Article by: Perry Romanowski
Click here for a complete list of the Cosmetic Formulation basics series.
Nail Polish
Nail polish is designed to improve the appearance and condition of nails. It also can protect nails from breakage.
What nail polish does
In its simplest form, a nail polish is a liquid solution of pigments, solvents and film formers. It typically comes in a bottle with a brush applicator. The solution is applied to the nail and then allowed to dry at which point it becomes a smooth, hard, colored film.
How nail polish works
Nail polishes contain a number of ingredients including pigments, film formers, plasticizers, resins, solvents and other additives.
There are two types of pigments used in nail polishes. Mineral pigments like titanium dioxide and colored iron oxides and organic pigments like red #6 and yellow #5. In the US the pigments that are allowed for use in nail polish are strictly limited.
To make the nail polish look right, a film former is needed. The ingredient most frequently used is nitrocellulose. Since it is a dangerous compound to work with there are a limited number of manufacturers who can produce nail polish.
Resins like shellac and acrylic polymers are added to improve the properties of the nitrocellulose film. This makes the film tougher and helps the nail polish last longer. Plasticizers are needed to improve the film flexibility. Camphor and dibutyl phthalate are most often used.
Solvents like alcohols, esters, and ketones are used to help the product spread and dry quickly. Finally, additives like viscosity modifiers and UV protectors may be included.
Nail polish formulation
Here is a standard nail polish formulation (click to enlarge)
Hi
I am coming from the pharmaceutical industry.
Please could you advise me on the formulation a nail lacker. It
contains the following excipients that represent 95% of the composition: Eudragit RL 100 (methacrylic acid copolymer), triacetin, butyl acetate, ethyl
acetate and ethanol.
The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) representing 5% (w/v) of the total amount is freely soluble in methanol and glacial acetic acid; soluble in ethanol,
sparingly soluble in acetonitrile, very slightly soluble in water.
Thanks a lot in advance.
I’d suggest you post your question in our forum http://chemistscorner.com/forum
Sir plz tell me how will do work in color i m alrdy made base but 3 item not available in india 1- benzophenone1 and 2 item stearlknoium hectorite and 3rd item tosylamide / formalfehyde resin sir tell me my cont.
no 07786808570
I’d suggest you post your question in our forum. http://chemistscorner.com/forum
sir.. Mixing time….?
I can’t answer as your question is not specific enough.
Hi,
Can anyone recommend me a book for formulation of nail polish which has the 5 free and 7 free formulations…
Thanks and Regards
Jana
plz help how to make a matte nail polish
I’d suggest you post your request in our forum http://chemistscorner.com/forum
Hii perry
Plz help me in nail lacquer
I’m not sure what help you want?
Hey guys,
I have some questions to be clarified, Is there any alternatives to nitrocellulose. Has something like agar , gelatin, carrageenan powder has been used to formulate a good nail polish.
Best Regards
Jana
No, not really. Nitrocellulose works best. That’s why it is still used.
Hi Rajat Sir,
please give ur contact no.. i want to ask a question about nail polish base and gel please help me for best quality to make a nail polish and my contact no 9594995429 please reply as soon as possible i am waiting
I want to begin a new nail polish and nail polish remover manufacturing company . I have gone to the Drug Authority board but the drug inspector asked for the composition. Plz help me for the composition and how to get the drug licence for this company .
If you are not in the US, I do not know the specific regulations of your country. I’d suggest you contact a contract manufacturer and have them assist you.
I want to mix my own color using 4 basic colors: magenta, cyan, yellow and black. Where can I buy in bulk for the above colors. I want to custom made color one bottle ata atime.
I’d suggest you post your question in our forum. This has been previously addressed. http://chemistscorner.com/cosmeticsciencetalk
i would like to know ,how about your quantity?we are a manufacture from China?
Hey! How can you remove the pigment from nail polish?
I don’t think you can. At least not without destroying the nail polish.
Hi Raj, this is Nathalie from México we need your help!! we want to add shellac resin to our formula to create a super long lasting formula how many is a good amount to add, or how much you think is a good quantity. Thanks!
Please do u have a formula for nail polish dissolver? Thanks!
Acetone usually works.
You can use a 1:1 mix of ethyl acetate and butyl acetate to dissolve nail polish.
Please Raj and Perry. Thanks for ur assistance here, am interested in the newer formula, any info yet?
Hi!!
Such a informative post. I have few questions-
Can you please provide formulation of 3-free and 5-free polishes??
And are polishes easy to formulate??
Can a person with non chemistry background can also mix the ingredients and create the polishes??
Can you suggest a polish base supplier in India who doesn’t sell it in bulk??
