Common Name(s): Nitrocellulose,cellulose nitrate film-former,classic nail lacquer base

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Forms a hard, high-gloss, fast-drying film on the nail plate as solvents evaporate — the primary contributor to nail lacquer gloss, hardness, and chip-resistance.

Why It's Used: Nitrocellulose remains irreplaceable in conventional nail lacquer — no polymer provides comparable gloss development speed, film hardness, and cost efficiency. it sets the standard all nail film-formers are measured against.

How It Works: Rs nitrocellulose (12-14% nitrogen) dissolves in ethyl/butyl acetate-isopropanol blends. as solvents evaporate (fastest: isopropanol; slowest: butyl acetate), polymer chains entangle forming a continuous glass above tg ~85c. the nitroester groups provide the polar interactions for nail keratin adhesion and the semi-crystalline ordering that creates the mirror-gloss surface.

Typically Found In: Nail polish,nail lacquer

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 15%–25%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Plasticisers required with nitrocellulose to reduce brittleness — nitrocellulose alone cracks on nail flex. non-phthalate plasticisers (dibutyl sebacate, acetyl tributyl citrate) are the modern standard replacing dibutyl phthalate.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,nitrocellulose rs nail lacquer film-former chemistry