Nail polish
Nail polish (also known as nail varnish) is a lacquer that can be applied to the human fingernail or toenails to decorate and protect the nail plates. The formulation has been revised repeatedly to enhance its decorative effects and to suppress cracking or peeling. Nail polish consists of a mix of an organic polymer and several other components that give it its unique color and texture.
History[edit | edit source]
Nail polish originated in China and dates back to 3000 BC. Around 600 BC during the Zhou Dynasty, the royal house preferred the colors gold and silver. However, red and black eventually replaced these metallic colors as royal favorites. During the Ming Dynasty, nail polish was often made from a mixture that included beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, vegetable dyes, and gum Arabic.
Composition[edit | edit source]
Nail polish consists of a film-forming polymer dissolved in a volatile organic solvent. Nitrocellulose that is dissolved in butyl acetate or ethyl acetate is common. This basic formulation is expanded to include the following:
- Plasticizers to yield non-brittle films.
- Dyes and pigments.
- Adhesive polymers to ensure that the nitrocellulose adheres to the nail's surface.
- Thickening agents.
- Ultraviolet stabilizers.
Health concerns[edit | edit source]
There are health concerns over some of the ingredients found in nail polish. Some studies have shown that certain chemicals in nail polish can be absorbed into the body and lead to health issues.
See also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
