Free of what
you don't
need.

HEMA & Di-HEMA — the most common causes of contact allergy with DIY gel. The EU has restricted both to professional use since 2021.

Hydroquinones — traditionally used as a bleaching agent. Banned in EU cosmetics since 2001 due to suspected carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting effects.

TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) — photoinitiator that cures gel under UV lamp. EU-banned in cosmetics from September 1, 2025 due to suspected reproductive toxicity.

None of the four have ever been in our formulas — but since the law has already taken care of them, they don't count among the 21 types we've chosen to exclude ourselves.

Fragrance provides a pleasant scent. However, exposure to fragrance can trigger eczema and skin irritation even at low concentrations. It can also provoke allergic reactions and develop into fragrance allergy over time. The legality of fragrances depends on the specific scent compounds used. Some are fully permitted, while others are restricted or only allowed within certain concentration limits.

Parabens are preservatives that prevent bacterial and fungal growth. However, parts of this group are confirmed endocrine disruptors. Some parabens remain fully permitted in cosmetics, while others are only allowed within certain concentration limits. Five specific parabens (isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben and pentylparaben) are outright banned in cosmetics.

PFAS substances are used to affect the consistency and texture of nail products and have the ability to repel both water and oils. They belong to a very large group of organic fluorine compounds (over 10,000 substances) and have only been thoroughly studied in a few cases. But researchers know that subgroups like PFOS and PFOA have many unwanted health effects. They are suspected of being endocrine-disrupting, carcinogenic, and increasing miscarriage risk, and are impossible to break down in nature, accumulating over time. Some PFAS substances are illegal under EU cosmetic regulations (e.g. PFOA and PFOS), while others are restricted or permitted within certain concentration limits.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles measuring under 5 mm in any direction. These near-invisible fragments are found everywhere — from water to the air we breathe, and even in food.

Microplastics come from many sources including degraded plastic bottles, tire wear, and microfibers released from synthetic textiles when we wash clothes. They are also in everyday products like soap, toothpaste, and yes — even nail products.

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

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

Loose glitter
From October 17, 2023, the marketing of non-biodegradable loose glitter is prohibited. If you already purchased products with non-biodegradable loose glitter before this date, it remains legal to use them. They simply cannot be imported into or produced in EU countries.

Glitter in nail products
Nail products already mixed with non-biodegradable glitter have a time-limited exemption and can be sold until 2035. So you can still buy and use such nail products for many years to come.

Because at The Gel Collection we've made it our mission to make responsible choices regarding materials and ingredients, we long ago decided not to use microplastics. That's why microplastics were part of this blacklist long before the regulation came into force.

Palm oil is often produced in rainforest areas that are cleared to make room for palm plantations. This damages the climate and the plant and animal life in the affected areas.

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. It's also classified as carcinogenic when inhaled in high concentrations in workplace environments. Formaldehyde is illegal to use directly as a standalone ingredient (monomer) in cosmetics, but many preservatives work by releasing formaldehyde over time and can therefore legally appear in gels and other cosmetics.

Formaldehyde Resins can be various synthetic resins produced by combining formaldehyde with other chemicals such as urea, melamine, or phenol. Formaldehyde Resin helps promote product adhesion to the nail surface, contributing to better durability. However, it can release formaldehyde and therefore be allergenic and irritating to mucous membranes, skin, and eyes. It can also be carcinogenic when inhaled in high concentrations in workplace environments. Formaldehyde Resin is legal in cosmetics if it can be demonstrated that the maximum theoretical concentration of releasable formaldehyde in the product is less than 0.1%.

TMPTA was previously used to make materials cure quickly under UV light. It was classified as a suspected carcinogen and banned in cosmetic products from December 1, 2023.

Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate was included in the very first batch of our Gel Polish, launched in November 2022. Shortly after, the EU focused on this ingredient, and we proactively chose to remove it — long before a final ban came into force. We did this to be on the safe side and to live up to our own high standards of safety and transparency.

Due to the rapid formula change, some labels were not updated in time. Therefore, Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate could still appear on a few older labels, even though the ingredient had actually been removed from the product.

To make it easy to tell the difference, check the label design:

• New, glossy label = without Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate
• Older, matte label = may originate from the very first batch from November 2022, when the ingredient was still included

Products from The Gel Collection are vegan — we believe it's important to avoid ingredients derived from animals. Examples include beeswax, glycerin, or certain proteins (some of which can be either synthetically developed or animal-derived).

Azo dyes are a group of synthetic colorants belonging to the so-called "azo group." Certain dyes from the azo group can form carcinogenic substances (arylamines) or are highly toxic to aquatic environments. Some azo dyes are illegal under EU cosmetic regulations, while others are restricted or permitted within certain concentration limits.

Toluene is a solvent that can make gel products less viscous and helps dissolve pigments (color). However, it's classified as suspected of being harmful to reproduction and affects the central nervous system and brain. Toluene is legal in cosmetics for both professionals and home users, but the concentration limit is max 25%. It's reserved for adult use and must be kept away from children.

Sulfates are surfactants with a cleansing effect. However, they have a dehydrating, drying effect and can therefore irritate the skin. No sulfates are explicitly illegal under EU cosmetic regulations, but some are only permitted within certain concentration limits (e.g. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)).

Phthalates are plasticizers that add flexibility to gel products. However, many phthalates are confirmed to have negative effects on reproduction and fetal development. Some phthalates are illegal under EU cosmetic regulations (e.g. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)), while others are permitted within certain concentration limits.

Isothiazolinones are a group of chemical preservatives added to nail products to extend shelf life and prevent bacterial and fungal growth. However, they're known to cause irritation of skin, eyes, and lungs and severe skin allergies even at very low concentrations in nail products. Isothiazolinones are legal in cosmetics, but several of them are subject to specific concentration limits.

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) are typically used as antioxidants in cosmetic products, extending shelf life. However, they have been identified as endocrine disruptors. BHT and BHA are legal in cosmetics, but BHT 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, they've 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 permitted within certain concentration limits.

Ethyl Tosylamid is a plasticizing and film-forming substance that makes gel products smooth and uniform, and increases curing speed. However, it's suspected of contributing to bacterial resistance.

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

Triphenyl Phosphate (TPhP) is a plasticizer and flame retardant that makes nail products more flexible and durable. However, TPhP is classified as endocrine-disrupting and potentially harmful to reproduction. TPhP has been under investigation by ECHA since 2017 for possible endocrine-disrupting effects. Available studies show that for now it doesn't pose a risk, but it's continuously under investigation — and as long as it remains under suspicion, we've decided to avoid it in our products.

DBT is a solvent and plasticizer that can add higher gloss and protect products against cracks. However, it's known to cause hormonal imbalances and reproductive problems, including fetal deformities.

Camphor is a white, waxy, crystalline substance used in nail products to provide a shiny finish on the nail. It's generally considered safe in small amounts. However, larger doses or prolonged exposure can cause side effects such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, headache, dizziness, or confusion. Camphor should therefore be used with caution, and you should consult a healthcare professional before use — especially if you have a history of allergies or other health concerns.