Personal care and home
What is ultraviolet (UV) light?
Ultraviolet (UV) light is invisible radiation with a shorter wavelength than violet light and more energy. It is divided into UVA, UVB and UVC. In home devices it is mainly used for two things: disinfecting surfaces, with UVC, and hardening gel nail polish, with UVA.
UVA, UVB and UVC
UVA (315 to 400 nanometers) is the closest to visible light: it is what nail lamps use and what tans the skin. UVB (280 to 315) is the main cause of sunburn. UVC (100 to 280) has the most energy; the sun's UVC does not reach the ground because the atmosphere absorbs it.
UVC damages the genetic material of bacteria and viruses and stops them from reproducing, which is why it is used in sterilizers. That same energy is the reason it should never shine directly on skin or eyes.
What a UV system can and cannot do
UV light only acts where it lands: it disinfects surfaces that are directly exposed, not what sits in shadow or inside objects. The effect depends on the power of the lamp, the distance and the exposure time.
It does not clean: it does not remove dust, grease or residue, and dirt can even shield microbes from the light. That is why a UV system complements cleaning rather than replacing it. Well designed devices switch the UV light on only with the lid closed.
What to check before you buy
- Check that the UV light switches off by itself when the lid opens, or that it stays enclosed in the device.
- Note which type it uses: UVC to disinfect; UVA or LED for nail lamps.
- Do not treat it as a substitute for washing: it is an extra step.
Products with UV light in our store
This is how it appears on their spec sheet. Open each one to see all its specifications.
Guides to help you choose
Frequently asked questions
No. The violet or blue glow many lamps give off is visible light they emit as well; UV radiation itself is invisible.