A new product developed at the University of California, Berkeley aims to address concerns about skin damage from UV light during gel nail manicures. Magan’s HandShield, available since June, is a spray-on liquid designed to protect skin from cancer-causing UVA rays emitted by LED lamps used to harden gel nails. The product does not interfere with the hardening process and is packaged in a travel-sized spray container, with each bottle providing about 25 applications for hands or feet.
The main ingredient, cerium carbonate, was identified by Alexander Katz, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at UC Berkeley. Katz and his research group discovered its antioxidant properties while studying ways to slow oxidative UV damage. Cerium carbonate destroys reactive oxygen species (ROS), harmful chemicals generated by UV light in the skin that can lead to DNA damage, cancer, and aging.
Katz explained, “What you really care about is decreasing the reactive oxygen species, which are initiators for premature skin aging and skin cancer. The cerium carbonate, which is our discovery and invention, destroys reactive oxygen species made by the UV light emitted by the lamps.”
The product was developed through Magan Material Sciences, Inc., a company founded by Katz and Paul Wagner, a former lab colleague and entrepreneur. The formulation includes zinc oxide and is clinically tested and patented. It washes off easily after use and is intended as a convenient alternative to methods like cut-off gloves or sunscreen, which can interfere with gel application or leave parts of the skin exposed.
A 2023 study highlighted the risks of DNA damage and mutations in human skin cells from ROS produced by LED UV nail dryers, increasing public awareness of the issue. While dermatologists have recommended sunscreen, its residue can prevent proper curing of gel nails. Alternatives such as gloves leave some skin unprotected, and a survey found that only a small percentage of people use any form of protection during gel manicures.
Katz said, “Magan’s HandShield is easy to use and economical. 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 standard option for clients.
The product has received endorsements from dermatologists, including Dr. Seemal Desai, former president of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Dr. Lawrence Eichenfield of UC San Diego.
Katz’s research on cerium compounds began when the chemical company Dow asked him to investigate ways to decrease oxidative sun damage in paints and coatings. His lab found that cerium carbonate, a precursor to cerium dioxide, was a more effective antioxidant than previously used materials. Research published in 2021 demonstrated that cerium carbonate could quench ROS without being consumed in the process.
Patents for cerium carbonate’s use have been filed by Katz, Mishra, UC Berkeley, and Dow, with Dow licensing it for paints and coatings, and Katz and Wagner licensing it for human applications.
The product is named “Magan” after a female name symbolizing purity, wisdom, and beauty.
Katz reflected on the motivation behind the innovation: “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.”
For further information, visit the Magan’s HandShield website or Alexander Katz’s lab website.
