Safe Usage of Gel Polish
Safe Use of Gel Polish
Gel nail polish offers long-lasting shine and strength, keeping your nails looking beautiful and well-groomed for weeks. However, its application requires careful handling. There is a slight risk that certain ingredients in the nail polish may cause irritation, such as redness, itching, or, in rare cases, allergic reactions. Proper use of the UV lamp is also important. We strongly recommend reading the instructions carefully. Below, we provide additional information about substances called acrylates, which are commonly found in gel nail polish.
Acrylates help the nail polish harden and adhere to the nail. It is known that frequent skin contact with acrylates can cause irritation or, in very rare cases, an allergy. Most cases of allergic reactions are related to a specific type of acrylate called HEMA acrylate. The Pink Gellac range available to consumers on our website and in our stores is 100% free of HEMA acrylates. Instead, our products are formulated with safer alternative acrylates. However, even these acrylates can, in exceptional cases, cause irritation or an allergic reaction if gel nail polish repeatedly comes into contact with the skin or cuticles. This is why it is essential to use gel nail polish safely and responsibly.
At Pink Gellac, we take the safety of our products seriously. All our products comply with European laws and regulations. These regulations are also monitored by government authorities, including the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), which conducts inspections. Additionally, an expert advises us on the safe formulation of our products.
For all our products, it is important to follow the usage instructions. We recommend avoiding contact between the gel polish and the skin, promptly removing any polish that does come into contact with the skin, and using a lamp from the same brand as the gel polish for optimal curing. If you suspect or have developed an allergy to acrylates—though allergies can have many other causes besides gel nail polish—it is important to identify the specific allergen. This will help you make informed choices when selecting cosmetics and other products. You may also consider having this information added to your medical record so that healthcare specialists can take it into account. For this, please contact your general practitioner.
Risks of Using Products Outside EU Regulations
The limits set by European laws and regulations are designed to prevent the development of allergies. Unfortunately, many products on the Dutch market do not meet the EU’s safety standards for gel nail polish. These products often contain HEMA acrylates, sometimes in concentrations far exceeding the legal limits allowed in the EU. As a result, the risk of developing an allergy is significantly higher with such products. It is also important to note that individuals who have already developed an allergy may still experience reactions when coming into contact with gel nail polish containing a lower concentration of HEMA or a different type of acrylate.
Advice for Visitors to Nail Salons
For those getting their gel nails done at a nail salon, we recommend asking which products are being used and verifying that they comply with European laws and regulations. You can check this yourself by looking for an address on the product that indicates a European manufacturer.
If you choose a salon that uses Pink Gellac, you can be confident that the acrylates used meet the strict EU regulatory standards. Additionally, our salons offer a HEMA-Free treatment from our HEMA-Free range, ensuring a safer option for those with sensitivities.
For more information, you can consult our frequently asked questions about safe use or visit the government website for advice on the safe use of gel nail polish and the importance of choosing products that are suitable for consumers.