Caleb Foster
Gel nail polishes are cured under an LED or UV lamp to create a hard, glossy finish. They are made up of a combination of ingredients that give them their unique properties, such as acrylate copolymer, which gives gel nail polish its hard and durable finish, and photoinitiators, which help the polish cure and harden under a UV or LED lamp. Other ingredients include solvents, which keep the ingredients mixed and allow for smooth application, and additives, which can include ingredients like glitter or shimmer to create special effects. It's important to note that gel nail polishes also contain chemicals and preservatives that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Some common allergens found in gel nail polishes are HEMA, fragrances, parabens, and triphenylphosphate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Acrylate Copolymer |
| Purpose | Provides a hard and durable finish |
| Curing Process | Requires UV or LED lamp |
| Base Coat | Provides adhesion to the natural nail |
| Color Gel | Adds color and vibrancy |
| Topcoat | Seals in the color, provides a glossy or matte finish, and enhances durability |
| Ingredients to Avoid | Fragrance, Guanine, Carmine, Triphenylphosphate, Parabens, Toluene, Xylene, Phthalates, Organic Halides |
| Allergens | HEMA, Acrylates Copolymer |
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What You'll Learn
Base coat, colour gel and top coat
Gel nail polishes have three main components: the base coat, the colour gel, and the topcoat. Each of these components has a distinct purpose and set of ingredients that contribute to the overall durability, shine, and protection of the manicure.
The base coat serves as the foundation for any gel manicure. Its primary function is to provide adhesion to the natural nail, creating a smooth surface for the colour gel to adhere to. Some base coats, like the Gelcare UV Gel Nail Polish Base Coat, are formulated to minimise allergic reactions by excluding common allergens like HEMA. It's important to apply a thin layer of the base coat, ensuring it is evenly distributed, to create a stable base for the rest of the manicure.
The colour gel is the pigment-rich component that adds colour and vibrancy to your nails. It comes in a wide range of tones and finishes, enabling endless creativity and customisation. This layer provides the desired colour while also contributing to the overall thickness and longevity of the manicure.
Following the colour gel application, a topcoat is applied to seal in the colour and provide a glossy or matte finish, depending on your preference. The topcoat enhances the durability of the manicure, protecting it from chipping and fading. It contains ingredients that improve flexibility and prevent brittleness, ensuring a long-lasting manicure. Some topcoats, like the Gelcare UV Gel Nail Polish Top Coat, offer an ultra-glossy finish and are formulated without harmful chemicals commonly found in nail polishes.
It is important to note that some gel nail polish formulas, like the Nail Reserve formula, are designed to be free of harmful ingredients, often referred to as "21-free," which excludes ingredients like toluene, benzene, formaldehyde, phthalates, and more. These formulas prioritise nail health and safety while still providing vibrant and durable manicures.
By understanding the role of each component and the ingredients they contain, you can make informed choices about the products you use and create beautiful and long-lasting gel manicures.
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Photo initiators
UV-activated urethane acrylate composite coatings, for instance, contain photo initiators. These photo initiators are crucial for the curing and hardening process of gel nail polishes under a UV or LED lamp. The curing process is what gives gel nail polishes their unique finish and durability.
The curing process involves placing the nails under a UV or LED lamp for 1-2 minutes. This sets the gel polish and creates a hard, glossy finish. This finish is significantly harder to achieve with traditional nail varnish. The use of photo initiators in gel nail polishes allows for a versatile manicure that can last up to three weeks.
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Plasticizers
Phthalates are another type of plasticizer used in cosmetics, including nail polish, to give the product a shiny, plastic-like consistency. Unfortunately, phthalates have been linked to liver and kidney damage and are considered carcinogenic. They can also negatively impact the reproductive system.
It is important to note that while plasticizers offer benefits in terms of enhancing the durability and finish of gel nail polish, some plasticizers have been associated with potential health risks. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully review the ingredient list of any gel nail polish product before use and opt for products that prioritize safe and healthy ingredients.
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Skin sensitivity
Some common ingredients known to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions include HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate), acrylates copolymer, and fragrances. Fragrances are often used in nail polish to mask unpleasant odours or to give the product a pleasant smell. However, they are commonly associated with serious health problems, including cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, and other sensitivities. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for vegan and safe gel formulas to minimise the risk of skin sensitivity and allergic reactions.
