💡 Unigel’s Lab Time
30 May 2023
Gel polish has become a popular choice for those who want a long-lasting, glossy manicure that lasts for weeks without chipping or peeling. However, many gel polish formulations contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed into the body through the nails and skin, potentially causing health problems. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to choose non-toxic gel polish that is free of harmful chemicals, ensuring that your nails stay healthy and strong.
1. Look for “3-Free” or “5-Free” Labeling:
When shopping for gel polish, look for brands that are labeled as “3-free” or “5-free” . “3-free” means that the polish is free of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, while “5-free” means that the polish is free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, and formaldehyde resin. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and other health issues, so it’s important to avoid them in your nail products.
💀 Please avoid the harmful chemicals below:
3-free:
- Formaldehyde:
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a pungent odor that has been classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Exposure to formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and has also been linked to an increased risk of leukemia and other cancers.
- Toluene:
Toluene is a solvent that is used in many nail polish and gel polish formulations.
Exposure to toluene can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea, and can also cause damage to the central nervous system. Long-term exposure to toluene has been linked to developmental and reproductive problems.
- Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP):
DBP is plasticizer that is used in many nail polish and gel polish formulations to make them more flexible and less brittle.
Exposure to DBP has been linked to hormonal disruptions and developmental problems in fetuses and young children.
5-free: “3-free”+ 2
- Camphor:
Camphor is an ingredient that is used in some nail polish and gel polish formulations to give them a glossy finish.
Exposure to camphor can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, and can also cause neurological symptoms such as confusion and seizures.
- Formaldehyde resin:
Formaldehyde resin is a derivative of formaldehyde that is used in some nail polish and gel polish formulations to make them more durable and resistant to chipping.
Like formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, and has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer with prolonged and repeated exposure.
10-free: “5-free” + 5
- Xylene:
Xylene acts as a solvent in gel polish, helping to dissolve other ingredients and create a smooth and even texture.
Xylene exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Long-term exposure has been linked to respiratory and neurological problems.
- Ethyl Tosylamide:
Ethyl Tosylamide acts as a plasticizer in gel polish, helping to create a flexible and durable finish.
Ethyl tosylamide exposure has been linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP):
TPHP acts as a plasticizer in gel polish, helping to create a flexible and durable finish.
TPHP exposure has been linked to reproductive and developmental toxicity, and to endocrine disruption.
- Parabens:
Parabens acts as preservatives in gel polish, helping to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Parabens exposure has been linked to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and potential endocrine disruption.
- Acetone:
Acetone acts as a solvent in gel polish, helping to dissolve other ingredients and create a smooth and even texture.
Acetone exposure can cause skin irritation, dryness, and potential respiratory problems in high levels.
2. Read the Ingredients List:
Even if a gel polish is labeled as “3-free” or “5-free,” it’s still a good idea to read the ingredients list to ensure that there are no other harmful chemicals present. Look for ingredients such as butyl acetate or ethyl acetate, which are solvents that are less toxic than other solvents and are often used in non-toxic nail polish formulations. Acetyl tributyl citrate is a plasticizer derived from citric acid that is often used in non-toxic nail polish formulations, while triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) is a plasticizer that is sometimes used as a non-toxic alternative to DBP.
💚 Some non-toxic and safe ingredients that may be present:
- Butyl Acetate:
Butyl Acetate is a solvent that is often used in non-toxic nail polish formulations. It is less toxic than some other solvents and has a low odor.
Butyl acetate is also used as a flavoring agent in food and as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics.
- Ethyl Acetate:
Ethyl Acetate is another solvent that is often used in non-toxic nail polish formulations. It is less toxic than some other solvents and has a fruity odor.
Ethyl acetate is also used in the production of adhesives, coatings, and pharmaceuticals.
- Acetyl Tributyl Citrate:
Acetyl Tributyl Citrate is a plasticizer derived from citric acid that is often used in non-toxic nail polish formulations. It is a clear, oily liquid that helps to make nail polish more flexible and less brittle.
Acetyl tributyl citrate is also used in the production of food packaging, toys, and medical devices.
3. Do a Patch Test:
Before applying any new gel polish, it’s a good idea to do a patch test to ensure that you do not have an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients. Apply a small amount of the polish to a small area of skin on your arm or leg and wait 24 to 48 hours to see if any redness, itching, or swelling occurs. If you experience any adverse reactions, do not use the product.
4. Choose Non-Toxic Brands:
Some gel polish brands are known for their non-toxic formulations, such as Unigel. These brands offer a wide range of colors and finishes, ensuring that you can find the perfect shade for your style. It’s important to note that while some gel polish brands may claim to be non-toxic, it’s always a good idea to read the label carefully to ensure that the product does not contain any harmful ingredients that could cause an adverse reaction.
❤️ Click to view the non-toxic formula of Unigel Gel Polish
