Nail polishes from Essence, OPI, Essie & Co.: This is the result of the K-Tipp pollutant test
26.8.2025
Translation: machine translated
Bitter result at the K-Tipp: Only one of twelve red nail polishes tested received the rating "good". The good news: the winner is comparatively inexpensive.
The Swiss consumer magazine K-Tipp analysed 12 red nail polishes for harmful substances. With sobering results: 10 contain harmful ingredients that, according to K-Tipp «, cause cancer, disrupt the endocrine system or damage reproduction.»
How the K-Tipp tested
The 12 red nail polishes were tested in a German laboratory using highly sensitive equipment for, among other things, the following harmful ingredients:
- Triphenyl phosphate: A hormone-damaging plasticiser that makes the polishes flexible and durable
- Benzophenone-1: A hormone-active UV filter that protects the colour from fading
- Nitrosamines: The carcinogenic compounds are created by impurities during the manufacturing process or later during storage
These are the results at a glance
Good
Essence' Gel Nail Colour in the colour «14 All-Time FavouRed» is the only one to receive the best overall rating in this test. With a score of 5, the polish is classified by K-Tipp as «good». The product is completely free of the above-mentioned substances. The only flaw: the test laboratory found maximum levels of two substances that can irritate the mucous membranes when inhaled.
Sufficient
The colour «23 Cherry» from Kiko Milano's PowerPro nail lacquer line was awarded a score of 4.5 and a «sufficient». Deductions were made for the UV filter.
Inadequate
Seven polishes received a 3.5 and therefore the overall rating «unsatisfactory». These included the following products:
- Lacura Cosmetics (Aldi own brand), «Big Apple»
- Catrice Gel Affair Nail Lacquer, «Poppy 015»
- Manhattan Up to 10 Days Last & Shine, «It's Gettin' Hot 610
- H&M, «Fandango»
- Essie, «Not red-y for bed 750»
- Maybelline Superstay 7 Days Gel Nail Colour, «Cherry Sin 501»
- Max Factor Nailfinity Gel Colour, «Red Carpet Ready 310»
Bad
Three of the most expensive polishes bring up the rear. These include the polishes from Artdeco and OPI. According to laboratory tests, both contain maximum levels of NDMA (a nitrosamine) in addition to other problematic substances.
- Alessandro, «Red Paradise 904» (score 1.5)
- OPI, «Got the Blues for Red» (grade 1)
- Artdeco Art Couture Nail Lacquer, «Lucious Red 684» (grade 1)
You want to know more? Here is the link to the paid K-Tip article.
Header image: Natalie Hemengül
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
