5 Reasons Gel Manicures Are Ruining Your Nails (and the 3 Essentials You Need)

3 steps.

Cleaner ingredients.

Salon-level shine — no toxins,

no lamps, no damage.

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Leaping Bunny
Certified
Toxin Free
One Tree Planted
for Every Order
Woman Founded
Clean Beauty
Since 2014
Born in
California
100,000+ Toxin
Free Manicures
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REASON #1

Gel and Acrylics Weaken Nails

Harsh chemicals, drills, and removers cause thinning and peeling over time.

Côte Beauty's Nail Strengthener Base Coat fortifies with a plant-based formula that protects and supports natural growth — no damage, just resilience.

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REASON #2

UV Exposure and Harsh Removal

UV lamps can dry and age the skin, while acetone soaks dehydrate nails and cuticles.

Côte Beauty's Quick-Dry Top Coat delivers mirror-like shine in minutes — no lamps, no damage, no residue.

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REASON #3

They’re Loaded with Toxins

Traditional gels contain chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene that can irritate and dull nails over time.

Côte Beauty's polishes are toxin-free, vegan, and cruelty-free — free from formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and other harsh chemicals found in traditional polish. It’s safer for you, your nails, and the planet.

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REASON #4

They Limit Your Look

Once applied, gels lock you into one color until your next appointment.

Côte Beauty offers a curated spectrum of shades — from delicate pinks to deep, moody tones — designed for effortless change and everyday wear.

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REASON #5

They Keep You Stuck in a Cycle of Damage

Constant refills and removals take time and toll.

Côte Beauty's 3-step system simplifies nail care into a healthier ritual: strengthen, color, and shine — no salon required.

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3 Easy Steps

Cleaner, Safer Nails Start Here

Step 1 - Prime:
Apply Nail Strengthener Base Coat to fortify weak nails.

Step 2 - Polish:
Choose your favorite color in clean, toxin-free shades.

Step 3 - Shine:
Seal with Quick Dry Top Coat for long-lasting shine in under 3 minutes.

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Don't just take our word for it

  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    They are the best I've found

    "I really love all of cote's nail polishes! They are the best I've found. I am really liking the fast dry of the new quick dry top coat. I use it every time I paint my nails." - Amy S.

  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    No more nail splitting

    "I had horrible nail splitting until I started using this nail strengthener base coat. I no longer have that issue, so I would definitely recommend this product." - Lori G

  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Goes on like a dream!

    "Beautiful, rich, saturated color that goes on like a dream! It makes me happy every time I see my nails. The brush is great to provide even coats. I love the base coat and top coat too." - Nancy B.
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Non-toxic nail polish formulated without...

Formaldehyde
Classified as a known carcinogen, formaldehyde is often used as a preservative, nail hardener and strengthener in conventional polishes.
Toluene
Included in some polishes as a solvent to smooth application, is has been linked to impaired human reproduction and development, impaired breathing, being harmful to the nervous system and nausea.
Dibutyl Phthalate (dbt)
Shown to affect the reproductive system and linked to cancer, DBP has been used as plasticizer and solvent to increase wear.
Formaldehyde resin
A derivative of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin is often used as a hardener and in large doses can be a skin allergen.
Camphor
Added to some polishes for high-shine, camphor can cause allergic reactions in large doses, cause irritation, dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
Triphenyl phosphate (tphp)
Also known as TPP, research suggests it causes changes in hormone regulation, metabolism, and reproductive systems. It has been used in polish as a plasticizer which makes the polish flexible yet durable.
Xylene
Used by some brands to help polish from getting gloppy, xylene is also a known allergen and a possible carcinogen.
Ethyl tosylamide/epoxy resin
This ingredient has antibiotic properties which raises concern over antibiotic resistance. It can be used as a plasticizer to help polishes dry faster.
Parabens
Used as preservatives, parabens get a bad rep for having estrogen-mimicking effects which may trigger hormonal problems.
Gluten
Hydrolyzed wheat protein, while considered nontoxic by some, does pose potentially serious issues for those who are gluten intolerant. Used to help moisturize soft, brittle nails, it presents an allergy concern.
Benzophenone-1
Widely used in nail polish for its UV blocking capabilities, benzophenone helps to limit polish discoloration. While it is considered relatively harmless in small quantities, research has shown that it is linked to certain cancers, endocrine disruption, and organ system toxicity.
Our <em>values</em>

Our values

Choose Cleaner
Products are made without harmful ingredients like silicone, sulfates, PEGs and parabens.
Trust Safer
Luxe, high-performing products shouldn’t mean you need to sacrifice your health.
Mindful Beauty Redefined
A tree is planted for every order placed.