Preparation of soap, nail polish, boot polish, varnish, nail polish remover,

shampoo and perfumes.

 WHAT IS SOAP?
Soap is a salt of a fatty acid used in a variety of cleansing and lubricating products. In a
domestic setting, soaps are surfactants usually used for washing, bathing, and other types
of housekeeping. In industrial settings, soaps are used as thickeners, components of
some lubricants, and precursors to catalysts. When used for cleaning, soap solubilizes particles
and grime, which can then be separated from the article being cleaned. In hand washing, as a
surfactant, when lathered with a little water, soap kills microorganisms by disorganizing their
membrane lipid bilayer and denaturing their proteins. It also emulsifies oils, enabling them to
be carried away by running water.
Soap is created by mixing fats and oils with a base, as opposed to detergent which is created by
combining chemical compounds in a mixer.

 TYPES OF SOAPS:
Since they are salts of fatty acids, soaps have the general formula (RCO2−)nMn+ (Where R is
an alkyl, M is a metal and n is the charge of the cation). Soaps are also categorised on the
different processes used for manufacturing. The major classification of soaps is determined by
the method employed to make them, and the purpose for which they are used.

TYPES OF SOAPS BASED ON USAGE:

 TOILET SOAPS
 NON-TOILET SOAPS
 GLYCERINE SOAPS
 TRANSPARENT SOAPS
I. TOILET SOAPS:
Toilet soaps and bathing soaps are the ones that have a cosmetic use. The terms toilet
soap and bathing soap are generally used interchangeably. However, they are not the
same thing and have significant differences between them.
Although they are both used in personal hygiene, they vary in their composition.
Toilet soaps contain a higher quantity of Total Fatty Material (TFM). The higher the
TFM, the better the cleaning properties of the soap. A higher TFM also means that
the soap will deliver a greater moisturizing effect.
Bathing soaps, on the other hand, have lower TFM. This makes them inferior to
toilet soaps in terms of cleaning. Bathing bars can be considered as entry-level soaps
as their TFM value is fairly low as compared to toilet soaps. Toilet soaps are divided
into three grades, based on their TFM value, and subsequently, their cleaning
efficiency.

The following are the types of soaps:

 GRADE 1: The TFM content in grade 1 toilet soaps is about 76%. It

can be either homogenized or high-grade milled soap, and can even be a
combination of the two. Soaps with this level of TFM content make an excellent
lather. Grade 1 toilet soaps come in various colors and are scented.

 GRADE 2: Grade 2 toilet soaps contain approximately 70% TFM. They are
plodded and have a firm and smooth texture. They can be white or colored. The
lathing property of grade 2 toilet soaps is fairly good but not as great as grade 1
toilet soaps. Most soaps that are available in the market are usually graded 2
toilet soaps.

 GRADE 3: The TFM content of grade 3 toilet soaps is quite low – about 60%.
They have a firm and smooth texture, but their lathing properties are the poorest
among all the three grades of toilet soaps. They are often red in color due to
 cresyclic acid. These soaps have a high quantity of fillers and additives, and their
cleaning power is fairly less.

Toilet soaps can be further classified into the following categories based on their
usage:

 LAUNDRY SOAPS: Laundry soaps are available in liquid, powder, and gel

forms. Back in the day, soaps were made from all-natural ingredients, including goat
fat and wood ash. But with the increase in demand and scarcity of natural
ingredients, the use of synthetic materials became common. Therefore, what you
have available today are actually detergents and not soaps. Detergents contain
surface-active agents, or surfactants, which are present in all laundry soaps. The
properties of the surfactants vary from brand to brand.

Surfactants are responsible for pulling out the dirt from your laundry. The molecules
of these surfactants have two ends; one end is attracted to water (hydrophilic end),
and the other part is attracted to dirt (hydrophobic end). The hydrophobic end of a
surfactant molecule attaches itself to the dirt, and with a swish of water, the dirt is
washed away from the fabric.

