Since its release in 2019, the LED varnish Green Flash™ revolutionized the market for semi-permanent varnish. But how is it different from the semi-permanent traditional ones? What more, or what less? Zoom on an innovative varnish formula that excluded TPO, HEMA and other substances at risk well before the hour.
The traditional semi-permanent, what is it?
A varnish that had everything to please
This type of varnish emerged around 2011 as an alternative to coloured gels and fake nails. It is obtained by mixing the acrylic gel and varnish and will react under UV or LED lamp to create in a few moments a sticky and resistant film. Thanks to this catalysis, on semi-permanent varnish offers a hold and shine superior to that of a classic varnish. What to seduce the pressed consumers who do not want to take care of their nails every 2 days!
But semi-permanent varnish has, in recent years, been increasingly Bad reputation. The reason is that the removal methods are not respectful, such as sanding machine or l'acetone, which can damage nails in a long time. But also (and above all) chemical components that are classified as at risk and have gradually been banned by the European authorities.
Substances banned in Europe
These ingredients are banned from semi-permanent varnish formulas:
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Substances classified as CMR (Cancerogen, Mutagen or Reprotoxic): toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate),formaldehyde or l-hydroquinone have long been present in cosmetic product formulas for their plasticizing, hardening or conservative properties. In the face of the health risks they pose, the EU has introduced increasingly stringent regulations on their use and even ban products containing them. Last example as of 1 September 2025, the TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) is permanently prohibited in European cosmetics.
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The HEMA and DI-HEMA-TMHLDC : small molecules belonging to the chemical family of acrylates or methyl-acrylates, which are responsible for adhesion of the varnish on løongle but also highly reactive, sensitizing and volatile. Since September 2021, the sale of semi-permanent varnishes containing these two molecules to private individuals has been prohibited in the countries of the European Union. Only manicure professionals are allowed to use them in an institute and under conditions.
Why? Green Flash™ Is it different?
You may know the LED varnish Green Flash™ Since its release in 2019 but the adventure started much earlier. From the moment it was conceived, we made the choice ofexclude all controversial molecules and to replace as far as possible synthetic molecules from petrochemicals with ingredients of vegetable origin.
Non-sensitizing copolymers
Exit the monomers d-HEMA and DI-HEMA-TMHDC, you will not find in the LED varnishes Green Flash™ . To replace them, our formula contains non-sensitizing co-polymers. Their action remains the same: thanks to UV, they bind together to form a network and hop, your varnish is dry!
Larger than the molecules d-HEMA and DI-HEMA-TMHDC, our copolymers are non-sensitizing, non-volatile, do not penetrate the skin barrier and therefore do not cause allergy. And especially our copolymers are removed like a classic varnish, using a soft solvent without an acetone that does not dry the nails. And that's a real revolution!
A bio-sourced varnish
Other radical bias in the design of varnish Green Flash™ : replace maximum petroleum solvents or plasticisers by plant alternatives. Thus we obtained a bio-based formula up to 84%. And here are some examples of how we use biomass ingredients:
- Corn is extracted from acetyltributylcitrate which allows the varnish to form a smooth and shiny layer.
- Sugarcane provides ethyl acetate that guarantees the fluidity and ease of application of our varnishes.
- The cassava a product of butyl acetate which also fluidizes and facilitates the application of varnish.
- Cotton provides nitrocellulose that ensures the strength of the varnish.
These ingredients do not necessarily come from organic farming, but they allow for reduce carbon footprint of the product, D-use renewable resources and doffer a biodegradable product and more respectful formulations nails.
For us, your well-being is a priority! Green Flash™ is therefore logically the result of a long development work to succeed in replacing molecules at risk with alternatives without danger to your nails. The challenge was to achieve a formula of semi-permanent vegan, bio-sourced varnish that is easily posed and withdrawn, all without concession on shine and hold. For the past 5 years, you have been over 600,000 in 30 different countries to choose Green Flash™ : proof that the bet is widely won! To test this alternative at home, you can start with a semi-permanent varnish kit Green Flash™.
