Glow in the dark products can be divided into three distinct groups. They are divided by their technology and the process in which they produce light. The different types of glow technology are:

  1. Chemical glow
  2. Luminous glow
  3. UV Light Reactive glow

Chemical Glow

Chemical glow occurs when two different chemicals (usually hydrogen peroxide with other chemicals), combine. The combination results in a chemical reaction that produces light. This method of glow is found in glow bracelet, necklace and light sticks.

Advantage of this glow technology is that it is bright, can last for a number of hours and is available instantly, usually by snapping the lightstick to cause the chemicals to mix. Disadvantage is that it can only be used once. Light is produced as long as there is chemical reaction. Once this stops, the light stops.

Luminous Glow

Luminous glow also known as Photo Luminescent glow works by absorbing surrounding light and slowly releasing this light. This method of glow is found in glow in the dark powder and all other products that it is used in. Products that use this technology can glow in the dark for years as long as they are exposed to sufficient light.

Though these products work when exposed to any kind of light, best light source would be anything that contains Ultra Violet rays in them. UV Rays is found in Sunlight and UV Black Light.

UV Light Reactive Glow

Last is the UV Light reactive glow. Products in this range do not really glow but react to UV Black light. The Ultra Violet rays from a black light excite the phosphors in these products causing it to glow in bright colors. Remove the UV light source and they would stop glowing.