These create the film that adheres to the nail. Nitrocellulose is a common film former that provides the polish its hard, glossy finish.
Solvents like ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, or isopropyl alcohol dissolve other ingredients and help the polish spread smoothly.
These provide the color and opacity to the nail polish. Various pigments and dyes are used to achieve different shades and effects.
These additives enhance the flexibility of the dried polish film, preventing it from becoming brittle. They help the polish withstand bending and impacts.
Ingredients like stearalkonium hectorite or bentonite help control the viscosity of the polish, giving it the right consistency for application.
Some nail polishes contain UV filters to protect the color from fading or yellowing when exposed to sunlight or artificial UV light.