Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish has become increasingly popular due to its quick-drying formula, long-lasting finish, and chip-resistant nature. However, concerns have been raised about its potential health risks and negative impact on nail health. So, is gel nail polish poisonous? While nail polish is not considered poisonous if used as intended, certain ingredients and chemicals found in gel nail polishes, such as formaldehyde and toluene, have been associated with harmful side effects, including skin irritation, respiratory issues, and potential DNA damage that may lead to cancer. In addition, the curing process under UV lamps and the intensive removal process can further damage nails, leaving them dry, brittle, and prone to cracking and peeling. As a result, it's recommended to take breaks between manicures and prioritize nail health to mitigate any potential negative consequences of using gel nail polish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is gel nail polish poisonous? | Gel nail polish is not poisonous if used as intended. However, it contains toxic chemicals that can be harmful if ingested or with long-term inhalation. |
| Health risks | Gel nail polish can cause severe brittleness and dryness of the nails. It can also cause allergic reactions, such as rash (contact dermatitis) and hives (urticaria). The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin aging, DNA damage, and potentially lead to skin cancer. |
| Safe use | Avoid aggressive buffing and forceful scraping of the nail plate during application and removal. Do not peel or pick off gel polish to prevent nail damage. Wear sunscreen or fingerless gloves during UV treatment. |
| Non-toxic alternatives | Opt for nail polishes that are "3-Free," "5-Free," or "7-Free," as they exclude a range of toxic chemicals. Choose sustainable and vegan brands that do not test on animals. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail polish and UV exposure
Gel nail polish is popular for its quick-drying, long-lasting, and chip-resistant qualities. However, its application and removal processes can cause temporary and long-term damage to the nails. The curing process, in particular, has raised concerns due to the associated risks of elevated UV exposure.
UV Exposure Risks
The curing process of gel nail polish involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which are known to cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. This exposure is cumulative, and the effects may not be immediately apparent. Just as there are no risk-free tanning beds, there are no risk-free nail lamps, including LED lamps, which also emit UV radiation.
Precautions
To minimise the risks associated with UV exposure during the curing process, it is recommended to:
- Apply sunscreen with SPF to the hands and fingers at least 20 minutes before the UV treatment.
- Wear fingerless gloves during the UV treatment to protect the hands from direct exposure.
- Take breaks between manicures to allow the nails to recover.
Nail Damage
In addition to the risks associated with UV exposure, the chemicals in gel nail polish can also cause nail damage. The removal process can be particularly harsh, often requiring soaking and intensive removal methods that can leave nails dry, brittle, and weak.
Alternative Options
If you are concerned about the potential risks and damage associated with gel nail polish, there are alternative options available:
- Regular nail polish: It dries naturally and does not require UV exposure during the curing process. However, it may not be as long-lasting as gel nail polish.
- Hybrid nail polish: This option combines the benefits of regular and gel nail polishes, offering a longer-lasting finish without the need for UV curing.
- Non-toxic nail polish: There is a growing trend of non-toxic nail polishes that exclude a range of toxic chemicals. Look for products that are "3-Free," "5-Free," or "7-Free," indicating the number of toxic chemicals they exclude.
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Temporary nail damage
While nail polish is not poisonous when used as intended, it can cause temporary nail damage. This is especially true for gel nail polish. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. This is true regardless of the type of lamp used. LED lamps are often marketed as a safer option, but they still emit UV radiation.
The removal process for gel nail polish can also be very damaging to nails. Gel polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which are known to cause allergic reactions, such as rashes and hives. The most common issues when removing gel polish are cracking and peeling, but people have also reported finding white spots and grooves, or an overall weakening of the nail plate. These issues can take months to resolve as the damaged nail grows out. To avoid this, gel polish should be removed carefully. Never peel or pick off gel polish, as this may peel off layers of the nail plate, resulting in brittleness.
There are safer alternatives to traditional nail polishes, which exclude a broader range of toxic chemicals. These polishes are often labelled "3-Free", "5-Free", "7-Free", or even higher. It is also important to select a safer nail polish remover, such as those in oil-like or gel form, which are designed to minimise offensive odours and reduce the amount of product needed for effective removal.
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Chemicals in gel nail polish
While gel nail polishes have become increasingly popular, they contain several chemicals that can be harmful to your nails and overall health. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. This is true regardless of the type of lamp used during the curing process, including LED lamps.
