Developing a Biodegradable, Eco-Friendly Soil Gel Polish as an Alternative to Acrylate UV/LED Coatings in the Context of the 2025 Regulatory Shift

Authors

  • Abrahamyan Oksana Khristoforovna Nail Specialist and Developer of Eco-Polish, RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55544/jrasb.4.5.20

Keywords:

biodegradable gel polish, polylactide (PLA), acrylate copolymer, microplastic, TPO photoinitiator, HEMA-free, Regulation (EU) 2025/877, sustainable cosmetics, CU TR 009/2011, photopolymerization

Abstract

The global nail polish market reached USD 17.35 billion in 2024, while the European Union’s ban on the photoinitiator TPO from September 1, 2025 created a precedent for a comprehensive reassessment of the chemical composition of UV/LED coatings. The aim of this study is to systematically analyze the chemical, environmental, and regulatory grounds for developing a biodegradable Soil gel polish based on polylactide (PLA) as a replacement for acrylate-copolymer coatings that accumulate in aquatic ecosystems as persistent microplastics. The methodological framework includes comparative formulation analysis, a systematic review of the scientific literature, content analysis of EU and EAEU regulatory documents, and conceptual formulation design. The study substantiates a HEMA- and TPO-free Soil gel-polish composition, defines target performance indicators for durability (21 days) and biodegradation (at least 60% within 28 days according to OECD 301B), and develops a phased roadmap for product market entry. The analysis indicates that a combination of a PLA matrix, bioplasticizers, and CMR-safe photoinitiators can support the creation of a competitive product aligned with the current requirements of Regulation (EU) 2025/877. The findings are relevant to cosmetic-formulation developers, regulatory specialists, and entrepreneurs in sustainable cosmetics.

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References

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Published

2025-10-31

How to Cite

Khristoforovna, A. O. (2025). Developing a Biodegradable, Eco-Friendly Soil Gel Polish as an Alternative to Acrylate UV/LED Coatings in the Context of the 2025 Regulatory Shift. Journal for Research in Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, 4(5), 161–167. https://doi.org/10.55544/jrasb.4.5.20

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