Wondering what 10-Free Gel Nail Polish actually means? Want to understand how it benefits you, and if it really matters in your manicure? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.
What does it mean to be '10-Free' and why should it matter to you?
Gelous' 10-Free Gel Nail Polish offers you a healthier and safer alternative compared to old-school, traditional nail polish brands. In brief, this cleaner, non-toxic option provides a better experience for both your nails and overall wellbeing. It’s a win-win for you, and to us, it’s a non-negotiable.
Here at Gelous, we’ve meticulously created a Gel Nail Polish that cuts ties with these harmful chemicals used in traditional nail polish formulations. These harmful substances can be absorbed into the skin, and have the capacity to cause awfully unpleasant side effects. Even when the quantity is low, we believe it's better to avoid these nasties completely - and with our Gel Nail Polish, you're easily able to.
Why should it matter to you? Well, your wellbeing matters over and above all. By choosing our 10-Free Gel Nail Polish, you can enjoy a worry-free manicure or pedicure without making yourself vulnerable to unnecessary risks. At Gelous, we believe in offering you a healthier alternative without sacrificing quality, so you can feel confident and radiant, inside and out.
Below is a list of the 10 ingredients we DO NOT use in our Gel Nail Polish, together with their common uses and side effects. The exclusion of the following 10 nasty chemicals from our ingredient list is of the highest importance to us and we’re confident you’ll see why it’s important for you too.
What chemicals aren't found in 10-Free Gel Nail Polish?
Our Gel Nail Polish is free from the three toxins known as the 'toxic trio'
Formaldehyde: A strong-smelling, colourless gas used as a preservative. This chemical can cause skin irritation, nausea and allergic reactions such as dermatitis, potentially leading to an itchy, red rash and blisters. Even more concerning, Formaldehyde is also linked to causing some cancers.
Dibutyl Phthalate: Commonly used as a solvent and plasticiser to provide a shiny finish. However, it’s effects aren't so ‘shiny’, possibly causing skin, eye, nose and throat irritation, along with headaches, dizziness, nausea and seizures in some cases. More seriously, there has also been evidence to suggest that it is associated with liver and kidney damage.
Toluene: A compound found in petroleum and the tolu-tree, working as a solvent to help form a smooth finish. Prolonged use of Toulene can dry out the skin, causing it to crack and peel. Additionally, inhalation can result in headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, respiratory depression and even hallucinations.
Gelous Gel Nail Polish is also free from:
Formaldehyde Resin: A polymer commonly used in many nail enamel products due it soft resin material that forms the shiny and tough film in polishes. In spite of that, it’s certainly one to avoid due to its ability to cause dermatitis and other unfavourable skin irritations.
Camphor: A waxy, flammable solid found in the wood of the Camphor Laurel Tree within the East Asian region. A synthetic imitation is frequently used as a plasticiser within many nail polishes to add shine and elasticity. Camphor is highly toxic and is associated with causing nausea, headaches, dizziness and disorientation.
Parabens: Parabens are a widely used preservative in cosmetic products in order to prolong shelf life and prevent unwanted growth of mould and bacteria. As fantastic as this may seem for your cosmetics stockpile, it’s not so fantastic for you. Parabens have been linked with an increased risk of breast and skin cancer, so are definitely best kept out of your routine.
Ethyl Tosylamide: A chemical used as a plasticiser to boost the longevity and durability of nail polish. This substance however can cause mild to severe allergic reactions and is linked to disrupting hormones.
Xylene: Xylene is a solvent often used in nail polishes for its thinning properties which inhibit the formula from going lumpy. Some proven side effects are skin and eye irritation, nausea, headaches and dizziness.
Triphenyl Phosphate: Another chemical compound used as a plasticiser to increase durability and flexibility in nail polish. That being said, this isn’t a chemical we’re willing to be flexible on. Triphenyl Phosphate is associated with having effects on your hormones, in particular, reproductive health.
Tert-butyl hydroperoxide: A chemical used in the oxidation process when producing nail polish. This can be toxic to the blood, liver and lungs, and have unfavourable effects on the respiratory and central nervous system.
Free from Animal Derived Ingredients: Although some cosmetic brands still persist in using ingredients such as Carmine (crushed insect shells), Guanine (fish scales) and Oleic Acid (animal fats), as a vegan Gel Nail Polish brand, Gelous avoids all animal-derived ingredients in our Gel Nail Polish.
Not Tested on Animals: The suffering of our furry friends is something we will never compromise on. As a proudly vegan brand, we’ve created a durable, stunning Gel Polish without any testing on animals. Exactly how it should be, we think.
Does this mean Gel Nail Polish is completely safe?
Although our Gel Nail Polish is 10-Free, it’s important to bear in mind that improper usage can still pose potential risks. Both Gel Nail Polish and regular Nail Polish still contain chemicals, so it’s essential care is taken when applying and removing. This helps to prevent any skin irritation or damage to your nails. Always apply your Gelous Gel Nail Polish in a well-ventilated area, diligently follow the instructions provided in our Application Guide and avoid any Gel Nail Polish from making contact with your skin. If you accidentally do, be sure to remove it before curing the nails using a Cuticle Stick dipped in Nail Polish Remover.