 BEAUTY SOAPS/ BARS: As the name indicates, beauty bars are cleaning
products that are meant to be used on your face. They are available for different skin
types and skin conditions, so you may want to choose a beauty bar that suits
your skin type. Beauty bars are available for acne and dark spot reduction, fairness
enhancement, etc., and they also serve to bring about a moisturizing and hydrating
effect to your skin.

According to the FDA’s (Food and Drug Authority) regulations, a product has to be
a soap to be labelled as soap. As mentioned earlier, soap is a product that is made
from natural ingredients. Therefore, most of the cleaning products available today
are actually detergents. Hence, most companies call their beauty detergents “beauty
bars” rather than “beauty soaps”. Beauty soaps are available in the form of bars,
 liquid washes, and gels. They come in different colors, have different compositions,
and are mostly scented. One thing that is common among all beauty bars is that they
cleanse your skin and remove bacteria.

 NOVELTY SOAPS: Novelty soaps serve as more than just cleaning agents. They
are visually appealing and serve as a source of amusement, especially for kids. They
come in numerous colors, shapes, and designs, like a duck, bird, car, etc. They can
be used as a decoration in bathrooms or as a source of motivation for kids who are
not fond of taking baths. They have a pleasant fragrance and are mostly handmade.
Due to the variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, they are often given as gifts.

 GUEST SOAPS: Guest soaps are simply soaps for guests. They are visually more
pleasing as compared to the usual soaps and are smaller in size. These are the soaps
you find in hotel rooms. A lot of people prefer keeping guests soaps in their
bathrooms when they have guests visiting. There is no special purpose behind these
soaps, other than giving the guests a nice impression. Guest soaps are usually round-
shaped, shell-shaped, or flower-shaped.

 DISH SOAPS: Dish soaps dish detergent, or dishwashing liquid is a special type of

soap that is meant to clean dishes. Most dish soaps have strong chemicals, which
means that they shouldn’t be used on the skin. What separates dish soaps from
regular, skin-friendly soaps is the high quantity of surfactants that dish soaps
possess. This is why dishwashing soaps can clean not only the stains on dishes but
also cut the oil and grease away. Dish soaps produce a lot of foam. Some come as
concentrates that need to be diluted in water, while some come in diluted forms.
Most dish soaps contain ingredients like lemon and mint that leave behind a
refreshing aroma after the dishes have been washed. Moreover, these refreshing
agents also help in the efficient removal of oil and dirt from the dishes when washed
with warm water.

 MEDICATED SOAPS: medicated soaps re specialty soaps that contain ingredients

intended to treat one or more skin problems. The skin conditions that can be treated
using medicated soaps include acne, blackheads, pimple, rashes, clogged pores, and
fungal and bacterial infections. The ingredients of medicated soaps differ depending
on what condition a particular soap is being used to treat.
There are many types of medicated soaps that are quite helpful in curing skin
problems. They have been listed below:
  ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS: Antibacterial soaps are so named because they
contain antibacterial agents like triclosan, triclocarban, PCMX, tetra sodium EDTA,
etc. These soaps are intended to be used on skin that has been affected by bacterial
infections.

 ANTIFUNGAL SOAPS: Antifungal soaps contain antifungal agents to combat

fungal infections of the skin. They contain extracts from organic medicinal plants,
essential oils, vitamin E, sulphur, natural glycerine, tea tree oil, zinc oxide, etc.

 MEDICATED SOAPS FOR SKIN PROBLEMS:

Apart from bacterial and fungal infections, the skin is prone to a number of skin
problems. These include clogged pores, excess cellulite, or even excessively dry
skin. One of the most common skin conditions is acne, and there are numerous
medicated soaps which are meant to cure acne. These soaps have extracts of Neem
and other plants that can soothe the skin. If you are suffering from a particular skin
condition, it is recommended that you opt for a medicated soap that targets the
condition you are suffering from for the best results.

