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Is Gel Polish Bad for Your Nails?
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Is Gel Polish Bad for Your Nails?

Gel nail polishes have become more popular in recent years. However, this rise in popularity has raised questions about whether gel polishes should be used. The impact of permanent polish on nails and health, in general, continues to raise many questions.

Dr. Lana
Article author

Dr. Lana

Podologist

What is it made of?

To find out whether gel polish is potentially harmful it’s important to look at the materials in it. There are several materials that can cause health issues:

Toluene (toluol): Solvent that is dangerous if inhaled, can cause kidney, liver, and bile duct problems

Formaldehyde: Negatively affects the immune system, liver, and dries the nail plate

Dibutyl phthalate: Although phthalates protect nail polish from peeling off, ===but phthalates are harmful to the endocrine system

Nitrocellulose: Needed to form a hard and smooth film on the nails, but irritates the bronchi and in asthmatics can cause an attack

Propylene glycol: preservative, but causes skin irritation

While these sound harmful, the penetration of harmful substances through the nail...

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October 28, 2025
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Is Gel Polish Bad for Your Nails? - Ornament Community