Gel polish is one of those little pleasures many women love. Beautiful, shiny nails that last for weeks without chipping – sounds like a dream, right? I used to get gel polish done regularly and saw it as something completely normal, just part of maintaining that “feminine look.”

But after I started diving deeper into the topics of toxins, hormonal balance, and clean living, I realized how much chemistry hides behind this seemingly harmless beauty routine. I haven’t had gel nails for four years now, with only two small exceptions – I just wanted some variety and to “remind myself” of the feeling. But both times, I gave up quickly. Not only because it didn’t fit into my schedule or my life with kids, but also because I didn’t feel good about it deep down. I felt torn between the desire for an external glow and my growing conviction that this wasn’t harmless at all – that it actually burdens the body in more ways than we realize.

What’s Really Inside Gel Polish

Most gel polishes contain what’s known as the “toxic trio” – formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).

• Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. It’s used to make the polish harder and more durable but is toxic when inhaled or in contact with skin.

• Toluene affects the nervous system and can cause headaches, dizziness, and irritation.

• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) disrupts hormonal balance and impacts reproductive health.

Even if we don’t notice the effects right away, these substances accumulate in the body over time. This puts strain on the liver and lymphatic system and can manifest as hormonal imbalances, fatigue, or skin irritations.

UV Lamps – Small Doses, Big Risks

Another often-overlooked factor is the UV lamps used to cure the polish. They emit the same type of rays that cause photoaging and pigmentation spots, and long-term exposure may even increase the risk of skin cancer. Most women don’t even think to apply sunscreen to their hands before a manicure, though that’s the very least we can do.

The New EU Regulations – And Why It’s Not a Coincidence

Starting September 1, 2025, the European Union officially bans the ingredient Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) in gel polishes. This decision is part of the EU’s broader health protection measures and applies to all cosmetic products containing this substance.

TPO is used as a photoinitiator, meaning it helps the polish harden quickly under a UV lamp. However, studies have shown it can be toxic with prolonged contact and potentially harmful to reproductive health and skin.

The fact that even the EU is enforcing such a ban is a clear signal that this issue shouldn’t be underestimated. If something needs to be pulled from the market for being unsafe, we probably don’t want it on our bodies – especially every two weeks.

“I Feel Ugly Without Gel Polish” – A Common Misconception

Not liking yourself without something artificial that hides your natural look is a sign there’s some inner work to be done. I say that with love. This feeling is the result of years of marketing and social pressure telling women they must always look “perfect.” But the truth is, there’s nothing ugly about clean, short, natural nails.

When you free yourself from the need to hide something, you start feeling lighter, freer, and more confident in your own skin.

What to Do Instead – Beautiful Yet Healthy Nails

There are safer alternatives like “5-free,” “10-free,” or even “15-free” nail polishes that exclude the most toxic chemicals. Personally, I prefer keeping my nails natural, short, and nourished with jojoba or coconut oil. It takes less time, doesn’t harm my body, and still looks clean and polished.

Even if you don’t want to give up gel polish completely, try reducing how often you use it and give your nails some rest. They, just like your body, need time to recover.

Small Daily Choices Make a Big Difference

After I stopped using gel polish, I began paying more attention to what I put on my skin – not only on my nails but everywhere. The truth is, our skin absorbs a portion of everything we apply to it, so switching to cleaner products is a natural next step in self-care.

One thing that helped me the most in replacing toxic products with cleaner alternatives has been essential oils. I use them for everything – from nail nourishment and hair masks to aromatherapy and home cleaning.

My favorite brand is NOW Foods because their oils are pure, affordable, and high quality. I order them from iHerb, which has a great selection and frequent deals.

For nails specifically, I love:

• Tea tree oil – helps with irritations and nail fungus

• Lemon oil – strengthens and brightens the nail plate

• Lavender oil – perfect for soothing and softening the cuticles

I mix a few drops with coconut or jojoba oil and massage it in every evening – my nails become stronger, shinier, and deeply nourished.

If you’d like to try them, you can order from iHerb.com and use my discount code: KCL9038 🌿

Choosing Conscious Beauty

We don’t need to give up beauty – we just need to create it in a cleaner, healthier, and more mindful way. When we start making small changes – like replacing gel polish with natural care or switching to clean cosmetics – it slowly becomes not just a habit, but a new lifestyle.

💚 True self-care begins with the choice not to harm our bodies – even when it comes to something as small as nail polish.

Share With Me

How do you feel about gel polish? Do you still get it regularly or have you switched to more natural nail care? Share your thoughts in the comments – I always love hearing from women who are finding their own balance between beauty and health. 🌸