Nail polish is one of those taboo beauty products in the green beauty industry. The fact is, you can’t find a perfectly “non toxic” nail polish. It just isn’t possible. Nail polish is paint and needs to have some type of adhesive to stick to the nail. That being said, you can find options that are much healthier. There are brands that omit some of the worst offenders as it pertains to toxic nail polish ingredients. These are the ingredients you should avoid at all costs (I’ll get into what they are as you scroll down). Thankfully there have been many brands that have figured out how to create more natural versions of nail polish for the toxin conscious consumer. However, not many have been able to create a longer lasting GEL nail polish alternative. I hadn’t found one until I stumbled upon Manucurist Paris.
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* Information in this post is not professional medical advice and should not be relied on or used in place of consultation with healthcare professionals. Should you have any medical questions, please consult your primary healthcare provider. **
A Natural Gel Nail Polish Alternative
Manucurist creates longer lasting gel nail polish that is much less toxic than conventional options. It is the perfect longer wearing polish that won’t compromise your health as you wear it. I love it so much and therefor have to share it to all THV readers. Keep scrolling to dig into my experience and full review. You will also find an exclusive Manucurist discount code at the bottom of this article, for those who want salon worthy nails without the toxins.
The truth when it comes to nail polish is that there is no such thing as a 100% natural nail polish. Nail polish is paint and to have something adhere and remain on your nails, you need certain ingredients. However, conventional nail polish companies use some of the worst offending ingredients available and avoiding those in particular is so important. You can still enjoy nail polish but use brands that opt for safer ingredients that will preserve the health of your nail beds underneath AND your overall health.
What are the ingredients we should be avoiding? Let’s have a look at some of the worst offenders:
Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Nail Polish
Tolulene
Toluene is an ingredients commonly found in conventional nail polishes. It is a petrochemical and neurotoxicant that is commonly found in glues, varnishes, gasoline and nail polishes. This compound has been known to cause nausea, dizziness, as well as irritation of the eyes, skin and lungs. If inhaled during pregnancy, it has been known to cause birth defects and developmental issues.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas and a toxic preservative. It’s famously known as the agent used to embalm dead bodies. For the living, it poses serious health risks. It is a documented carcinogen and has been banned from certain formulations in many countries including Canada. However, in the U.S. there has been no restrictions placed on it’s use from the FDA. This means that you still need to check your ingredient labels to ensure it isn’t included in your personal care or beauty products.
Dibutyl Phthalate
this ingredients is a plasticizer used to improve nail polish durability. This ensures longer wearing time but it comes with a trade off. Dibutyl Phthalate is an endocrine disruptor which means it affects hormones. Studies have shown a link to exposure from DBP and fertility issues as well as birth defects in animals. A few studies were run on human subjects with similar results. Many places classify it as a reproductive toxicant but fail to ban it. This means it can still show up in your products and is common in conventional nail polishes.
Synthetic Camphor
Camphor in its purest form comes from the wood of the camphor tree. However, synthetic camphor which is commonly used in conventional nail polish, is incredibly toxic. Exposure to camphor can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches. nausea and disorientation.
Xylene
Xylene is a BTEX compound found in paint thinners, petroleum products and nail polish. Small exposures can cause headaches and dizziness. Long term exposures can lead to respiratory, kidney and gastrointestinal toxicity.
Formaldehyde Resin
Formaldehyde Resin is a synthetic by product from combining urea and formaldehyde. While there is no conclusive evidence that Formaldehyde Resin is carcinogenic like Formaldehyde itself, it has its own issues. It has been linked to immune system toxicity and skin irritations.
Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHT)
Triphenyl Phosphate is used to support flexibility in a nail polish. It’s also strong enough to be used as a flame retardant for furniture. TPHT is known as an endocrine disruptor. It created reproductive and developmental issues in animal studies. A study by Duke found the presence of TPHT in the bodies of those who just recently painted their nails at incredibly high levels.
Gel Nail Polish vs. Regular Nail Polish
First, we should understand what the differences are between gel nail polish and regular nail polish. When comparing the two, these are the differences you can find between them:
- Durability: Gel nail polish lasts longer without chipping (up to 2-3 weeks), while regular nail polish lasts anywhere from 3-7 days maximum.
