A monomer is a molecule that makes polymers. In the context of nail products, monomers are used to create acrylic nails. The most common monomer used in liquid and polymer powder (L&P) systems is ethyl methacrylate (EMA), which is a sophisticated acrylic monomer. Other specific additives are also used to control the polymerization process, improve the finished result’s performance, durability, and product shelf-life. The polymer powder used in L&P systems consists of millions of small beads of polymerized acrylics, each of which acts as a carrier for important ingredients, including the heat-sensitive thermal-initiators, typically benzoyl peroxide (BPO) . The polymer beads provide additional strength within the nail coating and help provide structure within the overlay.

It is important to note that the mix ratio of liquid monomer to polymer powder is crucial in creating a nail coating that is not too weak or too brittle. Too much or too little polymer powder, or too much or too little liquid monomer, can create negative results in the form of yellowing of the nails, weak or easily loose sculpting, and even allergies.

In summary, the monomer used in nail products, specifically in liquid and polymer powder systems, is ethyl methacrylate (EMA). It is used to create acrylic nails by forming long polymer chains when exposed to an initiator and heat energy. The polymer powder used in these systems consists of small beads of polymerized acrylics that provide additional strength within the nail coating. The mix ratio of liquid monomer to polymer powder is crucial in creating a nail coating that is not too weak or too brittle.