Nail polish is a popular cosmetic product used to enhance the appearance of nails. However, applying nail polish requires more than just a steady hand. Understanding the basics of nail polish application can help you achieve a salon-quality finish at home.
This involves knowing the right techniques, tools, and products to use. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned nail enthusiast, there are key steps to follow to ensure your nail polish looks flawless and lasts longer.
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Understanding Nail Polish Ingredients
Nail polish is a blend of chemicals designed to deliver color, shine, durability, and smooth application. While many ingredients are considered safe in small doses, others can raise health and environmental concerns—especially with frequent use. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically inside your nail polish, what to watch out for, and what to choose instead.
Common Ingredients and Their Functions
1. Film-Forming Agents
These create the smooth, hard coating on your nails after the polish dries.
Example: Nitrocellulose
Purpose: Builds that classic glossy finish and acts as the polish’s structural base.
✅ Generally considered safe, though it’s highly flammable in liquid form.
2. Resins and Plasticizers
These ingredients add flexibility and help the polish stick to your nails without cracking.
Examples: Tosylamide/formaldehyde resin, camphor, triphenyl phosphate (TPHP)
Purpose: Prevents chipping, boosts shine, and ensures polish doesn’t get brittle.
⚠️ Some can be irritants or potential hormone disruptors (e.g., TPHP).
3. Solvents
Solvents keep the polish fluid until application, then evaporate to allow drying.
Examples: Ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol
Purpose: Helps the polish spread evenly and dry quickly.
⚠️ Can be drying or irritating, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
4. Colorants and Pigments
These provide the vibrant (or subtle) hues and effects you see in polish.
Examples: Iron oxides, titanium dioxide, FD&C dyes, ultramarines
Purpose: Adds color and visual effects like shimmer or matte finishes.
✅ Usually safe, but glitters can be made from microplastics—not eco-friendly.
5. UV Stabilizers
These help protect nail polish from fading or yellowing when exposed to sunlight.
Example: Benzophenone-1
Purpose: Preserves color and finish over time.
⚠️ Potential endocrine disruptor—use in moderation
Ingredients to Avoid
Many conventional nail polishes include chemicals known for health risks. These are the ones to skip when possible:
Formaldehyde – A known carcinogen used in some hardeners and resins.
Toluene – A solvent linked to headaches, dizziness, and nervous system effects.
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) – A plasticizer associated with reproductive harm.
Formaldehyde Resin – A derivative that can trigger allergic reactions.
Camphor – Can cause dizziness or nausea in high concentrations.
TPHP (Triphenyl Phosphate) – A hormone disruptor used as a plasticizer.
Parabens – Preservatives that may interfere with hormone function.
Ethyl Tosylamide & Xylene – Banned in some regions for toxicity concerns.
These harmful ingredients are often referred to as the “Toxic Trio” (formaldehyde, toluene, DBP), though many brands go even further to eliminate up to 10 or more controversial chemicals.
✅ Safer Choices: What to Look for Instead
Many clean beauty brands now label their polishes as “X-Free,” where “X” refers to the number of harmful ingredients removed.
5-Free: Free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor
7-Free: Adds ethyl tosylamide and xylene to the no-no list
10-Free or 12-Free: Also excludes parabens, fragrances, phthalates, and sometimes animal-derived ingredients
Better Ingredient Alternatives:
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