Acidity in UV/LED Nail Products

HEMA is not the acid we refer to when discussing acidic UV/LED gel formulas. HEMA is a derivative, distinct from actual Acrylic Acids, which are surprisingly common in soak-off builder gel formulas, in particular. Have you ever wondered why some BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) formulas offer 2-in-1 capabilities while others do not? Check out our Instagram post on this topic for insights (click here).

However, it's worth noting that discussions around "low acid builders" and similar topics are gaining traction. Some even recommend at-home tests. Let's dive into these popular discussions and examine what's really behind them.

Pro Care Gel Line

Our Pro Care Gel line of soak off and hard gels boasts a pH level within the range of 5-7. We understand that some of you may find this information perplexing. Just like the incorporation of vitamin E into gel products the realm of chemistry—particularly polymer chemistry—is far from black and white. Conducted in a laboratory setting in Germany, our pH tests were a departure from the norm in this product category. Yet, they were important for us, given the specialised nature and goals for this product line.

img cni_corporation

Why Litmus Paper Test Fails

But much like the home tests of UV/LED lamp light curability using tinfoil, relying on litmus paper tests won't yield dependable results. This is some of the reasons why:

• Complex Composition: UV/LED gel nail products contain a complex mixture of chemicals, including oligomers, monomers, photoinitiators, and other additives. Litmus paper is designed for testing the pH of aqueous solutions and may not accurately reflect the pH of these complex formulations.

• Non-Aqueous Solvents: UV/LED gel nail products are typically formulated with non-aqueous solvents, which means that the pH measurement may not be meaningful. Litmus paper relies on a color change reaction in water-based solutions, and its effectiveness is limited in non-aqueous environments.

• Chemical Interactions: The presence of various chemicals in UV/LED gel nail products can interact with litmus paper in unpredictable ways, leading to inaccurate or misleading results. Chemical reactions between the gel product and litmus paper may occur, affecting the paper's color change and making interpretation difficult.

• Limited Sensitivity: Litmus paper has limited sensitivity and may not provide precise pH measurements, especially in formulations with complex chemical compositions. It may not detect subtle changes in pH or variations within the gel product.