The world of manicure has evolved radically, moving from a search for perfection and mirror shine at all costs to a more eco-friendly and nail-friendly approach. Long-described for its problematic ingredients and the risks it posed to nail health, the traditional semi-permanent varnish is now competed with organic varnish formulas. But what exactly is organic varnish? What do these new generation varnishes contain? And how can I recognize a good organic varnish? We answer all your questions to help you find the best options for a durable and efficient manicure.
What is a semi-permanent organic varnish?
Definition
The term "in the first place" is organic varnish does not mean that the varnish is 100% natural or contains natural ingredients from organic farming. Let's say that bio-based varnish. When you talk about semi-permanent organic varnish, therefore, a long-lasting varnish, where a majority of ingredients are derived from plant biomass.
Unlike traditional semi-permanent varnish manufacturers who supply solvents, plasticizers and other components to the petrochemical industry, organic varnish brands are seeking to vegetable alternatives. The objective is twofold:
Use Renewable resources and reduce the carbon footprint of the product.
Propose healthier and more nail-friendly formulas without degrade the performance of semi-permanent varnish.
With semi-permanent natural varnishes, opt for an eco-responsible and non-toxic varnish formula.
What distinguishes it from a semi-permanent traditional varnish
As we have just mentioned, the major difference lies in the chemical composition. Where a traditional semi-permanent varnish contains solvents, plasticisers and synthetic resins that may present risks of irritation or allergy in contact with the skin, bio-based gel varnish favours the use of a plant alternatives without health risk.
The following are examples of natural alternative ingredients and bio-sourced solvents that make up the formula of the semi-permanent varnish Green Flash™ of the Manucurist :
• Nitrocellulosis, key ingredient that guarantees strength and shine is derived from the cotton.
• Ethyl acetate, solvent that ensures the fluid application of the varnish, is produced from the sugar cane.
• Another solvent, theButyl acetate is extracted from cassava.
• Acetyltributylcitrate, a plasticizing agent that ensures the flexibility of the varnish, comes from the maize.
• Stearalkonium bentonite which stabilizes the viscosity of the varnish is derived from theclay.
Sugar cane, cotton, corn... our vegetable alternatives to oil-derived solvents and plasticizers.
Another advantage that distinguishes these natural varnish formulas: their composition allows for a ultra-soft and express withdrawal - I'm not. With a classic semi-permanent, the removal is done by sanding or applying acetone for 10 to 15 minutes, which can leave the nail in a sad state. With Green Flash™, the varnish withdraws with a soft solvent, made of peel-off 1-2 minutes per hand, without sanding or acetone, and especially without damage to the nail. A real revolution!
Substances to be avoided absolutely
Reading theINCI label (the one that specifies the composition of the varnish on the back of the bottle) must be your first reflex when you buy a nail polish, especially if it is manufactured outside the European Union. Whatever the varnish marks, check that they do not contain substances at risk such as:
• Methylacrylate monomers (HEMA, DI-HEMA TMHDC) : highly used in the first formulae of semi-permanents for their ability to form a very solid film on the nail, these molecules have proved highly sensitizing. Since 2021, the EU has banned them in the manufacture and sale of cosmetic products.
• Substances classified as CMR (carcinogens, mutagens, reprotoxics): this category includes: endocrine disruptors As a result, the Commission has not yet taken into account the fact that the Union industry is not in a position to meet its obligations under the Treaty. TPO, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (or DBP), formaldehyde, hydroquinone, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, benzophenone, styrene, phenoxyethanol.
• The camphor is also a toxic component as it can cause serious side effects in the event of overexposure or ingestion.
💡 Good to know : since its creation in 2016, Manucurist systematically excludes these undesirable ingredients from its varnish formulas. With this commitment, Green Flash™ has always been ahead of the development of European cosmetics regulations and Manucurist is a pioneering brand of responsible and sustainable beauty.
The criteria for a good semi-permanent organic varnish
To choose your semi-permanent natural varnish, here are some criteria to check:
A COSMOS labeled varnish : among organic labels, COSMOS is the international reference for natural cosmetics. COSMOS labeled products must meet strict eco-responsibility standards and are guaranteed free of GMOs and petrochemical ingredients. Products Manucurist are holders of this label.
A high-performance semi-permanent varnish The clean composition must not affect the performance of the varnish, which must retain all the qualities of use of the semi-permanent traditional varnish: glossy gel effect, intense color, strength and long hold.
A vegan and cruelty-free varnish : a semi-permanent natural varnish must also guarantee theabsence of ingredients of animal origin in its formulation, production or manufacture. This is what the certification of the Vegan Society obtained by Manucurist . Neither does any test of products on animals, a practice which is prohibited by European regulations.
A varnish formulated and made in France This creates jobs, reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport and ensures high quality and traceability standards.
An eco-responsible varnish : Beyond the clean composition of the varnish, organic varnish brands must master the environmental footprint of their varnishes. At Manucurist The aim is to reduce the impact of waste by choosing packaging solutions, including materials are recycled, recyclable and durable, and eliminating secondary packaging.
Green Flash™ , the soft alternative to semi-permanent
Since its creation in 2020, the LED varnish Green Flash™ has become the semi-permanent natural varnish of reference, until it becomes market leader in organic and non-toxic gel varnishes. It indeed ticks all the requirements of today's consumers:
A composition vegan and bio-based up to 84%.
One easy varnishing, served by a complete system to find in varnish kits including:
• The Vitaminated Coat Base Green Flash™ which nourishes and strengthens the nail under the color thanks to patented Kera HCE+ technology.
• One or more varnish colours Green Flash™ to select from a palette that counts more than 100 shades.
• 2 top coats to suit the needs of the rendering and holding: Top Coat Green Flash™ (intensive, natural and held for up to 12 days) or Top Coat Xtrem Flash™ (Extreme warning, frost effect, held up to 21 days).
• One foldable LED lamp with 2 powers of choice: 24W or 36W.
One quick varnish coating, without sanding or acetone, which is made of peel-off with a soft solvent, without drying or altering the nail plate.
Organic semi-permanent varnishes: what to remember
A semi-permanent organic varnish is a bio-based varnish in which the components of semi-permanent traditional petrochemical varnishes are replaced by natural ingredients extracted from biomass.
The formulas of the good semi-permanent organic varnishes are COSMOS certified, vegan, guaranteed without HEMA, TPO and other toxic substances, and respect the nail from laying until removal.
A semi-permanent organic varnish offers the same performance (brightness, colour, long hold) than a traditional semi-permanent varnish. He has the advantage of withdraw more easily, without damaging the nail.
The varnish Green Flash™ of the Manucurist is the 1st patented semi-permanent varnish that strengthens and protects nail under the color. Its bio-based formula up to 84% lasts up to 21 days with the Top Coat Xtrem Flash™ . He withdraws gently without sanding or acetone.
Choosing a high-performance semi-permanent varnish without compromising the health of its nails is possible with organic semi-permanent varnishes. The main thing is to favour bio-based and labeled products, guaranteeing clean composition. With Green Flash™ , discover all the advantages of a permanent and responsible semi-permanent manicure without the disadvantages of the traditional semi-permanent. An innovative formula recommended by 97% of users, like Sharon:
Semi-permanent clean, holding, and with vibrant colors. What more can I ask? Easy to apply, fast, colors are super beautiful, the rendering is like real gel (but without the disgusting compo full of endocrine disruptors), I love
And awarded with numerous awards throughout the world, including:
