UV nail polish is a type of gel nail polish that is cured under a UV lamp. Gel nail polish is made up of methacrylate compounds, photoinitiator compounds like benzoyl peroxide, and plasticizers. Plasticizers are added to give the polish its strong but flexible nature. Gel nail polish is known to stay fresh for longer and is less prone to chipping than regular nail polish.
The ingredients in nail polish have undergone review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, which uses peer-reviewed scientific literature to determine safety. However, some nail polish ingredients have been found to be toxic, such as the "toxic trio" of formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) . Many nail polish brands, including ORLY and Essie, have formulated their products without these harmful ingredients.
It is important to note that some non-toxic nail polish brands may still contain ingredients that are not completely safe. For example, triphenyl phosphate is considered a toxic ingredient that may lead to allergies. It is always a good idea to check the ingredients list and do research on specific ingredients to make informed decisions about the products you use.
In summary, the ingredients in UV nail polish are similar to those in regular gel nail polish, consisting mainly of methacrylate compounds, photoinitiators, and plasticizers. While some nail polish ingredients have been found to be toxic, many brands have formulated their products without these harmful ingredients. It is important to do research on specific ingredients to make informed decisions about the products you use.