Statement Pink Gellac
Statement Regarding the Kassa Broadcast on January 25, 2025
Pink Gellac takes the safety of its customers extremely seriously. All Pink Gellac products are safe and comply with the strictest EU laws and regulations.
We regret the incompleteness and lack of factual substantiation in the Kassa broadcast on January 25 regarding acrylates in gel polish.
The broadcast suggests that the acrylates used in Pink Gellac's HEMA-free formula pose the same potential allergy risk as gel polish containing HEMA acrylates.
Naturally, we requested concrete evidence from Kassa prior to the broadcast regarding the allegations they intended to make. However, even in the documentation provided by Kassa at the last moment, there is absolutely no evidence to support these allegations.
However, scientific sources—unmentioned in the broadcast—indicate that Pink Gellac's HEMA-free formula indeed carries a significantly lower risk of developing an allergy, even with repeated unintended skin contact.
The determining factor for the risk of developing an allergy lies in the molecular structure of the acrylate. Specifically, this involves the molecule's size, reactivity, and skin penetration properties.
The acrylates used by Pink Gellac are much larger than the frequently discussed HEMA acrylate and, due to their molecular structure, are far less likely to penetrate the skin. Additionally, the overall reactivity of the molecule is lower. This is confirmed, among other sources, by the publicly available database of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
The acrylates used by Pink Gellac are therefore much safer in all three aspects. The likelihood of developing an allergy after frequent skin contact is indeed significantly lower when using Pink Gellac's HEMA-free gel polish compared to gel polish containing HEMA acrylate.
In the broadcast, the acrylate Isobornyl Methacrylate is also discussed. The reason for this is reports of allergies among diabetes patients, as Isobornyl Methacrylate is used as an adhesive on patches to secure an insulin pump or glucose meter. This is the source of allergy development. The exposure in this context is in no way comparable to the use of gel nail polish.
For instance, an insulin patch or glucose meter remains continuously in contact with the skin, which is entirely different from the brief exposure of a few seconds if a small amount of gel nail polish accidentally comes into contact with the skin. Moreover, in the research cited, the skin around the glucose meter or insulin pump was often already damaged. This increases the risk of the adhesive penetrating the skin and potentially causing an allergy, which is in no way comparable to the risks associated with using gel nail polish.
There is, therefore, no evidence to support the idea that this substance, in the context of gel nail polish use, currently leads to allergies.
We understand that this may be confusing and may cause concern among users. We notice that some consumers are questioning whether it is safe to use gel polish. This is unnecessary as long as you purchase the right products and use them correctly. We’ve summarized the most important points for you:
- Only purchase products that comply with European laws and regulations. European cosmetic legislation is the strictest in the world and guarantees safe products. Check the product label and website for a European address.
- Always choose a HEMA-free formula as a consumer
- Do not buy products from questionable websites that ship products directly from Asia. These manufacturers may not comply with EU regulations, including those regarding the use of HEMA acrylates.
- Always choose a reputable and reliable manufacturer that uses safe ingredients, is transparent about them, provides clear instructions, and is reachable for questions.
- Read and carefully follow the instructions for use.
- Avoid skin contact, clean the skin immediately if there is any spillage, and use the LED-lamp recommended with the product.
As a market leader, Pink Gellac feels responsible for maintaining the highest standards regarding our products and for informing our customers about proper usage. Unfortunately, we see that not all brands uphold the same standard. Therefore, we are in discussions with the Dutch Cosmetics Association to ensure that usage instructions across the industry are more uniform and complete. This will help prevent misunderstandings about the use of gel polish and ensure safe product use together.
You can find the frequently asked question here.