Recently, (Korean) nail gel polish has been a hot topic in several media outlets reporting on the increase of allergic reactions caused by acrylates in nail gel polish. While it’s very important to raise awareness about the sensitization potential of certain ingredients, we’d like to firmly address that Pretty Yeppuda handles a strict policy in the retail of nail gel products. Respecting the EU Cosmetic Product Regulation, working with renowned Korean nail gel brands and offering HEMA-free gel polish are just a few ways we ensure product safety for our clients.

At Pretty Yeppuda, we believe informing our customers and gel nail enthousiasts - whether it’s about the usage of our products or its ingredients - is part of our service. That’s why this blog will focus on the regulations regarding nail gel safety.

Discussing gel nail safety with Korean brands at Seoul Nail Expo 2024

Korean nail gel products is our business, so it’s only fair that we stay on top of new trends and innovations within the industry. That’s why Pretty Yeppuda visited the biggest Korean gel nail convention of the year: Seoul Nail Expo 2024. It’s a great opportunity to meet up with longlasting partners, learn about new products, and discuss industry specific topics - like gel nail safety. One trend we noticed quickly: there’s a big focus on anti-allergenic gel products, such as HEMA-free gel.

Korean nail gel innovation and safety: HEMA-free nail polish

Korean nail gel manufacturers are renowned for their innovative approaches and commitment to continuous product improvement. In Korea, there is significant attention to allergy concerns, not only for skin products but also for nail gel polishes. For example, Korean nail brands made their switch from HEMA to other acrylates with lower sensitization potential, already two years ago.

This results in a very favorable situation for customers. Currently, less than 20% of gel formulations contain HEMA, and several brands are already 100% HEMA-free.

Discover our product offer HEMA-free gel nail polish collection

Doi is a Korean brand that offers HEMA-free gel nail polish.

Are there any regulations for selling Korean nail gel products?

Understanding EU Cosmetic Product Regulation

When importing products into the European Union market, compliance with the EU Cosmetic Product Regulation is mandatory. Products must be notified in the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) database and undergo a thorough safety assessment that scrutinizes their ingredients. This ensures that items containing unsafe ingredients cannot be marketed within the EU. The regulation includes extensive lists of prohibited and restricted substances, which are regularly updated based on the latest toxicological data.

Pretty Yeppuda is a CPNP-certified webshop of Korean nail gel polish.

It's the responsibility of the importer and the designated "Responsible Person" to ensure products comply with these regulations before they enter the EU market. Governments perform spot checks to verify that importers and responsible persons adhere to regulations, but they do not individually assess every product's safety.

The importance of proper labeling of gel nail products

An essential requirement of the CPR is proper product labeling. Labels must be in the official language(s) of the country where the product is sold and include key information such as:

• Responsible person: The entity accountable for compliance.
• Ingredients list: All components of the nail gel must be listed, allowing consumers to identify potential allergens.
• Product function: A clear description of what the nail gel product is and does.
• Usage warnings: Any necessary precautions to ensure safe use.

Proper labeling ensures transparency and allows consumers to make informed choices. If such labeling is absent, it is an indication that those products are not legally imported and not properly assessed to be safe.

 Always check the labeling and packaging of your nail polish if you have known allergies.

Which precautions can you take as a customer? 

• Purchase from EU-Based nail gel suppliers: Buying from suppliers within the EU ensures that products meet strict regulatory standards. Unfortunately, products imported from outside the EU may not comply and could contain prohibited substances.

• Check for proper labeling on the packaging of your nail gels: If a gel nail product lacks proper labeling, it may not have undergone the necessary safety assessments and could contain forbidden or restricted substances. A label in a different language should also be seen as an alarming element.

• Educate yourself: Some ingredients are more likely to cause sensitization than others. Stay informed about the components in your nail products. (Stay tuned for our upcoming blog article detailing the different types of acrylates used and their sensitization potential.)

• Consult your distributor when in doubt: If you have doubts or questions, reach out to your distributor. They should provide information about the products they offer, either directly or through their suppliers. Do you have a question about a purchase on the webshop of Pretty Yeppuda? Please let us know via our contact form.
  
  
• Practice safe gel nail application methods: Adhere to recommended practices when applying nail gels to minimize exposure to potentially allergy sensitizing ingredients. Read our Guide ‘The Art of Filing Gel Nails’ to ensure a safe yet qualitative manicure.