Another ingredient to be cautious about is triphenylphosphate (TPHP), a plasticizer that improves the flexibility and durability of nail polish. Exposure to TPHP has been linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive and developmental toxicity. Additionally, organic halides, which are used as solvents in gel nail polishes, have been associated with nerve damage, and some are considered carcinogens. Parabens, which are preservatives in cosmetics, have also been linked to an increased risk of breast and skin cancer.
It is worth noting that some brands may use different mixes of the same product for different countries. Therefore, it is essential to check the ingredients and ensure they are suitable for your region. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use immediately and consult a dermatologist.
To summarise, skin sensitivity is a crucial factor when using gel nail polish due to the presence of potential allergens and irritants. It is important to be vigilant about the ingredients and perform patch tests to prevent any adverse reactions.
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Allergies
One of the most common allergens in gel nail polish is Triphenylphosphate (TPHP), which is used as a plasticizer to improve the flexibility and durability of the nail polish. Exposure to TPHP has been linked to endocrine issues, reproductive and developmental toxicity, acute allergic contact dermatitis, and difficulty breathing. Another common allergen is HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate), which is the most widely used acrylic monomer in nail coatings due to its high reactivity, good adhesion, and high solubility in acetone. If you are allergic to HEMA, it is important to look for products that are specifically labelled as HEMA-free, and to ask for an SDS (Safety Data Sheet) from the manufacturer to confirm the absence of this ingredient.
Other potential allergens and irritants found in gel nail polish include fragrances, parabens, organic halides, and photoinitiators. Fragrances are commonly used in nail polish to mask unpleasant odours or to give the product a pleasant smell. However, most fragrances have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, and other sensitivities. Parabens are preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria, mould, and fungi in cosmetic products, but they have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and skin cancer. Organic halides, which are used as solvents in gel nail polish, are chemical compounds made from bromine, iodine, fluorine, and chlorine. They have been linked to nerve damage, and some are considered carcinogens. Photoinitiators are essential for the curing process of gel polishes, as they trigger a chemical reaction that transforms the gel from liquid to solid when exposed to UV or LED light. While they are necessary for the function of gel nail polish, they may still cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
To minimize the risk of allergies and skin irritation when using gel nail polish, it is important to choose high-quality products that are free from harmful ingredients. Look for vegan and cruelty-free formulas that prioritize safe and natural ingredients. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application and removal, and discontinue use immediately if you experience any adverse reactions. Consulting a dermatologist is also recommended if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail polishes are cured under an LED or UV lamp to create a hard, glossy finish. The ingredients in gel nail polish include:
- Acrylate Copolymer: This is the main ingredient that gives gel nail polish its hard and durable finish.
- Photoinitiators: These are chemicals that help the polish cure and harden under a UV or LED lamp.
- Plasticizers: These are additives that enhance the flexibility and durability of gel nail products. An example is Triphenylphosphate.
- Solvents: These keep the ingredients mixed together and allow for smooth application. Common examples are Butyl acetate and Ethyl acetate.
- Additives: These can include glitter or shimmer to create special effects.
Some common ingredients in gel nail polishes can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. These include:
- Fragrances: Linked to serious health problems such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies and other sensitivities.
- Parabens: A group of ingredients that act as preservatives but have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and skin cancer.
- Phthalates: Used as plasticizers or solvents, they give nail polish a shiny and plastic-like consistency. Phthalates have been associated with liver, kidney and reproductive damage.
- Toluene: Functions as a solvent to suspend the colour and form a smooth finish. Toluene is a powerful neurotoxin when inhaled.
- Xylene: A solvent used to thin the nail polish and give it its distinctive odour.
- HEMA: DND gel contains between 5-20% of HEMA and will cause a flare-up if you have an allergy.
Vegan gel nail polishes are free of animal ingredients such as guanine and carmine. They are also free of harmful ingredients such as Toluene, benzene, hydroquinone (HQ), 4-MEHQ, TPHP, nonylphenol ethoxylates, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, chromium oxide greens, bismuth oxychloride, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, phthalates, cyclic silicones, camphor, and methyl ethyl ketone.
