Perfume gives a nice scent. However, exposure to perfume can trigger eczema and skin irritation with even small amounts. In addition, it can provoke an allergic reaction and eventually cause a perfume allergy. The legality of perfumes is determined by the specific ingredients/fragrances from which the perfume is made. Some fragrances are fully legal, while others are restricted or only allowed within certain concentration limits.

Parabens are preservatives that prevent bacterial and fungal growth. However, parts of the drug group have been found to be hormone-disrupting. Some parabens are still fully legal in cosmetics, while others are legal within certain concentration limits. Five specific parabens (isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben and pentylparaben) are decidedly illegal in cosmetics.

PFAS substances are used to affect the consistency and texture of a nail product and have an ability to repel both water and oils. It is part of a very large group of organic fluorine substances (over 10,000 substances) and has only been studied thoroughly in a few cases. But researchers know that, for example, the subgroups PFOS and PFOA have a wide range of unwanted effects on health. They are among those suspected of being hormone-disrupting, carcinogenic and increasing the risk of spontaneous abortion, just as they are impossible to break down in nature and thus accumulate over time. Some PFAS substances are illegal under EU cosmetic regulations (eg PFOA and PFOS), while others are restricted or allowed within certain concentration limits.

Microplastics are small plastic particles that measure less than 5 mm on all conductors and edges. These almost invisible fragments are found in our surroundings - from the water to the air we breathe, and even in the foods we consume.

Microplastics come from a variety of sources, including broken down plastic bottles, wear and tear from car tires and microfibers released from synthetic textiles when we wash our clothes. These particles can also be found in everyday products like soap, toothpaste and, yes, even nail products.

Why is microplastic a problem?
Because microplastics don't just disappear. They accumulate in nature and can harm animals and plants. Because of their microscopic size, they can end up in our drinking water and in the food we eat. This raises concerns about their potential impact on human health and the environment.

What does this mean for cosmetics?
After extensive investigations by the European Chemicals Agency, it has become clear that microplastics must be taken seriously. The EU has therefore introduced new rules to limit the use of microplastics in various products, especially in cosmetics and cleaning products. From 17 October 2023, cosmetic products containing more than 0.01% plastic particles smaller than 5 mm will be banned. But there are some important details to note:

Loose glitter
From 17 October 2023, the marketing of non-degradable loose glitter will be prohibited. However, if you have already purchased products with non-degradable loose glitter before this date, it is still legal to use them. They simply must not be imported into EU countries or produced in the EU.

Glitter in nail products
Nail products already mixed with non-degradable glitter have a time-limited exemption in the new rules and can be sold until 2035. You can therefore still buy and use nail products already mixed with non-degradable glitter for many years yet.

Because with our own brand The Gel Collection we have made it a mission to make responsible choices in terms of materials and ingredients, we have long since decided that we do not want to use microplastics. Therefore, microplastics were already part of this blacklist long before the legislation came into force.

Palm oil is often produced in areas of rainforest that are cut down to make way for palm plantations. It damages the climate and flora and fauna in the areas where production takes place.

Formaldehyde is a preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal growth and can also act as a nail hardener. However, it can be allergenic and irritating to mucous membranes, skin and eyes. In addition, it is classified as carcinogenic when high concentrations are inhaled in the working environment. Formaldehyde is illegal to use directly in cosmetics as an independent ingredient (monomer), but many preservatives work by releasing formaldehyde over time and can therefore legally be included in gels and other cosmetics anyway.

Formaldehyde Resins can be various synthetic resins that are made by combining formaldehyde with various other chemicals, such as urea, melamine or phenol. Formaldehyde Resin can i.a. promote adherence of the product to the surface of the nail and can thereby contribute to increased durability. However, Formaldehyde Resin can release formaldehyde and thereby be allergenic and irritating to mucous membranes, skin and eyes. In addition, it can be carcinogenic when high concentrations are inhaled in the working environment. Formaldehyde Resin is legal to use in cosmetics if it can be demonstrated that the maximum theoretical concentration of releasable formaldehyde in the product is less than 0.1%.

Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate is no longer part of our products and has not been for a long time.

Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate was included in the very first batch of Gel Polish products that we launched in November 2022. At that time, there were no notes on the ingredient. When the EU shortly thereafter included Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate on their list of ingredients they were looking at, we immediately responded by proactively removing it. We did this despite the fact that at that time no final decision had been made about its potential risk, and despite the fact that Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate could potentially be cleared of this suspicion in the future. But this means that Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate is no longer part of our products and has not been for a long time.