TIA 🙂
Hello – I’d suggest you put your questions in our forum. At the moment I don’t have a 3-free or 5-free polish. http://chemistscorner.com/cosmeticsciencetalk
Sir,
I am basing my investigatory project on nail polish from some of your raw materials. I have a question regarding the availability of these materials in local pharmacies? Can these be easily obtained? Thank you.
I don’t really know the market in which you are. Doing a Google search for specific chemicals and raw material suppliers will give you the answer.
Okay, I understand. Thank you so much! 🙂
Hi..I am interested to manufacture nail polish in Nasik.. India. Need to know from whetre can I get all the raw materials in wholesale. Can somebody guide me.
U can get it from Gujarat Ankhleshwar.. There r lot of online retailers to assist u
Dear sir, I want to start a business in nail polish making plz guide me where I can get training for this.raw material supplier process etc.plz reply I am waiting for your ans my no.9713200641. I am ready to pay the training fee. Thanks
Hi, after completed my masters in social work, I have realised my passion is in the nail industry. I am now looking to start an nail polish line and would like advice on where to find a manufacturer in the UK that can assist in polish and labelling. I also will like to know more information on what materials I need to developING my own polish and colours , do i need a licence or euipmemt to start from home. I am hoping this will allow me to get an insight in the whole process of nail polish. Many thanks Lisa
I’m not familiar with the UK nail polish market but you might post your question in our forum as someone there might be able to help. http://chemistscorner.com/cosmeticsciencetalk
how to make lipgloss plz give me fourmula. .
Hi!! I am from India and i would like to know form where i can buy a good suspension base for nail polish making. I want either 3free or 5free base. Which all sellers ship to India??
Hello!!
I have a problem in my formulation, with separation, among resin and pigment.
I would like to know what I need to do to solv this problem.
Thank You.
Miguel.
Please post your question in our forum. http://chemistscorner.com/cosmeticsciencetalk
I also have a bad reaction to nail polish remover! I just use as little as posible, make sure to wash my hand after, and then I use the Lady Soma Nail treatment after washing my hands. I didnt used to use a moisturizer after nail polish remover, but its a must, because it will leave your hands looking tired
Hello, Mr.Raj sir
I want to start my new business of nail enamel,
so my request to you plz guide me how to manufacture of nail enamel which type of chemicals use in this process and also suggest contain of chemicals.
Thanks & warm regard
shailesh
08982810470
Hello, I am in Jamaica and I currently study chemistry but I would like to start making my own nail polish to get my cosmetic line started. Could you assist me with a basic formulation and areas to get my raw materials. Do I need any special instruments to do this?
Hiii Rajat ji
Hou many solid contents should be there in nail polish lequer.
and please tell me ratio of NC cotton, Reisan and DBP. Which grade of NC cotton should we use
Thanks
Hi Rajat, I want to start with making nail polishes as a hobby and then take it forward to a small business.. How do i contact you for the information and products i need to start this.. Please reply
hello. i want to make crackel nail polish. can you help me in formulation?
thank you…
Yes, I can.
Regards
Rajat
Hi Rajat…we r a large NC ink producing co. In Egypt for flexible packaging; where the main raw materials are same as nail polish (NC, pigments, plasticizers, solvents,…). We want to develop our own brand of nail polish on a large scale. Can you help in this project?
Kindly email back at takla2000@yahoo.com
I am manufacture of nail polish in India.I make a good quality international nail polish . can u give me some idea how u can help me.and i want to make it at very resnable price so i need formulation regarding it if u can provide its very thankful to you. And i also manufracture wood finishing product
Hi Rupesh,
There would be few questions to make it cheaper. How much do you produce? Do you buy the base from somewhere or you develop it yourself? To understand the cost of the product, it would require a detailed analysis.
Regards
Rajat
Am a nigerian, married and tired of staying at home after my university education, pls I wana start my nail polish manufacturing bussiness, pls can u help me with measurement of may be 50litres of nail polish and I will grow from there,
Hi Rose,
You could buy readymade base and pigments separately and create colours you like to start this business. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.
Regards
Rajat
Hi, I would like to buy quality nail colours for artificial acrylic nail arts. If any one can guarantee high quality products for sale in Europe. Approved by European legislation.
If you are still interested I can do private label for you candykissesapparel@gmail.com
Hi Rajat
Where Can I get a ready made base in bulk in India or Mumbai.. Any online retailer if u know than pls let me know.. It would b a great help
Hello ma, did u successfully start your nail polish line… If yes, please contact me 07037494312
I am my own nail polish using ready made base’s and my own color mixes. I want to make my colors less transparent by using Titanium dioxide. Can you advise the proportion of Titanium dioxide to mica I should use. Or is the measurement by volume?
