Green Science Alliance Shows Water-Based Nail Polish

Green Science Alliance, a GreenTech startup from Japan, has showcased its water-based organic nail polish with nail-repairing ingredients and its 100% natural remover at the Cancer Survivor Fashion Show at Kansai Rosai Hospital in Hyogo, Japan. The products were presented as nail cosmetics suited to “appearance care,” the cosmetic and styling support given to cancer patients in Japan. The nail cosmetic products were showcased at the fashion show and were well-received for future consideration. The water-based polish, available as a base coat and color, uses organic components as one of its primary ingredients and contains nail-repairing ingredients such as keratin.

A Gentler Formula and Remover

Regular nail polish contains organic solvents that create a strong, sharp smell, which makes it less suitable for patients with weak nails. Water-based nail polishes address these issues. The organic ingredients in the polish are extremely safe for the human body, with some even being used in food products.

The company’s nail polish remover is made from 100% natural ingredients. Commercially available acetone-based removers carry a risk of irritating nails, and the natural formula is intended to avoid that.

Chemotherapy and Nail Health

Chemotherapy can cause changes to the nails. These changes are believed to result from the inhibition of basal cell division and proliferation in the skin, the activation of melanin-producing cells, and impaired nail growth. Anticancer drugs that may cause nail disorders include fluorouracil (5-FU), TS-1, capecitabine (Xeloda), docetaxel (Taxotere), paclitaxel (Taxol), cytarabine (Cylocide), and some molecular targeted drugs.

Common side effects include darkening of the nails, ingrown nails, thinning nails and brittle nails. Applying nail polish can reinforce a patient’s nails while covering discoloration, which may ease symptoms and help patients feel more positive. A polish made with nail- and skin-friendly ingredients is especially well suited to this use.

Appearance Care in Cancer Treatment

Japan’s National Cancer Center defines appearance care as a multidisciplinary approach by healthcare professionals to support patients and their families who face physical, psychological and social difficulties from appearance changes linked to cancer and its treatment, based on comprehensive assessment from the time of diagnosis.

Unlike conventional nail art, appearance care nails aim to preserve nail health, reduce anxiety caused by changes in appearance, and help people maintain their quality of life (QOL). In cancer care, nail loss and other complications often disrupt daily tasks such as opening cans or buttoning clothes. Nail hygiene and proper care, including moisturizing, help reduce discoloration, damage and discomfort and support healthy nail growth.

Research in Plant-Based Materials

Green Science Alliance develops materials from non-petroleum, plant and biomass sources, including biodegradable resins and plastics, coating materials, paints, glue, plasticizer, lubricant, 3D printed furniture, nanocellulose and biochar, made from plant biomass and organic waste such as wood waste. The concept was set out in an academic paper by the company’s CEO, Dr. Ryohei Mori, which was selected for the front cover of RSC Sustainability, published by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

The company’s nail line also includes 100% bio-based removers, 100% natural nail polish thinners, plant-based biodegradable press-on nails, plant-based gel nails and plant-based nail polishes.

Next Steps for the Nail Line

Going forward, Green Science Alliance remains committed to focusing its efforts on the development of nail cosmetics that are gentle on both people and the environment, including its appearance care nail line.