As a result of this rapid change in form, some product labels have not been updated in time. Therefore, you can still see the ingredient appear on certain new product labels, despite the fact that it is not actually included in the product. To distinguish between products with and without Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate, you can look at the label design: the new, shiny label means that the product is without this ingredient, while the older, matte label may contain it.

TPO has very recently been upgraded to be classified as harmful to reproduction and on the candidate list (a list of chemical substances considered to be particularly problematic for human health or the environment) and will be completely banned by September 1, 2025 at the latest.

The products from The Gel Collection are vegan, as it is important for us to avoid ingredients derived from animals. Examples of ingredients derived from er are beeswax, glycerin or certain proteins (some of which can be developed synthetically or be of animal origin).

Azo dyes are a group of synthetic dyes that all belong to the so-called "azo group". Certain dyes from the azo group can form carcinogenic substances (arylamines) or are very toxic to the aquatic environment. Some azo dyes are illegal under EU cosmetic regulations, while others are restricted or allowed within certain concentration limits.

Toluene is a solvent that can make gel products less viscous. It also helps to dissolve the pigments (colour). However, it is classified as being suspected of being harmful to reproduction as well as affecting the central nervous system and the brain. Toluene is legal to use in cosmetics for both professionals and home users. However, the concentration limit is a maximum of 25% and is reserved for use by adults and must be kept away from children.

Sulfates are surface-active substances that have a cleaning effect. However, they have a dehydrating and drying effect, and can therefore be irritating to the skin. There are no sulfates that are expressly prohibited under EU cosmetic regulations. However, some sulfates are only legal within certain concentration limits (eg Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)).

Phthalates are plasticizers that add flexibility to gel products. However, it has been established that many phthalates can have a negative impact on reproduction and the fetus. Some phthalates are illegal under EU cosmetic regulations (eg dibutyl phthalate (DBP)), while others are permitted within certain concentration limits.

Isothiazolinones are a group of chemical preservatives that are added to nail products to increase durability and prevent bacterial and fungal growth. However, it is known to cause irritation of the skin, eyes and lungs and strong skin allergies, even at very low concentrations of the substances in nail products. Isothiazolinones are legal to use in cosmetics. However, several of the substances are subject to certain concentration limits.

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) are typically used as antioxidants in cosmetic products and thus increase durability. However, they are identified as endocrine disruptors. BHT and BHA are legal to use in cosmetics. However, BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is subject to a concentration limit of 0.8%.

Benzophenones are UV filtering additives used to protect the formula from the side effects of UV light (such as color fading). However, it has been linked to being endocrine-disrupting, carcinogenic and potentially harmful to reproduction. Some benzophenones are illegal under EU cosmetic regulations, while others are restricted or allowed within certain concentration limits.

Ethyl Tosylamide is an emollient and film-forming substance that makes gel products uniform and smooth, and increases the curing speed. However, it is suspected of creating bacterial resistance.

Bismuth Chloride Oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that adds shine to gel products, or is used for mineral pigment (color). However, it is known to cause skin irritation.

Triphenyl Phosphate (TPhP) is an emollient and fire retardant that makes nail products more flexible and durable. However, TPhP is classified as an endocrine disruptor and potentially harmful to reproduction. Since 2017, TPhP has been investigated by ECHA for whether it can have an endocrine-disrupting effect. However, available studies show that it does not pose a risk so far. But it is continuously investigated and as long as it is under suspicion, we have decided to avoid it in our products.

DBT is a solvent and softener that can add a higher gloss and protect products from cracking. However, it is known to cause hormonal imbalances and reproductive problems, including causing fetal deformities.

Camphor is a white, waxy and crystalline substance used in nail products to provide a shiny layer on the nail. It is generally considered safe when used in small amounts. However, larger doses, or long-term exposure to camphor, can cause side effects such as, among other things, irritation or allergic reaction on the skin as well as headache, dizziness or confusion. Therefore, camphor should be used with caution, and consult a doctor or healthcare professional before using camphor, especially if you have a history of allergies or other health problems.

Xylene is a solvent that can make gel products less viscous and dissolves the pigments (colour). However, it is classified as an endocrine disruptor and is associated with side effects on the immune system as well as the respiratory and reproductive functions.