Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Nail polish

  • Nail polish

    Posted by Mdoctor on April 16, 2017 at 10:20 pm

    Hi,

    I would like to start a nail polish line with custom colors.  So does anyone know how to formulate a suspension base maybe 10 free with high shine? I would like to start as a home based business first to test the waters.

    Thanks

    Zolveria replied 7 years, 5 months ago 7 Members · 14 Replies
  • 14 Replies
  • Bobzchemist

    Member
    April 17, 2017 at 1:46 am

    Are you in the US?

  • johnb

    Member
    April 17, 2017 at 7:18 am

    Wherever you are located, you really should find out a lot more about your product before you even think about making or marketing.

    Nail polish is particularly problematic. Anything much larger that a shot glass size of production will need fire department approval.

    Because of the specialised nature and safety problems associated with nail polish it is normally restricted to a few specialist blenders to manufacture - even the very large cosmetic companies contract out like this.

    Having said that, it is possible - even preferable - to buy nail polish bases for colouring yourself. This saves a long process of dissolving the resins and does absolve you of requiring to know quite so much about the product. It does not cut out the fire safety requirement, though.

  • Mdoctor

    Member
    April 17, 2017 at 3:16 pm

    Thank you for your feedback and yes I am in the US.

  • belassi

    Member
    April 17, 2017 at 4:00 pm

    I don’t see any difference between nail polish and cellulose car paint. They are both the same base. Therefore I don’t see why not just repackage car paint into little bottles and label it. Johnb is correct, this is highly inflammable stuff with a low flash point. Not only that but the vapours are intoxicating.

  • Bill_Toge

    Professional Chemist / Formulator
    April 17, 2017 at 8:01 pm

    the fundamental reason nail polish is such a huge fire risk, and why very few manufacturers make it from scratch, is because it involves handling cellulose nitrate, which, although it’s well-behaved in solution, is EXTREMELY flammable and prone to ignition when dry; and once it’s alight, it’s very difficult to put out

    compared to cellulose nitrate, the solvents are relatively easy to handle, provided that proper care is taken

  • Mdoctor

    Member
    April 18, 2017 at 1:08 am

    Does anyone know any nail polish suspension base manufacturers? If I get a base then I could add my own mica powders. 

  • Chemist77

    Member
    April 18, 2017 at 3:44 am

    Fiabila, International Lacquers, Chromavis (formerly Durlin). 

  • Mdoctor

    Member
    April 18, 2017 at 5:39 am

    Thank you do you know any US based manufacturers that can sell suspension bases?

  • johnb

    Member
    April 18, 2017 at 6:49 am

    A Google search will reveal what you want to know.

    Keywords: nail polish manufacturers in usa

    Please note that I am not being sarcastic in offering this reply - as I have been accused recently when offering Google links. I am only trying to help.

  • Bobzchemist

    Member
    April 18, 2017 at 7:23 pm

    Be aware that this suspension base is highly flammable/explosive, and needs to be mixed and stored in an explosion-proof room, for insurance reasons if nothing else.

    If you mix suspension base with powders and there’s a fire, your homeowners insurance will pay you absolutely nothing, not to mention all the legal trouble you’ll get into.

    Stick with the private label nail polish companies - it’s much safer.

  • Mdoctor

    Member
    April 18, 2017 at 9:35 pm

    Thank you for the feedback.

  • Mdoctor

    Member
    April 18, 2017 at 9:37 pm

    The only thing I do not like about private labels is that you can only use colors that they have available.  

  • Zolveria

    Member
    September 29, 2017 at 12:20 am

    I agree I have my bases in a room with good ventilation.. opted to by bases. instead of creating my own.. the fumes are horrible. 
    bases can be sold at several Artisan store online. do a search for glamour polish  base etc. or franken polish. also Manufacturers will sell their base at gallon pricing if you meet there min amount. otherwise they may charge you a fee.

  • Zolveria

    Member
    September 29, 2017 at 12:24 am

    also when mixing with bases. you may have an issue mixing oxides with them.
    my work around is a silicone and denatured alcohol blend which I mix with my oxides. this will prevent any lumps and granulation that may occur.

    another tip  for matte polish ( which i don’t recommend as it tends to chip faster than using the matte over coat) is adding nylon or fumed silica .. this in itself can create a matte over coat or polish.. you can also add scent to your polish bases. ( again pointless since the scent wears off quickly)..  
    you can also add kaolin clay to create a harder base.. 
    hope this is helpful  

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