HNC Verification
The HNC Verification is a voluntary transparency program created by the Healthy Nails Collaborative to bring accountability and clarity to professional nail products. It’s designed for brands that want to demonstrate that their formulas, cure instructions, and marketing align with real-world safety science. Each verified product line is reviewed for lamp compatibility, clear safety directions, and responsible advertising that discourages unsafe practices such as open systems or flash curing.
The goal isn’t to approve or endorse brands, but to confirm they’re willing to be transparent and follow the same evidence-based standards that nail technicians are taught through the HNC Accreditation. Verification bridges the gap between the chemistry we teach and the products techs actually use making it easier to identify brands that respect both the science and the client.
The program is currently out for public consultation, so everyone in the industry has the opportunity to share feedback before the final standards are published. Please read the verification document below and use the contact form for any comments. Comments close November 30th.
HNC Verified Program
Purpose
To recognize brands that demonstrate transparency, accountability, and ethical safety practices in nail product formulation, curing systems, marketing, and education.
The goal is to set a public standard that promotes responsible chemistry and application, even when manufacturer testing data is limited.
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Brand Requirements
Brands applying for HNC Verification must provide:
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Product name and the intended curing lamp(s).
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A signed manufacturer declaration confirming that the lamp has been tested with every product in the system.
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Current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all products in the system.
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A signed Safety & Responsibility Pledge agreeing to uphold the following standards.
Safety & Responsibility Pledge
By signing, the brand agrees to:
Safety and Transparency
•Provide clear, written safety directions for use, including curing times, lamp type, and storage conditions.
•Encourage closed-system use brand-matched lamps, gels, and liquids designed to work together.
•Disclose the presence or absence of known sensitizers (e.g., HEMA, HPMA) in plain language.
•Maintain traceable batch and manufacturing data for recall or review if required.
Education and Representation
•Ensure that any educator or affiliate representing the brand has completed or is enrolled in the HNC Accreditation program.
•Promote only accurate, science-based curing and product information in all materials.
•Require visible PPE (gloves, eye protection, ventilation) in all demonstrations or educational content.
Responsible Demonstration and Marketing
Brands agree not to promote or display:
•Mixing unrelated brands or untested products in application.
•Adding pigments, glitters, or powders to gels without verified chemical compatibility.
•Use of flash-curing or mini lamps as substitutes for full curing.
•Product contact with unprotected skin or uncured material on fingers.
•Unsafe or misleading “shock value” content (flames, smoke, or intentional misuse).
•Unsafe storage or open-jar handling in public media.
•Any marketing that contradicts or misrepresents the brand’s official safety data or curing instructions.
Advertising Integrity
•Avoid making performance or safety claims unsupported by verifiable data.
•Update marketing and education promptly if new findings contradict prior claims.
Public Accountability
•Consent to HNC publicly listing the brand’s verified status and renewal date.
•Understand that violations of this pledge may result in public suspension or removal from the HNC Verified list.
Compliance and Renewal
•Verification is valid for 12 months.
•Renewal requires updated declarations and re-signing of the Safety & Responsibility Pledge.
•If a violation or false claim is identified, HNC will issue written notice with a 30-day correction period.
•Failure to correct results in suspension and public notice on the HNC registry.
•Verification may be reinstated after review and corrective action.
Purpose of the Seal
The HNC Verified Seal signifies that a brand has demonstrated transparency, accountability, and ethical marketing, not that HNC tested or endorses product performance.
It distinguishes brands that value safety, science, and integrity over trends or influence.
•Note: HNC Verification confirms documentation and brand accountability. It is not a guarantee of product safety or performance.
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•••Community Input:
These are the standards we’re proposing for the nail industry.
What would you add, change, or clarify before this becomes the official framework?
HNC Verification Comments
We would like to hear your thoughts on making the HNC verification even better!