Gel nail polish is made up of methacrylate compounds, photoinitiator compounds, and plasticizers. Methacrylate compounds and photoinitiator compounds like benzoyl peroxide are responsible for adhering to the nail when exposed to UV light, while plasticizers are added to give the polish its strong but flexible nature. Gel nail polish is durable and more flexible than traditional nail polish, and it is formed by drying under a UV or LED light instead of in oxygen.
The ingredients in gel nail polish can vary depending on the brand, but some common ingredients include:
Positive:
- Methacrylate compounds
- Photoinitiator compounds
- Plasticizers
Negative:
- Formaldehyde
- Toluene
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
- Camphor
- Formaldehyde resin
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Ethyl acetate
- Butyl acetate
- Cellulose acetate butyrate
- Ferric ammonium ferrocyanide
- Yellow 5 lake
It is important to note that some of these ingredients, such as formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, are considered harmful and are often referred to as the "toxic trio". However, many brands, including ORLY, are formulated without these harmful ingredients.
Repeated gel manicures can damage nails, and some people may be sensitive to the chemicals in gel polish. To keep nails healthy, it is recommended to be proactive with your manicurist, ask if tools are sterilized, and look around to make sure they are cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client. Additionally, it is important to rehydrate nails between polishes by applying a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily.
