Today, more and more nail enthusiasts are on the lookout for polishes that are as safe as they are beautiful. But whether it’s with classic polish or Gel Polish, is it possible to have a gorgeous manicure without damaging your nails? And conversely, can a bio-sourced polish offer the same lasting power and finish as a traditional one? At Manucurist, we believe that yes, and here’s the proof in this ultimate guide to next-generation polish.
Let’s start with a reminder: just like hair and skin, your nails absorb what you put on them. It’s important to be mindful when choosing your cosmetics. A new-generation polish is a nail polish with a formula that’s kind to your nails and carefully designed to limit its impact on the environment. Here’s how we put this responsible beauty vision into practice at Manucurist.
A bio-sourced polish
Don’t be fooled: “bio-sourced” doesn’t mean “organic”. An organic ingredient is grown with certified farming methods, free from pesticides and GMOs, whereas a bio-sourced ingredient simply refers to plant-based raw materials. At Manucurist, Green™ polishes are up to 83% bio-sourced, and Green Flash™ polishes up to 84%. Our goal is to find plant-based alternatives to petrochemical solvents and plasticisers. And yes, it’s possible—here are some examples:
- 🌽 Corn is used to produce acetyl tributyl citrate, which helps polish form a smooth, glossy layer.
- 🎋 Sugarcane provides ethyl acetate, which ensures the polish is fluid and easy to apply.
- 🍠 Manioc (cassava) is used to extract butyl acetate, which also improves polish flow and application.
- ☁️ Cotton is a source of nitrocellulose, which gives polish its strength.
These ingredients aren’t necessarily organic, but they help reduce the product’s carbon footprint, use renewable resources, and create biodegradable, nail-friendly formulas.
Cassava, sugarcane, cotton, corn, potato… our plant-based alternatives to petrochemical solvents and plasticisers.
A polish powered by natural actives
A next-generation polish isn’t just free from harsh synthetic molecules—it also brings added benefits to your nails, thanks to its plant-based ingredients. At Manucurist, we are always harnessing the power of plants to enhance your manicure. You’ll find them in our Active™ nail care polishes as well as our base coats, top coats, removers and nail treatments. Here are some of our favourite ingredients for:
💧 Hydration: raspberry extract, moringa seed extract, plant-based collagen, pomegranate extract, coconut oil, rapeseed oil...
🍽️ Nourishment: sweet almond oil, avocado extract, castor oil, peach extract...
💪 Strengthening: green tea extract, spinach extract, lemon extract...
🛡️ Protection: pistachio gum, hibiscus flower extract, ginseng extract...
🍇 Natural antioxidants: beetroot extract, grape extract, cranberry extract, blueberry extract, walnut oil…
Give your nails some TLC with the power of plants.
A vegan polish
Choosing next-generation polish is also about choosing ethical and responsible beauty. All Manucurist polishes are vegan, meaning they contain no animal-derived ingredients in their formulas, production or manufacturing (no carmine, cochineal pigments or animal keratin). It’s worth noting that animal-derived ingredients can be hidden in unexpected places, such as certain pigments or plasticisers. A common example is shellac, derived from cochineal insects, widely used in the cosmetics industry and in many traditional gel polishes to enhance staying power. You won’t find that at Manucurist—our products are certified by The Vegan Society.
Easy, safe application and removal
As we’ve seen, bio-sourced formulas don’t compromise on ease of application. Thanks to carefully selected plant alternatives, our polishes retain their smooth texture, flexibility and quick-drying qualities. At Manucurist, we use LED lamps instead of the UV lamps often used in salons. They cure Gel Polish faster, emit lower UV levels and consume less energy.
Next-generation polish also means gentle removal that respects your nails. Say goodbye to acetone-based removers or abrasive drills that leave nails in poor condition! We prefer gentle methods using bio-sourced removers enriched with plant oils to take off colour easily and quickly, while hydrating the nail plate.
LED lamps and gentle removers for smooth & easy polish application and removal.
👉 Learn more about removing classic polish here and removing Gel Polish here.
A polish that doesn’t compromise on performance
Next-generation polish performs just as well as traditional polish—if not better! Green™ and Green Flash™ polishes tick all the boxes:
✨ Mirror-like shine with a gel effect.
🌈 Over 90 vibrant colours, from delicate nudes to iconic reds, with pop, pearly or glittery finishes.
⏱️ Impeccable staying power: up to 7 days with Green™, up to 12 days with Green Flash™.
A bio-sourced polish formula that’s always ultra-desirable!
A fully eco-friendly polish
At Manucurist, our commitment to responsibility is all-encompassing: from the contents of our polish bottles to our packaging, accessories and logistics. Some concrete examples:
♻️ Nail polish, care and remover bottles made from recyclable glass, compostable orange wood sticks, biodegradable nail art glitter.
🌲 Pouches made from GOTS-certified organic cotton (Global Organic Textile Standard) and brush handles made from FSC-certified sustainably managed wood.
📦 FSC-certified packaging boxes, no plastic over-packaging, packing peanuts made from 100% corn starch, and optimised logistics.
A greener manicure also means making better choices—from the formula to the last delivery mile. There’s still a way to go, but every step counts!
In short, choosing next-generation polish means opting for natural-origin ingredients, with no risk to your nails and no compromise on style or the joy of an effortless, lasting manicure. Why settle for less? 🌳🐰💅
