This summer, the European Union took a dramatic stance against certain gel nail polish brands, banning products containing a chemical known as TPO after research linked it to fertility issues in lab rats.
While TPO is still legal in gel nail polish in the U.S., health officials are examining the broader implications of gel polish use on both nail health and overall wellness.
Dermatologist Dr. Karen Heidelberg explains that smothering your fingernails for weeks can hide growing problems, including infections, itchy, swollen cuticles and nails lifting due to allergic reactions to the polish.
When you use gel nail polish, your skin is also exposed to UV light, which can cause aging skin and skin cancer.
Due to the ban, several nail polish brands are reformulating their products, and there are several options without TPO in the U.S. But Dr. Heidelberg said the lab results in rats are not a big concern.
“They extrapolated that data into human beings and took it off of the market,” said Heidelberg. “That’s not exactly how we do things in the United States and the likelihood of having that level of exposure to have problems painting something on your nails as opposed to ingesting it, you know, it’s not that big of a deal.”
As a dermatologist, Heidelberg recommends keeping things basic, and said that she thinks natural everyday manicures are better.
“If you are gelled on gel, understand the long-term effects and make your own decision,” said Heidelberg.
If you’re looking for some healthier nail polish alternatives, check out the following options:
Here are some natural nail care products:
Cindi Nails Middle Coat Polish
Price
- $16
CindiNails.com is a Michigan-based company in Waterford founded by a manicurist in 2008.
What to know
All Cindi Nails products are made with non-toxic ingredients that revive, heal, repair, and protect your natural nails. The products are 7-free, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and safe for children, pregnant women, and cancer patients. The brand’s customers also appreciate that products do not involve light curing or soak-off.
- Healing Base Coat – Holds your manicure in place for 7-14 days.
- Reinforcing Middle Coat – Provides an extra boost for damaged nails.
- Protective Top Coat – Seals and protects from splitting and peeling while allowing your natural nails to breathe and grow
Cindi is a manicurist with more than 35 years of experience.
After experiencing difficulties related to the chemicals she was breathing in, Cindi decided that she needed a better, non-toxic product to work with. Cindi enlisted her brother to develop and manufacture the solution, and today, Cindi is proud to offer an impressive and exclusive line of non-toxic nail products. She looks forward to educating women about this healthy alternative for years to come.
Dazzle Dry Mini Kit
Price
- $39 Amazon
- $42 Dazzle Dry
What to know
This four-step nail system gives you the look of a gel mani without the UV light and polish that contains TPO.
You start with the brand’s nail prep to remove any oils or lotions from your nails, then layer on a base coat, the polish and a top coat.
Everything dries within five minutes and the manicure will last up to seven days, according to the brand.
This kit has all the products you need, including a bottle of the brand’s polish in its Rapid Red color.
Here are some gel polish brands without TPO:
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish
Price
- $12.79 Amazon
- $9.29 Target
- $9.90 Walmart
What to know
This polish gives nails mega shine, similar to a gel polish. It is intended to be paired with the brand’s gel-like top coat to make your manicure last up to 8 days, according to Sally Hansen.
It is available in 22 colors on Amazon, including sheer and sparkly options.
Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish
- $15.78 Essie
- $21.50 Amazon
This two-step polish set from Essie comes with a color (choose from 23 shades) and a top coat that gives you a super glossy finish.
To get a manicure that lasts as long as possible, apply two coats of the color and then top with the gel-like top coat and let it dry completely. The brush on this polish is also shaped in a special way to easily cover the edges nicely, according to the brand.
The set has a 4.6-star average rating from over 11,150 reviews on Amazon.
Here are other alternatives:
Glamnetic Press On Nails
(10,131 Amazon Reviews)
Price
- $19.99 Amazon
- $19.99 Glamnetic
- $16.00 Target
What to know
“Press-on nails are also a good alternative to gel polish,” said Leer. “If applied correctly they look very similar to a manicure and they don’t damage your natural nails.” These press-ons from Glamnetic come in over 40 colors, designs and nail shapes — allowing you to really customize nails to suit your needs and wants. They come with easy-to-apply glue and will last up to two weeks, according to the brand.