A new product developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley aims to address concerns about the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure during gel nail manicures. Magan’s HandShield, which has been available since June, is a spray-on liquid designed to protect skin from UVA rays emitted by LED lamps used to cure gel nails. The product does not interfere with the hardening process of the gel polish.

The main ingredient in Magan’s HandShield is cerium carbonate, a compound discovered by Alexander Katz, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at UC Berkeley, and his research group. Cerium carbonate acts as an antioxidant that destroys reactive oxygen species (ROS), harmful chemicals generated by UV light that can damage DNA and contribute to cancer and aging.

Katz explained that cerium carbonate is not absorbed by the skin but, when dispersed in water, functions as a self-renewing antioxidant. This helps to neutralize ROS produced by UV nail lamps during gel manicures, which can take up to 10 minutes. “What you really care about is decreasing the reactive oxygen species, which are initiators for premature skin aging and skin cancer,” Katz said. “The cerium carbonate, which is our discovery and invention, destroys reactive oxygen species made by the UV light emitted by the lamps.”

Magan’s HandShield was commercialized by Magan Material Sciences, Inc., a company founded by Katz and Paul Wagner, a former graduate school colleague and entrepreneur. The product is a patented, water-based formulation containing two natural minerals: zinc oxide and cerium carbonate. It comes in a travel-sized spray container that lasts for about 25 applications when used thoroughly.

The spray provides an alternative to sunscreen and gloves, which have limitations when used during gel manicures. Sunscreen must be removed from nails before applying gel polish to avoid interfering with the curing process, while gloves with cut-out fingertips leave some skin exposed and are impractical for pedicures. A survey found that only 2% of people receiving gel manicures currently use any form of protection.

“Magan’s HandShield is easy to use and economical,” Katz said. “For about 5% or less of the cost of a typical manicure you can be protected.” He hopes that nail technicians will adopt the spray as a convenient and hygienic option for clients.

The product has received endorsements from dermatologists such as Dr. Seemal Desai, former president of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Dr. Lawrence Eichenfield, professor and vice chair of clinical dermatology at UC San Diego.

Katz’s research into cerium compounds began when Dow approached him about reducing oxidative sun damage in paints and coatings. His lab developed cerium carbonate as an effective antioxidant that degrades ROS without being consumed in the process. This work led to several patents filed by Katz, his postdoctoral fellow Manish Mishra, UC Berkeley, and Dow. Dow has licensed the patents for use in paints and coatings, while Katz and Wagner have licensed them for human applications.

Reflecting on the development of Magan’s HandShield, Katz said: “The question in my mind was, ‘What can we do to make the world a better place by helping people through innovation as opposed to just having another me too?' It’s a special feeling for a professor to have the opportunity to impact something directly in society at large. All through technology developed here at Berkeley.”

More information about Magan’s HandShield can be found on its website (https://maganshield.com), and details on Katz’s research are available at his lab’s website (https://katzlab.berkeley.edu).