Nail biting is a common habit that many people struggle to quit. Bite it nail polish offers an innovative solution by creating an unpleasant taste when you go to bite your nails. But is it safe? What are the potential side effects?<\/p>\n
This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about bite it nail polish.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Bite it nail polish is generally safe when used as directed<\/b>. Potential side effects are mild and may include skin irritation, nail discoloration, chipped polish, and an unpleasant taste. Use a small amount and avoid the skin around nails.<\/p>\nWhat is Bite It Nail Polish and How Does It Work?<\/h2>\n
Bite It is a clear nail polish designed to help people stop biting their nails and cuticles. It contains denatonium benzoate, an extremely bitter additive that creates an unpleasant taste when nails coated in Bite It polish are put in the mouth (1).<\/p>\n
This nasty taste serves as a deterrent, training nail biters to avoid putting their fingers in their mouths.<\/p>\n
Bite It is applied to clean, dry nails just like regular nail polish. It dries quickly to create a tasteless, invisible barrier on nails. When nail biters go to bite their nails, the bitter taste signals to their brains to stop biting. With repeated use, the polish helps break the nail biting habit.<\/p>\n
Some users report noticing improvements in as little as a week of consistent use (2).<\/p>\n
The key to Bite It’s effectiveness is consistency<\/b>. It works best when applied daily as part of a concerted effort to end nail biting. Using it alongside other strategies like keeping nails trimmed short or getting regular manicures improves success rates (3).<\/p>\n
Over time, users find they bite less often or stop completely.<\/p>\n
Denatonium benzoate is the primary active ingredient in Bite It nail polish. It is an extremely bitter chemical compound added to the nail polish to help deter people from biting their nails (1). Denatonium benzoate is often described as one of the most bitter substances known to humans (2).<\/p>\n
Even in incredibly small amounts, it causes an intense bitter and unpleasant taste that can last for hours. Most human taste buds can detect denatonium benzoate at concentrations as low as 50 parts per million (ppm) (3).<\/p>\n
When added to nail polish formulas like Bite It, the usual concentration of denatonium benzoate is 2-5% or 20,000 to 50,000 ppm. This ensures that even a small bite of the nail polish will result in an overwhelming bitter taste that deters further biting.<\/p>\n
The bitter taste usually lasts for 30-60 minutes after exposure (4).<\/p>\n
Some key facts about denatonium benzoate in Bite It nail polish:<\/p>\n
Tromethamine, also known as Tris or THAM, is a buffering agent added to Bite It nail polish (5). It helps maintain the proper pH balance of the nail polish formula. Nail polish requires a slightly acidic pH between 5-7 to stay stable and apply smoothly.<\/p>\n
Tromethamine keeps the pH of Bite It nail polish in the ideal range by neutralizing small amounts of acids that may form over time. This prevents the polish from becoming too acidic. Maintaining the proper pH helps the polish go on evenly and smoothly without affecting the color or consistency.<\/p>\n
Some key facts about tromethamine in Bite It nail polish:<\/p>\n
While tromethamine is not directly responsible for deterring nail biting, it plays an important role in maintaining the shelf life, application, and performance of Bite It nail polish. The buffering action helps the polish glide on smoothly and evenly deliver the bitter denatonium benzoate to the nail surface.<\/p>\n
Together, denatonium benzoate and tromethamine work synergistically to create an effective nail biting deterrent polish with a smooth texture and lasting bitter taste.<\/p>\n
Bite it nail polish contains denatonium benzoate, an extremely bitter additive designed to deter nail biting. Unfortunately, some people may experience skin irritation from exposure to this chemical.<\/p>\n
Possible skin reactions include redness, swelling, itching, stinging or burning. Those with sensitive skin are most prone, but anyone can develop a reaction. If irritation occurs, immediately remove the polish and avoid future use.<\/p>\n
Certain types and shades of bite it nail polish can temporarily stain or discolor natural nails, especially with repeated use. Darker colors like black, blue and purple are most problematic.<\/p>\n
However, properly removing nail polish with non-acetone remover before reapplication helps prevent lasting stains. Buffing the nails gently after removal also helps restore original color.<\/p>\n
As with regular nail polish, bite it formulas can chip or peel off nails. However, because the purpose is to stop nail biting, chipping may happen faster.<\/p>\n
Using a standard base coat underneath helps bite it polish adhere better to nails. Getting occasional touch-ups rather than letting it chip entirely off also reduces chances of nails breaking.<\/p>\n
The extremely bitter taste of bite it polish is wholly unpleasant and shocking to the taste buds. For those sensitive to bitter flavors, it can be difficult to tolerate.<\/p>\n
Swallowing any nail polish can cause stomach upset. With bite it formulas, nausea and vomiting may occur from even tiny amounts due to the bitterness. Keep the polish away from small children and pets.<\/p>\n
Pregnant women should use caution with Bite It nail polish or consider avoiding it altogether. Many nail polishes contain chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde, and phthalates that can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to developmental and reproductive harm with exposure during pregnancy.<\/p>\n