Why I Stopped Gel Nails in 2021—and Why the EU Just (Partly) Banned a Key Ingredient

In 2021, I threw in the towel on gel manicures—and I haven’t looked back. Fast forward to today: the European Union has taken a step by banning a common photoinitiator found in many gel polishes, known as TPO, due to concerns over its reproductive and mutagenic effects. While the gel nail industry itself isn't banned, this shift highlights the importance of safer alternatives.

The Hidden Risks of Gel Manicures

• Fumes: The curing process for gel nails releases strong chemical vapors, which—even with ventilation—can irritate your respiratory system, especially over time.
  
  

• UV/LED Exposure: Frequent exposure from curing lamps may contribute to skin damage over the long run.
  
  

• Nail Damage: Removal often involves filing or heavy acetone use, which weakens the nail plate and increases susceptibility to infections like Pseudomonas.
  
  

That’s why I switched in 2021—and why I've never looked back.

Where Clean Beauty Meets Nail Care: Karma Organic Spa, Ridgewood, NJ

I now treat myself at Karma Organic Spa in Ridgewood—and it’s made all the difference. Check out their website here: karmaorganicspa.com

They use only clean, plant-based, vegan, and cruelty-free products—free from harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, acetone, and more. It’s pampering without compromise.

Why “13-Free” Matters—and What It Means

Labels like “3-Free,” “7-Free,” “10-Free,” or even “13-Free” are common in nail polish. They indicate how many potentially harmful ingredients have been excluded. However, there’s no universal standard for what each number includes—so it's important to look at the ingredients list.

One example is Nimble: their nail polishes are 5-Free (no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, DBP, phthalates) and they go further—excluding eight additional chemicals such as ethyl tosylamide and triphenyl phosphate—making them truly 13-Free 

Cleaner Nail Polish Brands Worth Trying

Here are some great 13-Free—or similarly clean—nail polish brands that blend safety with stunning color:

• Nimble – Vegan, cruelty-free, and fully 13-Free—excludes common toxins like formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, PLUS eight more additives.
  
  

• Mavala – Marketed as “13-Free,” their polishes (including base and top coats) avoid a broad range of harmful chemicals for a cleaner manicure experience.
  
  

• Sally Hansen Good.Kind.Pure – This widely available, budget-friendly drugstore option is 16-Free, plant-based, vegan, and offers excellent coverage and wear.
  
  

• Elle + Mila, Tenoverten, Zoya – Although not always labelled “13-Free,” these brands emphasize clean beauty, often using 10-Free or higher formulations and offering vibrant, durable colors.
  
  

• Ella + Mila – Vegan, toxin-free polishes that are widely praised for both their formulas and finishes.

• Olive & June KMC Nail Polish
  A sleek, salon-quality polish crafted for clean beauty—vegan, cruelty-free, and free of 15 harmful chemicals. Smooth, streak-free application in rich colors.
  
  

• Sundays Nontoxic Nail Polish No.11
  A standout watermelon-pink shade that's 10-Free, non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free—perfect for making a statement without sacrificing safety.
  
  

My Health-Smart Nail Tips

1. Read beyond the label: “13-Free” is a good start—but always check the actual ingredient list to see what’s been omitted.
   
   

2. Choose proven clean brands: Nimble, Mavala, Elle + Mila, Zoya, Sundays, Sally Hansen Good.Kind.Pure—these deliver both performance and peace of mind.
   
   

3. Rotate your products: Breaks between manicures help your nails recover and reduce exposure.
   
   

4. Pamper in clean spaces: Karma Organic Spa offers beautifully safe sessions—no harsh chemical exposure, just clean beauty in Ridgewood, NJ.