At-home gel manicure kits may come with hidden health risks

DIY gel nail kits might save money and time, but experts warn that they could expose users to hazardous chemicals, leading to serious health problems.

Amudalat Ajasa reports for The Washington Post.


In short:

  • Many DIY gel manicure kits sold online contain high concentrations of harmful chemicals that may cause allergic reactions or other health issues.
  • Chemicals like HEMA and IBOA, often found in these kits, are linked to skin irritation, long-term allergies, and even potential complications with medical devices.
  • Experts recommend using regular nail polish or leaving gel nail application to trained professionals to avoid serious risks.

Key quote:

“Doing gel nails at home with systems that you buy for very little money ... can lead to problems.”

— Jim McConnell, cosmetic chemist

Why this matters:

Those DIY gel manicure kits may promise glossy, long-lasting results, but experts are sounding the alarm about what’s lurking beneath that polished surface. Dermatologists and toxicologists point to the risk of skin irritation, allergic reactions, damaged nails and toxic exposure to likely carcinogens. Read more: Marissa Chan on solutions to harmful beauty products.

About the author(s):

EHN Curators
EHN Curators
Articles curated and summarized by the Environmental Health News' curation team. Some AI-based tools helped produce this text, with human oversight, fact checking and editing.

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