manicures and pedicures and uses only toxic-free nail polishes. Read more about Organicures. Read more about safe nail services. Photo: Oh Baby Pink from Nubar is free of toluene, formaldehyde and DBP and retails for $6.99 with a portion of proceeds going to the City of Hope.