Common Name(s): Bornanedione (camphorquinone),visible-light photoinitiator,blue led 470nm absorber
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Absorbs 470 nm blue-led radiation to initiate radical photopolymerisation of hema-pu and acrylate monomers in gel nail systems — providing faster, more efficient led curing than uv-only photoinitiators that require 365 nm radiation.
Why It's Used: Camphorquinone matches the 470 nm emission peak of commercial led nail lamps precisely — enabling complete gel cure in 30-60 seconds under led versus 2-3 minutes under uv, the primary reason led curing has replaced uv across the professional gel nail market.
How It Works: Camphorquinone absorbs 470 nm photons via n-pi* carbonyl excitation to singlet then triplet state (long-lived). triplet energy transfer to tertiary amine co-initiator generates radical pair initiating acrylate/hema-pu chain polymerisation. the bicyclic ring provides the chromophore stability preventing premature thermal decomposition during product shelf life.
Typically Found In: Gel nail systems,led nail curing
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.05%–1%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Camphorquinone is yellow — at photoinitiator concentrations in clear gel top coats, colour correction with blue/violet pigments or partial replacement with acylphosphine oxide co-initiators is needed for colour-accurate clear products.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,camphorquinone led photoinitiator nail gel review