Gel nail polishes contain acrylate and methacrylate, which are associated with allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis (rash) and, less commonly, urticaria (hives). The removal of gel nail polish can also lead to temporary nail damage, with cracking, peeling, and an overall weakening of the nail plate. This can leave nails dry, brittle, and susceptible to severe brittleness and dryness if gel polish is worn for extended periods.
The bonding polish used in gel manicures contains a resin, which often includes chemicals found in superglue. This is followed by the application of a finely milled acrylic powder, which is either brushed or dipped onto the nail. The final step involves applying an activator liquid, which contains chemicals that induce the polymerization of the resin, resulting in a hard shell.
The potential health risks associated with gel nail polishes highlight the importance of selecting safer alternatives. When choosing a nail polish, look for products that are at least "3-Free" or opt for those with higher "free-from" claims, as they exclude a broader range of toxic chemicals. Additionally, consider using safer nail polish removers, such as oil-based, gel-based, or lavender-scented options, to minimise offensive odours and reduce the amount of product needed for effective removal.
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Allergic reactions
While nail polish is not poisonous when used as intended, some of its ingredients can be harmful if ingested or inhaled over a long period. Similarly, gel nail polish is not inherently poisonous but has been associated with several health issues.
Gel nail polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which are known to cause allergic reactions, such as a rash (contact dermatitis) and, less frequently, hives (urticaria). Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common complication of gel nail polish, with one study finding it to be the most frequent issue in 62 out of 85 cases. The average time for ACD to develop was 30 months after the initial use of gel nail polish.
The curing process of gel nail polish under a UV lamp can also lead to cumulative UV exposure, increasing the risk of skin cancer. This is because the process involves repeated exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer.
In addition to the health risks, the removal process of gel nail polish can be harsh and damaging to the nails. This can result in temporary nail damage, such as cracking and peeling, as well as an overall weakening of the nail plate. Gel polish can also leave nails dry and brittle, especially if sufficient time is not allowed between manicures for recovery.
To minimise the potential for allergic reactions and other adverse effects, it is recommended to opt for nail polishes that are labelled as ""3-Free," "5-Free," or "7-Free," as these exclude a broader range of toxic chemicals. Additionally, choosing a safer nail polish remover and following proper removal techniques can help reduce the risk of nail damage.
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Non-toxic alternatives
While gel nail polish has its advantages, there are several issues with it. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. Gel nail polish also contains several chemicals that can be harmful, such as acrylate and methacrylate, which are known to cause allergic reactions.
Non-toxic nail polishes are now available, which are formulated without potentially harmful ingredients. These polishes are typically at least "3-free", meaning they do not contain formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate—three known disruptors. Some polishes are even 5-free, 7-free, or higher, excluding an even broader range of toxic chemicals.
When choosing a non-toxic nail polish, opt for brands that use sustainable manufacturing processes and eco-friendly packaging materials. Also, ensure that the polishes are vegan and cruelty-free, containing no animal-derived ingredients and not being tested on animals. Some non-toxic brands to consider are Pacifica, Sundays, and Dazzle Dry.
In addition to choosing non-toxic nail polishes, it is also important to select a safer nail polish remover. These are available in various forms, such as oil-like, gel, or lavender-scented, which are designed to minimise offensive odours and reduce the amount of product needed for effective removal.
While there may not be a 100% safe and completely non-toxic way to paint your nails, opting for these non-toxic alternatives can help you achieve a healthier lifestyle by reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail polish is not poisonous if used as intended, but it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled over a long period of time. The risks associated with nail polish are not limited to its liquid form; dry nail polish can still pose health risks due to the toxic chemicals it contains, which can enter the body through skin contact or inhalation.
The curing process of gel nail polish involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. Gel nail polish also contains several chemicals that can cause allergic reactions, such as rashes and hives. The removal process can also be harsh and cause temporary damage to nails, including cracking, peeling, and overall weakening of the nail plate.
To minimise the risks associated with gel nail polish, it is recommended to:
- Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before the UV treatment or wear fingerless gloves while under the lamp.
- Avoid aggressive buffing and forceful scraping of the nail plate during the application and removal process.
- Allow time between manicures for nails to recover and keep nails and cuticles well-moisturised.
