Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish vs Nail Polish: which is safer?

Julep Nail Polish is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish

Deborah Lippmann

Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish

PFAS grade

C 75/100

Overall grade

F 49/100

Verdict

Buy with care

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

gel-based nail polish, organic resins and polymers

Confidence

72%

PossibleUnreacted acrylate monomers (contact sensitizer)

LikelyUV-A radiation from curing lamps

PossibleFragrance allergens and undisclosed components

Our pick

Julep Nail Polish

Julep

Nail Polish

PFAS grade

A 100/100

Overall grade

A 96/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 1

Material

nitrocellulose, resins, pigments

Confidence

78%

PossiblePhthalate plasticizers (skin absorption during wear)

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More cosmetic color products: see the full ranking