Gel nail polish is a type of nail polish that is cured under a UV or LED light instead of drying in oxygen like regular nail polish. It is known for being durable, flexible, and long-lasting, making it a popular choice for many people. Here are some details about gel nail polish:
Ingredients or Materials:
- Gel nail polish is primarily made up of methacrylate compounds, photoinitiators, and plasticizers.
- Methacrylate compounds and photoinitiator compounds like benzoyl peroxide adhere to the nail when exposed to UV light.
- Plasticizers are added to gel nail polish to give it its strong but flexible nature.
- Gel nail polish may also contain other chemicals, such as Methyl Acrylate, which is a colorless organic compound with an acrid odor.
- Some gel nail polishes may contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which have been found to cause inflammation, thyroid problems, and liver issues.
- Some brands of gel nail polish are "9-free," meaning they do not contain certain toxic chemicals such as the "toxic trio" or the "Big Five".
Positive:
- Gel nail polish is known for being durable and long-lasting, making it a popular choice for many people.
- Gel nail polish is less prone to chipping than regular nail polish.
- Gel nail polish can be cured under a UV or LED light, which means it dries quickly and doesnt require a long wait time.
Negative:
- Some gel nail polishes may contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which have been found to cause inflammation, thyroid problems, and liver issues.
- Gel nail polish can be difficult to remove and may require soaking in acetone.
- The curing process for gel nail polish requires exposure to UV or LED light, which can be harmful to the skin with prolonged exposure.
In summary, gel nail polish is primarily made up of methacrylate compounds, photoinitiators, and plasticizers. Some gel nail polishes may contain harmful chemicals, but some brands are "9-free" and do not contain certain toxic chemicals. Gel nail polish is known for being durable and long-lasting, but it can be difficult to remove and requires exposure to UV or LED light during the curing process.