Thank you
Elverta
Hi Elverta,
It would mostly depend on the combination of your base and pigment material used. Please send me your specification in details with grades you are trying to use. You maynot need to add titanium dioxide to make it more transparent.
Regards
Raj
I’m new to this but I’ve been searching for a while now for websites or manufacturers to purchase the things that i need to start my own polish line. With me being a stay at home wife I need the most reasonable prices available. I’m also looking for a chemist in Alabama to help me along the way. Much help needed. Thanks in Advance
Hi Alexia,
Were you successful in starting your own line? Best I could suggest is to buy base and pigments separately and mix them your way.
Regards
Raj
Hi Rajat,
Im looking for a chemist in the UK, idealy in the middle of the uk to help with a coating. many thanks
Hi Justin,
Apologies for this delayed reply? What help are you looking for specifically? Email me your contact number .
Regards
Rajat
Hello, I am looking for a chemist that can assist my wife and I in our quest to take the nail polish industry by storm. Please respond via email to dtsolutions13@gmail.com
Hi Devan,
By storm doesn’t depend on us, it solely depends on you that how many clients you could gather. I could help you get a decent start by helping you develop the right products to take them to your clients.
Regards
Raj
Hi Rajat,
Could you please advice of artificial nail products? I am a supplier of high quality nail polymers and have lot of enquiries of nail colours? Please advice and also if you are in same business, i would like to chat with you.
I want a chemist for nail polish remover thinner
in india area
I want raw material providers list for nail polish remover thinner
Hi Jaswinder,
Yes, there is a very good supplier in India. Send me an email, I’ll pass you the contact.
Regards
Raj
Dear sir,
I am in search of relaible manufactur for nailpolish.
Who are ready to do thard party job for export and
domestic market.
Plz contact us. Email : rpresources7@gmail.com
thanks and regards
jay
Hi Jay,
Send me an email and I’ll pass you the contact of the number for your needs.
Regards
Rajat
Does anyone know where HEMA is used in cosmetics other than Nail Polish?
Hi Bev,
Other than nail polish it is also used in Soak Off gels and dental industry too.
Regards
Raj
Hi Rajat,
I would like your help for product developement for four products which we currently have in mind. It would be great if we can touch base thru phone/email. My Email address is amitsureshgandhi@gmail.com would await your mail.
Thanks
Amit
Hello – You can use the ‘contact us’ button at the top of this page to get in touch with us via email.
Hi,
Already did. Kindly revert for the same.
Thanks
Amit
Looking for someone to formulate a water-based nail polish. In the USA hope you can help.
Thank you
Hi Lynn,
It is not a very successful concept as it doesn’t last long like solvent based nail polish but significant developments have been made in innovation of Water based nail polishes. Yes it is possible, but in USA, I am not very sure.
Regards
Raj
I have a client allergic to ingredient yellow #5. Anyone know how a line without his ingredient?
Hi Jen,
If your client is allergic to yellow 5, you don’t need a whole line as yellow 5 is a colorant CI 19140, which as a colorant won’t be used more than 1% . Your client would avoid using certain colours where Yellow 5 is used and INCI list can be found on secondary packaging.
hi
I made nail polish with nitrocellulose and that is matt .which one of raw material can i add for having glossy
Hi Navid,
You are going somwhere in the wrong direction. Nitrocellulose is considered a film former, so it is not responsible for the matt effect. Looks like you have increased the percentage of other ingredient, what ingredients are you using to creat the base?
Regards
Rajat
Hi everybody,
I am making nail polish based on the suggested formula, but I cann’t find STEARALKONIUM HECTORITE.
Some one knows, which supplier can provide this gelling agent?
Thank you for your help.
Tu Hoang
Rockwood and Elementis are the companies you are looking for. This formula here is not really updated as toluene has already been banned, it is better if you see the updated formulation.
Regards
Rajat
I want a chemist for nail polish formulation
in mumbai , india area
I want raw material providers list for nail polish
Hi,
I can help you develop your formulation as well as have global links to all the suppliers for all the raw materials of nail polish.
Regards
Rajat Narang
Hi,
I am also interested in a formulation and list of raw materials for product development. Can you please help with a price to get this done?
Ii’d suggest you post your request in our cosmetic science forum. http://chemistscorner.com/cosmeticsciencetalk
Hi Andrew,
What do you want to create? Do you have specifications?
Regards
Raj
thanks for providing valuable information
Good Day,
I want to make a Mother of Pearl Nail Polish. Which Mica Pigment do I need to use….i.e coastal scents
(not making the polish from scratch, I have a base polish, just need to know what color of mica to add to it)
All info and help welcomed!
Thanks,
One of the pearl of Merck or 11oo’s ….I don’t remeber the exact number.. i think 1198 it is of Azelis is the same pearl powder you are looking for.
