Nail Polish Ingredients and Product Details
Nail polish is a cosmetic product that typically contains film formers, plasticizers, pigments, solvents, and other additives. The main ingredients in nail polish include:
- Film Formers: These ensure that nail polishes dry hard and shiny. Common film formers include nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate.
- Plasticizers: These provide flexibility and adhesion to the nail polish. Examples of plasticizers include triphenyl phosphate, trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate, camphor, and dibutyl phthalate.
- Solvents: Solvents keep the nail polish in liquid form. Commonly used solvents include ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, butyl acetate, and toluene.
- Pigments: These provide color to the nail polish. Examples of pigments include iron oxides, color lakes, mica, and other FDA-approved colorants.
- Other Additives: These include resins, UV stabilizers, and suspending agents.
Nail polish formulations may include ingredients that are toxic or affect other health problems. For example, some nail products contain potentially harmful ingredients, but are allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed. The labels of all cosmetics, whether marketed to consumers or salons, must include a warning statement whenever necessary or appropriate to prevent a health hazard that may occur with use of the product.
It is important to use nail products safely, following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements. Nail products for both home and salon use are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and nail products intended to treat medical problems, such as nail fungus, are considered drugs and are regulated differently.
