Let’s be honest, when you’re creating
Instagram
-worthy nails, the last things on your mind are paperwork and regulations. Your focus is on perfect prep, clean application and a scroll-stopping finish. as backstage VIP lists: if a product isn’t on them, it shouldn’t be on your desk. These systems exist to ensure that every product has been assessed, documented and deemed safe for professional use.
However, behind every gorgeous gel mani or perfectly sculpted set of acrylic nails is something significant: product safety – and it deserves as much attention as your artistry.
Since 2013, all cosmetic products sold across Europe are required to be registered on the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP), and those sold in the UK on the United Kingdom Notification Portal (UKNP). Think of these Only manufacturers and official authorities can access the CPNP and UKNP, because they’re protected as intellectual property, but they play a huge role in keeping the industry safe and accountable. In the UK, there’s also the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), which has been overseeing compliance since 2021, making sure that everything on the market is doing exactly what it should (and nothing it shouldn’t).
ABOUT CATRIONA LEITH
Cambridgeshire-based Cat Leith boasts 19 years’ experience in the nail sector. She balances salon and education roles, crafting artistic creations for the loyal clients of her business, The Nail Studio, while delivering high-quality training to pros as co-head of education for Hazel Dixon Nail Artist Academy.
Cat has scooped a multitude of awards, including the Scratch Stars Gel Tech of the Year and One Stroke Artist of the Year accolades in 2022, 2023 and 2024. As a result, she entered the awards’ Hall Of Fame for both categories.
www.thenailstudiocambridge.co.uk /thenailstudiocb @thenailstudiocb
‘‘ Great nails don’t just start with skill, but with safe products. ‘‘
Why should you care?
Your reputation is everything. Every set of nails you create reflects your standards, professionalism and brand. Using products that aren’t registered means no one really knows what’s in them, how they behave or how they might react – and that’s a risk you don’t want to take for you or your clients.
Registered products have been tested, assessed and approved, allowing you to work with confidence. This means that you’re not second-guessing ingredients, cure times or safety, and can focus on your craft, knowing the foundation is solid. In an industry where trust is everything, that peace of mind goes a long way.
Pro tip: Most brands will allow access to their Safety Data Sheets (SDS), which can give you extra insight into products. However, this isn’t actually a legal requirement. The real, reliable indicator that a product is compliant is its label.
‘‘ Your reputation is everything. Every set of nails you create reflects your standards, professionalism and brand.‘‘
Label literacy: what to look for
Have you ever read the labels of your nail products? Not many people do, but those tiny details are doing a lot of heavy lifting. They’re not just there for show; they’re your first and most important safety check.
Certain things are required to be listed on a label by law. If they are missing, vague or unclear, contact the brand for clarification. Here’s what to look out for:
• The ‘Responsible Person’ (RP) who’s legally accountable for the product.
• Country of origin (no, ‘made with love’ doesn’t count).
• A use-by date or the open jar symbol (Period After Opening/PAO) showing how long the product is safe after being opened.
• The product size.
• Safety advice and correct usage instructions – including curing times where relevant.
• A batch number, which is crucial for traceability if anything goes wrong.
• A clear description of what the product is and does.
• The ingredients, listed from highest to lowest concentration.
Lost in translation? Not OK!
Did you know that if you can’t read a product’s label, it’s not compliant? Products sold in the UK must be labelled in English – no exceptions. So, if you’ve ordered something online and it arrives with labels in another language and no clear translation, it doesn’t meet UK regulations – and anything that falls short shouldn’t be used by you, or with clients. It might look cute and be a bargain, but compliance must be prioritised.
Stay smart, stay safe
Being a nail tech isn’t just about creativity – it’s about professionalism, responsibility and building trust. Your clients aren’t just coming to you for beautiful nails; they’re trusting you with their safety.
Knowing that your products are legal, registered and fully compliant means you’re protecting your clients, business and reputation. It shows that you care about more than just the end result: you care about the process behind it.
So, next time you reach for your favourite nail shade, take a moment to check the packaging. Great nails don’t just start with skill, but with safe products.”
Cat x