On February 17, 2012, I did a blog post regarding gel manicures that I saw in the March 2012 issue of Good Housekeeping Magazine (GHK).  The article GHK wrote accused several gel manicure brands of being harmful.  One of those brands was CND.  A representative from CND contacted me with information to share some scientific-based facts with you regarding their product.  I’m happy this was done because I love my gel mani’s!  I wonder why GHK would write such an article without knowing the facts first or really dong research?  That article could have cost many people their means of making money, especially if their clients read it and became worked.  I love that CND has come forward to set the record straight.

CND Wants you to Know

– Methacrylates have been safely used in nail products for decades. The Cosmetics Ingredient Review has determined Methacrylates safe as used.

– As of August 2011, CND Shellac does not contain the chemical Methyl Pyrrolidone (n-MP).

Prior to that, several original CND Shellac color formulations used a raw material that contained trace amounts of n-MP in the solvent. The amount of n-MP in the final formula was below 0.1%, well within safe harbor limits of California’s Prop 65.

– The UV light present in the CND UV Lamp has been proven safe to use. Various studies, including one done by Rapid Precision Testing Laboratories, have compared the CND UV Lamp to natural sunlight and various indoor tanning lamps on the market. The tests have confirmed that the bulbs used in CND’s UV Nail Lamp are among the safest in use today. Getting regular UV manicures is equivalent to spending an extra 1-2 minutes in daylight.

– Acetone, which is used to remove CND Shellac, is used in almost all polish removers. Acetone can cause temporary dryness; however, acetone substitutes are less effective and equally as drying. Lightweight oils can be used to offset the temporary dryness.

– CND Shellac is a professional product and should only be used by licensed, trained nail professionals.

– Safety is CND’s top priority and we take tremendous concern with the article in the March issue of Good Housekeeping. It is very misleading. We took immediate steps to clarify the facts with the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI). We met with the head of the institute, two chemists and two research directors to present accurate information and independent study results.  GHI listened, is currently evaluating the information and conducting additional research.  The staff of our lab is at GHI’s disposal. We are also collaborating with the Nail Manufacturers’ Safety Council to ensure that correct and accurate information is available. What is most important to know is that UV manicures are not dangerous. CND Shellac products have been thoroughly researched and tested.  The only risk of possible nail damage would be from improper application or removal by an untrained nail professional or woman at home.

Facts on the Safety of UV Lamps: http://www.schoonscientific.com/downloads/UV-Nail-Lamp-Facts.pdf