Our Blacklist ingredients

We strive to include only the safesthealthiest and planet-friendly ingredients in all our formulas!

Discover below the ingredients we refuse to use due to their toxic, sensitizing, petroleum-based or otherwise harmful nature

  • Animal products or derivatives

    In line with Manucurist sustainability initiatives, animal products are excluded from all formulas and ingredients. Animal product profiles contribute heavily to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and other environmental issues. In addition, Manucurist excludes the use of all ingredients that are tested on animals, making all our formulas vegan and cruelty-free 

  • Toluene

    Considered a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) that contributes to air pollution, acts as a major component in smog and can cause respiratory damage in humans and damage for crops or other vegetation. This hasardous chemical is commonly found in paint thinners, glue and nail polish.

  • Camphor

    Toxic substances that is known to cause nausea, dizziness and seizures, with ingestion possibly leading to respiratory failure, coma and even death.

  • Xylene

    Exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea, with prolonged exposure having the potential to cause damage to the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys.

  • Triphenylphosphate

    Commonly found in flame retardant, electronics and plastics, it has been linked to negative health effects such as endocrine disruption and developmental issues in addition to being a suspected carcinogen.

  • Benzophenone

    Linked to cancer, endocrine disruption and organ system toxicity.

  • Styrene

    Used in plastics, rubber and insulation materials. Exposure can cause effects such as irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system as well as headaches, dizziness and nausea. Long-term exposure has been linked to cancer and other serious health conditions.

  • Methacrylate Monomers

    These chemicals are often what cause allergic reactions in gel polish formulas. They are good at creating strong yet flexible films however the molecules are very reactive, volatile and small enough to pass through the epidermis. Due to recent concerns related to this class of chemicals, Manucurist replaces all monomers with oligomers which are less volatile, reactive and larger so they can not cross the skin barrier.

  • Hydroquinone

    Has been found to cause organ-system toxicity and respiratory tract irritation as well as being linked to a skin condition called ochronosis which causes the skin to turn a bluish-grey color. 

  • Ethyl Tosylamide

    Commonly found in nail polish as a plasticizer to help improve flexibility and durability, Ethyl Tosylamide has been found to be linked to skin irritation, photosensitivity and allergic reactions  as well as potentially having endocrine-disruption effects.

  • Phthalates

    Linked to reproductive problems, developmental issues and endocrine disruption, which is why these chemicals are restricted in many countries.