Since its launch in 2019, Green Flash has stayed ahead of regulations, formulated without HEMA and DI-HEMA-TMHDC molecules, which are sensitizing and now banned from sale to consumers.
HEMA? What is it?
They are called: HEMA monomers and Di-HEMA-TMHDC oligomers. Behind these complex names are two small molecules present in many traditional gel polishes. These substances bond together under light (UV, LED) to form a hardened film, ensuring long wear for gel polishes.
What are the risks?
The issue is that these molecules, belonging to the (meth)acrylate chemical family, are also “sensitizers”. Very small, highly reactive and volatile, they can penetrate the skin and trigger severe allergic and inflammatory skin reactions. Getting polish on the skin during application becomes quite risky… As for removal, these molecules require acetone and abrasive nail buffing.
Characteristics of HEMA and DI-HEMA TMHDC substances
- Sensitizing molecules on direct contact with skin (allergic contact dermatitis)
- Very small molecules, high reactivity, ability to penetrate the skin = skin conditions.
- Volatile = risk of inhalation and irritation of the respiratory tract, asthma.
- Removal requires the use of acetone and abrasive buffing on the nails.
What does the law say?
Since September 2021, new European regulations* prohibit the sale of nail care products containing these two molecules to consumers. Only nail professionals are now authorized to handle these products in salons and are encouraged to take numerous precautions (extractor tables, respirator masks and nitrile gloves).
What do European
regulations say?Since September 2021, nail products and gel polishes containing HEMA and DI-HEMA-TMHDC are:
- Prohibited for sale to consumers
- Authorized under specific conditions for sale to professionals
Products distributed to professionals must state: "For professional use only - may cause an allergic reaction"
Green Flash: the 0% risk alternative, 100% compliant with regulations.
From its launch in 2019, the Green Flash innovation stayed ahead of regulations by offering a new generation of cleaner, greener and non-sensitizing long-lasting LED nail polish.
The result of extensive research, Green Flash by Manucurist is compliant with regulations, authorized for sale to the general public, and completely free from potentially sensitizing (meth)acrylate monomers. In their place, we use copolymers whose complex name—Bis-HEMA Poly(1,4-Butanediol)-9/IPDI Copolymer—can sound intimidating.
Don’t panic! Here is why our products are non-sensitizing.
Chemically speaking, our copolymers consist of a combination of 3 molecules, each with a different composition. Unlike (meth)acrylate monomers,
“Being allergic to traditional gels and gel polishes, I switched to Green Flash products! I am so happy with the results, zero allergic reaction! I recommend them 200%.” Louise P
“I tried so many gel polishes and every single one triggered allergies. Now I’ve finally found a natural gel polish that lasts! No more allergies and no nail damage. Removal is so easy!” Elise B
Green Flash, the alternative with no compromise on wear time and shine
However, their performance remains the same: cured under an LED lamp, the copolymers bind together to form a polymer network that sets the polish layer and ensures long wear.
Green Flash by Manucurist is an alternative with no compromise on shine or wear time. In just 3 quick and easy steps, get a flawless manicure for up to 10 days. To find all the essentials of this routine, start with a Green Flash™ gel polish starter kit. Best of all, it is removed like regular polish using a gentle acetone-free remover, with no nail damage.
Green FlashTM by Manucurist
- Non-sensitizing
- Compliant with European regulations
- Authorized for sale to consumers
- Free from (meth)acrylate monomers
- Gently removed without acetone
- Shine and wear time for up to 10 days.
Discover the Green Flash innovation and what sets it apart
Sensitization and allergies: be mindful of what you put on your nails
