Since its launch in 2019, Green Flash has been ahead of the regulations by formulating clean alternatives to traditional gel polish by not including any sensitizing HEMA or Di-HEMA TMHDC molecules. In recent years, these 2 molecules have become prohibited from sale to the public in the EU.
What exactly is HEMA?
When referring to the most sensitizing molecules typically included in gel formulas the two main chemicals are: HEMA and Di-HEMA TMHDC. These two ingredients are used due to their ability to react with other molecules to create a strong, hard, plastic-like film (gel) under UV or LED light.
What are the risks?
The problem is that these very small, very reactive molecules are volatile and can penetrate the skin, causing severe allergic and inflammatory skin reactions. Any polish smudges on your fingers can be a risk. In addition, in order to remove gels formed by these, you need to use acetone and an abrasive nail drill.
Characteristics of HEMA and Di-HEMA TMHDC
- Sensitizing molecules if in direct contact with the skin (allergic dermatitis).
- Very small, highly reactive and able to penetrate the epidermis = skin conditions.
- Volatile = risk of inhalation, irritation of respiratory mucous membranes, asthma.
- Removal requires the use ofacetone and an abrasive nail drill.
What does the law say?
Since September 2021, the new European regulation* has prohibited the sale of nail products containing these two molecules to the public. Now, only nail care professionals are permitted to handle these products in salons and encouraged to take a number of precautions (vacuum table, filter mask and nitrile gloves).
What does the European regulation say?
Since September 2021, products containing the substances HEMA and Di-HEMA TMHDC have been:
- Prohibited from sale to the public.
- Authorised for sale to professionals subject to conditions.
Products sold to professionals must display the statement: "For professional use only - may produce an allergic reaction".
Green Flash: the risk-free alternative that fully complies with the regulation.
Since its launch in 2019, our innovative Green Flash has been ahead of the regulation, offering a new generation of cleaner, greener, non-sensitizing gel polish.
The result of extensive research and development work, Green Flash by Manucurist complies with the regulation, is authorised for sale to the public and contains no HEMA monomers or Di-HEMA TMHDC. To replace them we use copolymers, whose scary-sounding name—Bis-HEMA Poly(1,4-Butanediol)-9/IPDI Copolymer—may cause confusion.
Don't panic! Read on to find out why our products are not sensitizing.
Chemically speaking, our copolymers are made from an assembly of three molecules, each with a different composition. Unlike HEMA monomers and Di-HEMA TMHDC, our copolymers are not sensitizing. They are much larger, less reactive, non-volatile and cannot penetrate the skin or trigger allergic inflammatory skin reactions.
« Because I was allergic to traditional gel nail polish, I wanted to try Green Flash products. I am completely satisfied with the result and had no allergic reaction! I recommend it 200%. » Louise P
« I have tried many gel polishes and all have caused me allergic reactions. I was so happy to find a natural alternative that stayed like gel! As a plus, no allergic reaction or damage to my nails! » Elise B
Green Flash, the alternative that doesn't compromise on staying power or shine
Green Flash LED Gel-alternative polish is still equally effective: LED light causes the copolymers to bond and form a network of polymers that harden the coat of nail polish and give it great staying power.
Green Flash by Manucurist is an alternative that doesn't compromise on staying power or shine. In just 3 quick & easy steps you have a flawless manicure lasting up to 10 days. And it can be removed like regular polish with a gentle, acetone-free nail polish remover, without damaging your nails.
Green FlashTM by Manucurist
- Non-sensitizing
- Complies with the European regulation
- Authorised for sale to the public
- Guaranteed to contain no HEMA monomers or Di-HEMA TMHDC
- Can be removed gently without acetone
- Shine and staying power for up to 10 days
