Kawanishi, Japan – November 06, 2026 -- A water-based nail polish with nail-repairing keratin, paired with a remover made from 100% natural ingredients, was displayed at a Cancer Survivor Fashion Show at Kansai Rosai Hospital in Japan. Japanese GreenTech startup Green Science Alliance developed both products for people whose nails change during chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy drugs can darken, thin and weaken nails
Chemotherapy can change the nails. The source attributes this to inhibited basal cell division and proliferation in the skin, activated melanin-producing cells, and impaired nail growth. 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. Reported effects are darkening, ingrown nails, thinning and brittleness.
Nail polish can reinforce the nails and cover discoloration, which may ease symptoms and help patients feel more positive.
Water-based formula avoids the sharp smell of solvent polish
Regular nail polish contains organic solvents with a strong, sharp smell, which makes it a poor fit for patients with weak nails. Green Science Alliance's base coat and color use organic components as a primary ingredient. The company says these ingredients are extremely safe for the human body, and some are even used in food. The formula also contains nail-repairing ingredients such as keratin.
The remover avoids the acetone found in commercially available removers, which can irritate nails.
Japan calls this cosmetic support "appearance care"
In Japan, helping cancer patients dress and style themselves to stay positive is known as "appearance care." The National Cancer Center, Japan, defines it as a multidisciplinary approach by healthcare professionals. It supports patients and their families through the physical, psychological and social difficulties of appearance changes linked to cancer and its treatment, starting from diagnosis.
Appearance care nails differ from glamorous nail art. Their purpose is to preserve nail health, reduce anxiety about appearance changes and maintain quality of life. Nail loss and other complications can disrupt daily tasks such as opening cans or buttoning clothes. Care such as moisturizing helps maintain hygiene, limit discoloration and damage, and support healthy nail growth.
The company also sells plant-based press-on and gel nails
Green Science Alliance is led by CEO Dr. Ryohei Mori, whose paper on the company's plant- and biomass-based development concept was selected for the front cover of RSC Sustainability. Its nail line also includes 100% bio-based removers, 100% natural nail polish thinners, plant-based biodegradable press-on nails and plant-based gel nails. The products are sold on the company's e-commerce site.
At the fashion show, the nail cosmetics were well received for future consideration. The company says it will keep developing nail cosmetics, including its appearance care line.