All the best
Rajat
A little green (or blue and yellow) pigment with Aqua pearl of Merck may also take you very near to what your target is.
Regards
Rajat
Use base 97-98%, pearl powder 2-2.5% and .03 around pigment..
Regards
Rajat
Thanks for the leads thus far. Could you possibly provide links?
Thanks,
Can you recommend a reputable nail polish manufacturer in the uk?
I just want to have a makeup line not exactly make it myself how do I got about finding a distributor to mix it then I label it?
Check a cosmetic buyer’s guide. You can find a number of them searching this site or through Google.
I’d suggest you download our free report http://startacosmeticline.com
I cant stop reading the post serie name: Cosmetic formulation basics. There so much information and i want to take this opportunity to say to every one who work on this , Thank to all of you for this knowledge base.
I was wondering if there’s a safer alternative to nitrocellulose to use as a film former. Something that a non-chemist person could find easilly enough … and which would keep a good result on the final product.
Thank you to all !
Hi,
Yes, there is a safer alternative, but not as good as nitrocellulose, but it do the work.
Regards
Raj
Dear sir, iwant full formulation of all types of nail polish, like red,top coat ,base coat, jari, sparkle
See the post
Hy guys
our team producing cosmetic products at cheap rates with great skills.
If some one have some problems so contact with us.
cosmetic formula
Hi Dilip,
What formulation are you looking for?
Rajat
hi rajat
how ar u
hope ur fine ,
i am manufacture of nail polish in India since long time & i am not able to make a good quality international nail polish . can u give me some idea how u can help me .
naveen bagla
I’m thinking of making my own glitter nail polish using a premade clear base. Any tips on where I can get stearalkonium hectorite for suspending agent? Any other tips appreciated. 🙂 Thank you!
Check out the INCI Directory.
Hi Ashlyn,
In Glitter gel, there is no stearalknium hectorite, because it gives a earthy opaque base, whereas glitter gel is almost clear. If it’s not clear, the glitter wont be visible much. So generally silica is used as antisettling agent for glitters (which are PET polyethylene terephthalate) .
Regards
Good day,
I have a training and distribution company in Capetown. I am looking to expand with different products, namely, nail polish, spray tan and spray-on makeup. Can you suggest any chemist who as to contact to assist in this?
Yes, no worries, yes there are chemists. But exactly what kind of assistance are you looking for. Email me on rajatvnarang@gmail.com with specific description for what you are looking for.
Hi Perry,
Just wondering if there’s anything else we can use besides stearalkonium hectorite that would act as a suspension agent to hold the micas or glitters that we might want to add to the polish?
Thank you.
Hi Nad,
Stearalkonium hectorite is the main antisettling agent………….In certain cases, you can use a combination of stearalkonium bentonite and hydrofumed silica…………..Also there is a combination of alkyd resin with MPA which can be used to hold the base well which won’t allow glitter partices to settle down..
Regards
Rajat
Hi Rajat,
thanks for the info..i will do research for those materials.
I’ve got another question again. Do you know if Magnesium Carbonate will work for this purpose as well?
Thanks again.
Hi Nad,
Magnesium carbonate , though hydrphobic, am not sure about it’s influence, as it has the tendency to release carbon dioxide and water on reacting. I haven’t tried it myself, but it is a good idea to check. Have you ever worked on with it for antisettling?
Rajat
Hi Rajat
You said MPA.
What is MPA?
Is it resin?
Could you write full name?
Thanks
Try using fumed silica or silicates. You can buy this at any fiberglass retail outlet for building boats. Try: System Three Resins website.
Hey Perry,
THe formulation you have mentioned above is too old, now there is almost a ban on usage of toluene, DBT and camphor is highlighted too. Is any new information available?
Hello Rajat,
Thanks for the information. I’ll see if I can find a newer formula to post.
Hello, I was wondering how much it would be to formulate your own collection of nailpolish of let’s say 20 different colours? If I wanted to make 30 bottles of each colour, how much would that be? Thank you!
If you were making them for yourself you might be able to get clear nail polish and add color. This would cost you however much ~100 bottles of nail polish plus the colors would cost.
Hi Riah, what colors of nail polish are you looking for?
I was thinking of starting my collection, renting out a shop and everything. So 20 colours-the usuals,mattes, some sparkly, some with effects x
hi rajat
how can i find tosylamide/formaldehyde resin
Hi Navid,
I advice not to use Tosylamide/Formaldehyde resin as masses are again the use of this resin, it would be better without it.
Regards
Raj
Hi rajat
I am from Gujarat…plz send me composition to make a quality nail polish
my mail ID is chintu.p22@gmail.com
contact no. is +919624686906
plz send your contact no.