- Application: Gel nail polish is applies and sets with an LED lamp. Regular nail polish is applied and you must wait to air dry.
- Removal: Regular nail polish removes with a nail polish solution. Gel nail polish typically requires a special solution or acetone. (I will get into what makes Manucurist easier below, their gel removal process is the easiest I’ve seen and makes it more desirable and convenient than conventional gel nail polishes.)
- Finish: Gel nail polish has a high gloss finish that is resistant to fading. Regular nail polish can fade and dry down less glossy than gel.
Overall, gel is a longer lasting, more durable formula that provides a high gloss finish that is resistant to fading. It will last 2-3x longer than your typical nail polish. I have been waiting for an alternative to toxic gel nail polish for a very long time!
Manucurist Green Flash Gel Polish Review
You will see different low-toxin nail companies advertising their products using terms such as “5-free” or “10-free”. This simply means that they have omitted a certain number of common toxic ingredients in their formulations. This is great to see and there have been many different nail companies stepping up to the plate creating fantastic formulas that are safer for us to use. However, it is very rare to see a company try to formulate a low-toxin gel nail polish. I had never seen it done until I discovered Manucurist Paris. This product is one of the most exciting finds I have experienced in a very long time. For all of the reasons listed above, I love gel nail polish over regular nail polish. It is more convenient, longer lasting, and just looks better.
Safe Natural Gel Formula
Manucurists Green Flash is the FIRST patented gel polish that actually fortified nails under color. They contribute to nail health and growth. Their formulas are 12-free and up to 84% plant based. The polish lasts for up to 12 days which is an incredible feat for a low-toxin gel nail polish. Most other low-toxin brands chip quite easily. Thanks to their formula and the use of the Green Flash LED lamp, the polish hardens and remains protective over your nails for almost 2 weeks. I am amazed at how durable the formula is and am much happier not having to repaint chips and cracks. My nails also grew longer while wearing this as it acted like a shield for cracking.
The best part is that it removes with an acetone-free solution in 1 minute! Most gel polishes require a special acetone heavy solution and take some time to soak off. Manucurist has created the first gel polish that removes this quickly and easily. Their gel polish removal solution is a much safer alterative to acetone polish removers. It is much more gentle on your nails themselves.
So, once my Green Flash Starter Kit arrived, I couldn’t wait to dig in. The Most Basic Starter Kit called their Discovery Kit includes:
- Green Flash Base Coat
- Green Flash Top Coat
- 1 Shade of Green Flash Gel Nail Polish
- Green Flash Polish Remover Solution
- Removal Clips
- Foldable 36 Watt LED Lamp
They also have a Starter Kit that comes with everything above, but 3 colors and an adorable bag to keep your gel nail polish kit contained. Their Super Starter Kit which comes with 5 colors and a bag. You can add on more colors to your order as they also sell single shades of their Green Flash Gel Nail Polish shades.
Manucurist Green Flash Shade Range
Another incrcedible benefit of using Manucurist Gel Nail Polish is the shade range. Not all gel polishes have this extensive of a shade range. Manucurist has over 90 different colors of their Green Flash Gel Nail Polish. It includes colors from every color family and sparkly options too! There are so many adorable colors to choose from. My personal favorites are: Milky White and Moon. These two layered over each other are perfection year round!
Here are swatches of the different shades you can choose from:
Manucurist Discount Code
Manucurist has kindly offered and exclusive Manucurist discount code for all THV readers. Here is where to shop and the right code to use whether you’re in the US and Canada, or the UK and European market.
US + Canada Online Store HERE. Discount code applies automatically through the link.
UK + European Online Store HERE. Use Manucurist Discount Code: HOLISTICVANITY
Shop Manucurist
Manucurist Discount Code: HOLISTICVANITY
The links below are US/Canada based, if from the UK or Europe, click the link above to shop
Manucurist Super Starter Kit
Manucurist Starter Kit
Manucurist Discovery Kit
Manucurist Green Flash LED Gel Polish
Manucurist Green Flash Base Coat
Manucurist Green Flash Top Coat
Manucurist Green Flash Polish Remover
Manucurist Green Flash Premium 36W LED Lamp
Manucurist Green Flash Base Top Remover Trio
Manucurist Green Flash Remover + Clips Duo
Manucurist Green Flash Polish Thinner
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