The manicure world has changed dramatically, shifting from a quest for perfection and high shine at all costs toward a more eco-friendly, nail-friendly approach. Long criticized for problematic ingredients and the risks it posed to nail health, traditional gel polish now faces competition from organic gel formulas. But what exactly do we mean by organic polish? What goes into these next-generation polishes? And how do you spot a good organic polish? We answer all your questions to help you find the best options for a long-lasting, high-performance manicure.
What is an organic gel polish?
Definition
First, let's be clear: organic nail polish doesn't mean the polish is 100% natural or contains natural ingredients from organic farming. Rather, “organic nail polish” is shorthand for bio-based nail polish. So organic gel polish refers to a long-wear polish in which most ingredients come from plant biomass.
Unlike traditional gel polish manufacturers who source their solvents, plasticizers, and other components from the petrochemical industry, organic nail polish brands strive to find plant-based alternatives. The goal is twofold:
👉 Use renewable resources and reduce the product's carbon footprint.
👉 Offer cleaner, nail-friendly formulas without compromising the performance of the gel polish.
With natural gel polish, opt for an eco-responsible, non-toxic formula.
What sets it apart from traditional gel polish
As mentioned above, the main difference lies in the chemical composition. While traditional gel polish contains solvents, plasticizers, and synthetic resins that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions upon contact, bio-sourced gel polish prioritizes plant-based alternatives that are safe for your health.
Here are a few examples of the alternative natural ingredients and bio-based solvents in the formula of Manucurist's Green Flash™ gel polish:
• Nitrocellulose, a key ingredient that ensures strength and shine, is derived from cotton.
• Ethyl acetate, a solvent that ensures smooth polish application, is derived from sugar cane.
• Another solvent, butyl acetate, is derived from cassava.
• Acetyl tributyl citrate, a plasticizer that provides polish flexibility, is sourced from corn.
• Stearalkonium bentonite, which stabilizes the polish viscosity, is derived from clay.
Sugar cane, cotton, corn… our plant-based alternatives to replace petroleum-derived solvents and plasticizers.
Another key advantage that sets these natural polish formulas apart: their composition allows for ultra-gentle, express removal! With traditional gel polish, removal requires buffing or soaking in acetone for 10 to 15 minutes, which can leave nails damaged. With Green Flash™, the polish is removed with a gentle remover, peeling off in 1 to 2 minutes per hand, with no buffing or acetone, and most importantly, no damage to the nail. A real game-changer!
Substances to avoid at all costs
Checking the INCI list (the ingredient list on the back of the bottle) should be your first instinct when buying nail polish, especially if made outside the European Union. Regardless of the brand, make sure it is free from risky substances such as:
• Methacrylate monomers (HEMA, DI-HEMA TMHDC): widely used in early gel polish formulas for their ability to form a very strong film on the nail, these molecules proved to be highly sensitizing. Since 2021, the EU has banned them in the manufacture and sale of cosmetic products.
• CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic): this category includes endocrine disruptors such as Bisphenol A, as well as triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), TPO, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, hydroquinone, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, benzophenone, styrene, and phenoxyethanol.
• Camphor is also among the toxic components, as it can cause serious side effects in case of overexposure or ingestion.
💡 Good to know: since its launch in 2016, Manucurist has systematically excluded these unwanted ingredients from its polish formulas. Thanks to this commitment, Green Flash™ has always stayed one step ahead of European cosmetics regulations, making Manucurist a pioneer in sustainable, responsible beauty.
The criteria for a good organic gel polish
To choose the right natural gel polish, here are a few key criteria to check:
🌸COSMOS-certified polish: among organic certifications, COSMOS is the international benchmark for natural cosmetics. COSMOS-certified products must meet strict environmental standards and are guaranteed free from GMOs and petrochemical-derived ingredients. Manucurist products carry this certification.
💅A high-performance gel polish: a clean formulation shouldn't compromise the performance of the polish, which should retain all the user benefits of traditional gel: gel-effect shine, intense color, resistance, and long wear.
🐱Vegan and cruelty-free polish: a natural gel polish should also guarantee no animal-derived ingredients in its formula, production or manufacture. Manucurist's Vegan Society certification confirms this. The products aren't tested on animals either, a practice already banned under European regulations.
🇫🇷 Polish formulated and made in France: this creates jobs, reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport, and guarantees high quality and traceability standards.
♻️An eco-responsible polish: beyond a clean formula, organic nail polish brands must manage their environmental footprint. At Manucurist, we strive to reduce waste by selecting packaging made with recycled, recyclable, and sustainable materials, and by eliminating secondary packaging.
Green Flash™, the gentle alternative to gel polish
Since its launch in 2020, Green Flash™ LED polish has established itself as the go-to natural gel polish, growing to become the market leader in organic, non-toxic gel polishes. It ticks every box for today's consumers:
✅A formulation that is vegan and bio-sourced up to 84%.
✅Easy polish application, thanks to a complete system available in nail polish kits containing:
• The Green Flash™ Vitamin Base Coat, which nourishes and strengthens the nail beneath the colour thanks to patented Kera HCE+ technology.
• One or more Green Flash™ nail polish colours to choose from a range of over 100 shades.
• A choice of 2 top coats to tailor the finish and wear time to your needs: Green Flash™ Top Coat (intense shine, a naturally plumped finish and up to 12 days of wear) or Xtrem Flash™ Top Coat (extreme shine, a plumped gel-effect finish and up to 21 days of wear).
• A foldable LED lamp with 2 power options: 24W or 36W.
✅Quick polish removal, without buffing or acetone, which peels off using a gentle remover, without drying out or damaging the nail plate.
Organic gel polish: key takeaways
👉An organic gel polish is a bio-sourced polish in which petrochemical components from traditional gel polishes are replaced with natural ingredients derived from biomass.
👉The formulas of the best organic gel polishes are COSMOS-certified, vegan, guaranteed free from HEMA, TPO, and other toxic substances, and respect the nail from application through to removal.
👉An organic gel polish delivers the same performance (shine, color, long wear) as a traditional gel polish. It also has the advantage of being easier to remove, without damaging the nail.
👉Manucurist Green Flash™ polish is the 1st patented gel polish that strengthens and protects the nail under the color. Its bio-sourced formula (up to 84%) lasts up to 21 days with the Top Coat Xtrem Flash™. It removes gently without buffing or acetone.
Choosing a high-performance gel polish without compromising on nail health is possible with organic gel polishes. The key is to prioritize bio-sourced and certified products that guarantee a clean formulation. With Green Flash™, discover all the benefits of a long-lasting, responsible gel manicure without the drawbacks of traditional gel. An innovative formula recommended by 97% of users, just like Sharon:
Clean gel polish that lasts, with vibrant colors. What more could you ask for? 🤗 Easy and quick to apply, the colors are gorgeous, and the finish looks just like real gel (without the nasty ingredients full of endocrine disruptors). Love it ✨
And rewarded by numerous awards across the world, notably including:
