Productgroup

Nail varnishes / Nail makeup

Description

Nail varnishes (cream varnishes) contain NITROCELLULOSE, solvents (eg BUTYL ACETATE, ETHYL ACETATE, isopropanol), resins (eg tosylamide formaldehyde resin), plasticisers (eg camphor) and colorants (eg iron oxide, titanium dioxide). Some products (pearl varnishes) include pearlescent agents (eg glimmer) and UV filters (eg BENZOPHENONE-3). The colorants and their use are regulated by the European legislation (colorants for Cosmetic Products). Apart from the decorative effect, nail varnishes improve the resistance of the nails to stresses and strains caused by strokes, twisting or cleansing agents. Depending on the composition of the varnish, the result of colour application ranges from transparent to opaque. A fine, noble shimmering effect is possible in the same way as a brilliant, lasting gloss. The nail varnish ranges are available in a broad palette of colours which are frequently aligned with those of respective lipstick ranges. Easy application, good distributability, rapid drying and a high durability are the basic requirements to be met by nail varnishes. Base coats are applied under the nail varnish. They protect the nails against discolouration by the colour varnish. They are free from colourants and consist primarily of NITROCELLULOSE, solvents and resins. They likewise improve the durability of the nail varnish applied on top. Top varnishes are likewise colourless and are applied above the nail varnish. They protect the nail makeup, provide additional gloss and prevent coloured varnish traces through abrasion, eg on light furniture or textiles. The composition is more or less the same as for base varnishes.

Typically includes the following substance groups

Dyes / Pigments

Film-forming agents

Ingredients for skincare

Opacifiers / Pearlescent substances

Perfume / Fragrances

Plasticisers

Resins

Solvents

Sunscreens / UV filters

Understanding your cosmetics

How are cosmetics kept safe in Europe?

Strict laws make sure that cosmetics and personal care products sold in the European Union are safe for people to use. Companies, national and European regulatory authorities share the responsibility of keeping cosmetic products safe.

What should I know about endocrine disruptors?

Some ingredients used in cosmetic products have been claimed to be ‘endocrine disruptors’ because they have the potential to mimic some of the properties of our hormones. Just because something has the potential to mimic a hormone does not mean it will disrupt our endocrine system. Many substances, including natural ones, mimic hormones but very few, and these are mostly potent medicines, have ever been shown to cause disruption of the endocrine system. The rigorous product safety assessments by qualified, scientific experts that companies are legally obliged to carry out cover all potential risks, including potential endocrine disruption.

Are cosmetics tested on animals? No!

In the European Union, testing cosmetics on animals has been fully banned since 2013. Over the last 30 years, long before a ban was in place, the cosmetics and personal care industry has invested in research and development to pioneer alternatives to animal testing tools to assess the safety of cosmetics ingredients and products.

What about allergens in cosmetics?

Many substances, natural or man-made, have the potential to cause an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to substances that are harmless to most people. A substance that causes an allergic reaction is called an allergen. Cosmetics and personal care products may contain ingredients that can be allergenic for some people. This does not mean that the product is not safe for others to use.

Database

Cosmetics matter to people and play an important role in our everyday life. On average European consumers use over seven different cosmetics daily. You too? It’s only natural that you want to know more about the ingredients in those products.

In the digital world we live in, there’s a deluge of information on cosmetics. However, it can be difficult to know which sources are reliable. COSMILE Europe is a European cosmetic ingredient database that offers reliable, verified and scientifically supported information on almost 30,000 ingredients used in cosmetics.

This database will help you understand why certain ingredients are in your cosmetic products; which properties they have and much more. The database is currently available in fourteen languages with more to come.

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