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 short, this cleaner, non-toxic option ensures 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 crafted a Gel Nail Polish that breaks away from these harmful chemicals used in traditional nail polish formulations. These harmful substances can be absorbed into the skin, and have the ability to cause terribly unpleasant side effects. Even when the quantity is low, we believe it's better to avoid these nasties altogether - and with our Gel Nail Polish, you can.
Why should it matter to you? Well, your wellbeing matters above all else. By choosing our 10-Free Gel Nail Polish, you can enjoy a worry-free manicure or pedicure without exposing yourself to unnecessary risks. At Gelous, we believe in offering you a healthier alternative without compromising on quality, so you can feel confident and beautiful, inside and out.
Below is a list of the 10 ingredients we DO NOT use in our Gel Nail Polish, along with their common uses and side effects. The exclusion of the following 10 nasty chemicals from our ingredient list is of the utmost importance to us and we’re certain you’ll understand 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 which can lead to an itchy, red rash and blisters. More alarmingly, Formaldehyde can also be the cause of some cancers.
Dibutyl Phthalate: Commonly used as a solvent and plasticiser to provide a shiny finish. However, it’s not so ‘shiny’ with its effects, potentially causing skin, eye, nose and throat irritation, alongside headaches, dizziness, nausea and seizures in some cases. 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, functioning as a solvent to help form a smooth finish. Prolonged use of Toulene can dry out the skin, causing it to crack and peel. Further, inhalation can cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, respiratory depression and even hallucinations.
Gelous Gel Nail Polish is also free from:
Formaldehyde Resin: A polymer that is used in many nail enamel products as its soft resin material forms the shiny and tough film in polishes. However, it’s one to avoid due to its ability to cause dermatitis and other 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 commonly used in many nail polishes as a plasticiser to add shine and elasticity. Camphor is highly toxic and can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness and disorientation.
Parabens: Parabens are a widely used preservative in cosmetic products to prolong shelf life and prevent the growth of mould and bacteria. As great as this may seem for your cosmetic collection, it’s not so great for you. Parabens have been associated with an increased risk of breast and skin cancer, so are definitely best avoided.
Ethyl Tosylamide: A chemical used as a plasticiser to increase the durability and longevity of nail polish. This substance however can cause mild to severe allergic reactions and is also known to be a hormone disrupter.
Xylene: Xylene is a solvent commonly used in nail polishes for its thinning properties that prevent 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. However, this isn’t a chemical we’re willing to be flexible on. Triphenyl Phosphate is believed to have 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 negative effects on the respiratory and central nervous system.
Free from Animal Derived Ingredients: While there are still cosmetics brands out there that continue to use ingredients such as Carmine (crushed insect shells), Guanine (fish scales) and Oleic Acid (animal fats), as a vegan Gel Nail Polish brand, Gelous steers clear of any animal-derived ingredients in our Gel Nail Polish.
Not Tested on Animals: The suffering of our furry friends is something we are not willing to compromise on. As a proudly vegan brand, we’ve created a strong, long-lasting Gel Polish without any testing on animals. Exactly how it should be, we think.
Does this mean Gel Nail Polish is completely safe?
While our Gel Nail Polish is 10-Free, it’s important to remember that improper use can still lead to potential harm. Both Gel Nail Polish and regular Nail Polish still contain chemicals, so it’s important 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 room, carefully follow the instructions outlined in our Application Guide and avoid getting any Gel Nail Polish on your skin. If you accidentally do, make sure to remove it before curing the nails using a Cuticle Stick dipped in Nail Polish Remover.
