The odor of a nail salon makes it obvious that chemicals are at play in beautifying or strengthening nails. But what causes that odor? How can colors be so bright? What makes nails healthier? Personal care raw ingredients supplier Bell Chem is here to answer those questions and more.

What is in your nail polish?

A chemical breakdown of nail polish typically reveals a nitrocellulose polymer dissolved in either ethyl acetate or butyl acetate with a plasticizer (typically phthalates) added for durability. When the polish comes into contact with the nail and is subjected to oxygenated air, the solvent evaporates and the polymer adheres to the nail. 

Gel nail polish

With a different concoction from conventional nail polish, gel polish consists of methacrylate compounds and photo initiating compounds, including benzoyl peroxide. Gel nail polishes are brushed on in layers, then dried under an ultraviolet light. The UV light begins a polymerization process with an end result of a solidly-fused polish.

Colors 

The stunning and sometimes startling colors in nail polish are generally organic or inorganic pigments. Inorganic pigments include:

• Chromium oxide – green tints

• Ferric ferrocyanide – blue tints

• Iron oxide – red and orange tints.

Organic pigments come in a vast array – such as beta carotene for orange - and are similar to the chemicals responsible for food colors.

Glitter nail polish is the result of mica, and pearlescence is due to titanium dioxide. Other showy nail polishes contain: 

• Light-sensitive (photochromic) compounds containing spiropyrans and spirooxazines show a structural alteration with exposure to ultraviolet rays. 

• Temperature-sensitive (thermochromic) compounds known as leucodyes with solvents with low melting points as well as acids. When temperatures decrease, the color retains its natural hue. When temperatures increase, the molecules are farther apart and not able to react with one another and the color fades. 

Nail Hardeners and Polishes

Many nail polishes contain hardeners to give nails durability as well as shine. Typically the chemical used in this process is formaldehyde, although it may be listed as methylene glycol or formalin on the label. Formaldehyde bonds to naturally occurring keratin in the nails, giving greater strength to the nails. 

An alternative to formaldehyde’s hardening properties is a nail coating, such as toluene sulfonamide/formaldehyde resin, or TSFR. Along with resins, TSFR also aids in adhesion of polish, adds shine, and maintains the correct viscosity to polish. 

Preservatives

Preventing contamination due to bacterial, yeast, or fungal growth is vitally important in nail products. Preservatives such as parabens and formaldehyde carry out these important functions.

Nail Polish Remover

As any home nail polish tech knows, acetone is essential for those who wish to remove nail polish once it begins to crack or wear off. This chemical also has the ability to remove nail glue, making it a versatile nail solution. 

Bell Chem is a personal care raw ingredients supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including nail care chemicals. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.