Since its launch in 2019, the Green Flash™ LED polish has revolutionized the semi-permanent polish market. But what makes it different from traditional semi-permanent polishes? What does it have more of, or rather, what does it have less of? A closer look at an innovative polish formula that excluded TPO, HEMA, and other risky substances well ahead of its time.
What is traditional semi-permanent polish?
A polish that had everything to please
This type of polish emerged around 2011 as an alternative to colored gels and fake nails. It is made by mixing acrylic gel and polish and reacts under UV or LED lamps to create a strong and resistant film in moments. Thanks to this curing, semi-permanent polish offers tenue and shine superior to classic polish. Enough to attract busy consumers who don’t want to take care of their nails every two days!
But semi-permanent polish has gained an increasingly bad reputation in recent years. The cause: removal methods that are not very respectful, such as sanding or acetone, which can permanently damage nails. But also (and especially) chemical components classified as risky and gradually banned by European authorities.
Substances banned in Europe
Among these banned ingredients in semi-permanent polish formulas are:
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CMR substances (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic): toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), formaldehyde, or hydroquinone were long present in cosmetic formulas for their plasticizing, hardening, or preserving properties. Due to the health risks they pose, the EU has implemented increasingly strict regulations on their use, even banning products containing them. The latest example: from September 1, 2025, TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) is permanently banned in European cosmetics.
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HEMA and DI-HEMA-TMHDC: small molecules belonging to the chemical family of acrylates or methacrylates, responsible for polish adhesion on the nail but also highly reactive, sensitizing, and volatile. Since September 2021, the sale of semi-permanent polishes containing these two molecules to individuals is prohibited in European Union countries. Only manicure professionals are authorized to use them in salons and under conditions.
Why is Green Flash™ different?
You may know the Green Flash™ LED polish since its launch in 2019, but the journey started much earlier. From the start, we chose to exclude all controversial molecules and substitute synthetic molecules derived from petrochemicals as much as possible with plant-based ingredients.
Non-sensitizing copolymers
No more HEMA monomers or DI-HEMA-TMHDC—you won’t find them in Green Flash™ LED polishes. Instead, our formula contains non-sensitizing copolymers. Their action remains the same: thanks to UV light, they bond together to form a network and voilà, your polish is dry!
Larger than HEMA and DI-HEMA-TMHDC molecules, our copolymers are non-sensitizing, non-volatile, do not penetrate the skin barrier, and therefore do not cause allergies. And most importantly, our copolymers remove like classic polish, using a gentle acetone-free remover that doesn’t dry out nails. That’s a real revolution!
A bio-based polish
Another radical choice in designing Green Flash™ polish: to replace petroleum-based solvents or plasticizers as much as possible with plant-based alternatives. This is how we achieved a formula that is up to 84% bio-based. Here are some examples of how we use biomass-derived ingredients:
- Corn is the source of acetyl tributyl citrate, which allows the polish to form a smooth and shiny layer.
- Sugarcane provides ethyl acetate, which ensures the fluidity and ease of application of our polishes.
- Cassava produces butyl acetate, which also fluidifies and facilitates polish application.
- Cotton supplies nitrocellulose, which ensures polish durability.
These ingredients are not necessarily from organic farming, but they help reduce the product’s carbon footprint, use renewable resources, and offer a biodegradable product and formulations that are gentler on nails.
For us, your well-being is a priority! Green Flash™ is therefore the result of long development work to replace risky molecules with safe alternatives for your nails. The challenge was significant to achieve a vegan, bio-based semi-permanent polish formula that applies and removes easily, all without compromising shine and tenue. For 5 years, over 600,000 of you in 30 different countries have chosen Green Flash™: proof that the bet is more than won! To try this alternative at home, you can start with a Green Flash™ semi-permanent polish kit.
