Composition and Classification of UV Gel Polish

Compared to traditional nail polish, UV gel polish has become the main choice in the beauty industry due to its rapid curing speed, high gloss, low odor, low irritation, and excellent performance.

Its composition mainly includes the following types of components.

I. UV Resins

As the primary film-forming component of UV gel polish, they determine the flexibility and adhesion of the product. Common UV resins include modified epoxy acrylates and polyurethane acrylates.

II. UV Monomers

Also known as reactive diluents, UV monomers are used to adjust the viscosity and hardness of UV gel polish while participating in the curing reaction under LED/UV lamps. Common UV monomers include HEMA, HPMA, IBOA, TMPTA, and PET3A.

III. Photoinitiators

Photoinitiators are key components in the curing process of UV gel polish. After absorbing ultraviolet light, they decompose to generate free radicals, which initiate the polymerization of UV resins and monomers, thereby enabling rapid curing of the gel polish. Common photoinitiators include 184 and TPO.

IV. Additives

Additives are used to improve the performance and stability of UV gel polish. Common types include:

(1) Leveling agents: Enhance smoothness.

(2) Defoamers: Eliminate existing bubbles and inhibit the formation of new ones.

(3) Adhesion promoters: Strengthen the adhesion between gel polish and natural nails.

(4) Anti-settling agents: Regulate viscosity or prevent pigment settling.

(5) Inhibitors: Extend the product’s shelf life.

V. Color Pastes

Color pastes are used to provide UV gel polish with rich colors and luster. These components are typically organic or inorganic pigments, capable of creating a variety of vibrant color effects.

UV gel polish can be classified based on its functions, color effects, etc. The common classification methods are as follows:

(1) Classification by Function

Base coat: Enhances adhesion between gel polish and natural nails to prevent peeling.

Color coat: Provides color and decorative effects, serving as the core product of UV gel polish.

Strengthening coat: Increases nail thickness, repairs thin/soft nails, or extends nail length.

Extension gel: Used for UV-cured nail extensions and acrylic nail extensions.

Top coat: Protects the color coat, boosts luster, and improves wear resistance. It can be divided into no-wipe top coat, wipe-on top coat, tempered top coat, crystal-plating top coat, and matte top coat.

(2) Classification by Color and Effect

Solid-color gel: Offers a wide range of solid color options. It is the most commonly used product in nail salons and a must-have for creating solid-color manicures.

Glitter gel: Contains glitter flakes or shimmer powder, creating eye-catching sparkling effects.

Snake-skin gel: A type of UV gel polish that forms snake-skin patterns through special dotting agents. It requires complex application but delivers distinctive results.

Fluorescent gel: Emits bright fluorescence under ultraviolet light.

Luminous gel: Absorbs light and glows in the dark.

Cat-eye gel: Creates cat-eye-like textures with a magnetic tool, featuring a narrow, bright reflective band on its surface that changes with light intensity.

Gradient gel: Displays gradient color effects when viewed from different angles.

In conclusion, UV gel polish has diverse classification methods. Different types of UV gel polish are suitable for various needs and scenarios. Selection can be based on personal preferences and practical requirements to ensure optimal results.