How Colorants Work in Nail Gels

• Function: They are pigments or dyes that impart distinct colors to the nail gel.  Therefore, these colorants must be finely dispersed within the gel matrix and are formulated to remain stable during the curing process.
• Compatibility: It’s crucial that these colorants are compatible with other ingredients in the gel and don’t react negatively when exposed to UV light.  In the next paragraph we’ll look at some example of CI’s.

Colorants produce specific colors of the rainbow

• Red: CI 15850 (Red 6) and CI 77491: CI 15850, also known as Red 6, is a synthetic dye that offers bright and vivid red tones, ideal for eye-catching and bold nail designs. CI 77491, or Iron Oxide Red, provides deeper, more natural reds and is often used in formulations that require a more subtle or earthy tone.
• Orange: CI 12085 (Red 36): This colorant, often referred to as Red 36, is typically used to achieve various shades of orange. It can be blended with yellow colorants to adjust the hue, creating everything from soft pastel oranges to bright, vibrant shades.
• Yellow: CI 19140 (Yellow 5): CI 19140, known as Yellow 5, is a bright and clear synthetic dye. It’s highly valued for its consistency and clarity, making it a staple in creating pure yellow tones. It’s also used in combination with other colorants to produce a wide range of custom colors.
• Green: CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens): Chromium Oxide Greens, or CI 77288, is a stable pigment that provides a range of green shades. It can be used alone for more natural green tones or mixed with other colorants, like yellows and blues, to achieve a variety of green hues.
• Blue: CI 42090 (Blue 1): Also known as Blue 1, CI 42090 is favored for its vivid and bright blue color. This synthetic dye is known for its stability and intensity, making it a popular choice for striking blue nail gel colors.
• Indigo and Violet: Blend of Red and Blue, CI 60730 (Ext. Violet 2): Indigo and violet shades are typically created by blending red and blue colorants. CI 60730, or Ext. Violet 2, is often used to achieve a range of violet and purple tones, from soft lavenders to deep purples.

Special colorants produce special effects 

• Black: CI 77499 (Iron Oxide Black): Iron Oxide Black, or CI 77499, provides a deep, rich black color. It’s known for its excellent coverage and intensity, making it ideal for creating striking black nail gels or for adding depth to other colors.
• White: CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide): Titanium Dioxide, CI 77891, is the primary white pigment used in nail gels. It offers high opacity and brightness, and is also commonly used to lighten other shades and create pastel tones.
• Silver: CI 77820 (Silver): Used for metallic silver effects, CI 77820 adds a shimmering, reflective quality. It’s perfect for creating eye-catching metallic finishes and adding a touch of glamour to nail designs.
• Gold: CI 77480 (Gold): Gold colorants, particularly CI 77480, impart luxurious, metallic gold finishes. This pigment is ideal for elegant and opulent nail designs, offering a rich, shimmering gold effect.

These colorants, carefully chosen for their vibrant colors and stability, enable the creation of a wide range of shades.  These shades go from subtle pastels to bold, striking hues, ensuring that nail gels meet both aesthetic and safety standards.  In conclusion, a wide variety of colorants make it possible to cater for everybody’s need and desires.

Additional Information on Colorants and Colors in Nail Gels

Take a look for additional information go to the following links.

• If you want to dive further into the topic you might want to look at information on CII in wikipedia or go to the CII database.
• Look at the different colors available in the Brand Gallery.
• For Korean Nail Art and inspiration in the Inspiration Gallery.
• More info on the Chemistry check out the page on Chemistry and Ingredients of Nail Gels.