I. NON-TOILET SOAPS:
Non-toilet soaps are soaps that are used for cleaning heavy dirt. These soaps are
used to get rid of tough stains and grease. They are more commonly known as
lithium soaps. They consist of the lithium salt of a fatty acid. While toilet soaps are
used in domestic cleaning, lithium soaps are components of lithium grease. Lithium
grease is formed by mixing lithium soap and oil. It is used as a lubricating agent and
thickener.

II. GLYCERINE SOAPS:

Glycerine soaps are one of the most moisturizing types of soap. They are gentle to
the skin. This type of soap not only moisturizes the skin but is also equally effective
for all skin types. Glycerine soaps can make your skin appear moisturized and
healthy. These soaps are 100% natural, which makes them suitable for sensitive
skin. People who have sensitive skin often complain that bar soaps make their skin
look rough or worsen their skin problems. This worsening of skin conditions is due
to the presence of synthetic chemicals in regular beauty bars.
However, glycerine soaps are suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Even if you
have serious skin problems like psoriasis or eczema, glycerine soaps will work
wonders for you.
 Glycerine is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture. As a result, when you
use glycerine soap, your skin is not only moisturized, but the moisture is locked in
as well. Your skin stays hydrated for several hours, making it look fresh and feel
soft. If you use glycerine soap regularly, your skin will not only become soft, but it
will feel suppler as well.

III. TRANSPARENT SOAPS: Unlike regular soaps, transparent soaps are clear
and see-through. Instead of mixing soap material in water, it is mixed in a hot
alcohol solution. The particles that remain undissolved in alcohol are filtered out,
and hence, a transparent soap is formed. The filtration of undissolved particles has
to be done with extreme care when forming transparent soaps because, unlike
regular bar soaps, these particles cannot be hidden in an opaque mass. The alcohol
content is then separated from the mixture through the process of distillation until
the residue left behind is capable of forming a solid mass. Transparent soaps are
very hard, and they lather with great difficulty.

Transparent soaps are not as moisturizing as opaque soap bars, but they are very
effective for oily skin and acne. This is because the alcohol neutralizes the soap
during the process. Moreover, they are quite slippery and can be shaved into several
shapes.

TYPES OF SOAPS BASED ON FORM:

Soaps aren’t just classified based on their usage; they can also be categorized on the
basis of their form. Below, we look at the different types of soap based on their
form.

1. HANDMADE SOAPS:
Handmade soaps are costlier as compared to commercially produced soaps. They
are made in small batches from all-natural ingredients. Handmade soaps are real
soaps as they contain natural ingredients only. They are made from base oils
like palm oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and/or butter like Shea butter. These ingredients
are rich in antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins that are essential for the skin’s
health. Handmade soaps are not only gentle on your skin but are also safer. Since
they do not contain any strong, synthetic chemicals, they can be used by people with
sensitive skin.

2. BAR SOAPS:
“Bar soap” is an umbrella term that encompasses all types of soaps that are available
in the form of bars. These include beauty soaps, bathing soaps, and laundry soaps.

3. LIQUID SOAPS :
As the name indicates, liquid soaps are available in the form of liquid. They are
manufactured to be used on the body (body wash), hands (hand wash), or dishes
 (dishwashing liquid). Liquid soaps may also be used to clean floors (surface
cleaners).

4. MILK SOAPS:
Milk soaps Milk soaps are one of the softest and gentlest types of soaps. The major
ingredient in these soaps is milk that not only nourishes but also pampers the skin.
They have a smooth and slippery texture. Milk soaps leave the skin feeling soft and
smooth after usage. Goat milk soaps are the most common type of milk soap. They
are so tender and gentle to the skin that they are actually recommended for use on
infant skin. The skin of babies is very sensitive, and the harsh chemicals that are
present in regular bar soaps can irritate their skin or even make it rough. A good
goat milk soap cleanses a baby’s skin gently and leaves it feeling smooth.

5. FLAVOURED SOAPS:
Flavoured soaps are made from extracts of herbs and plants. They come in a variety
of flavors, such as peppermint, vanilla, seaweed, lemongrass, tea tree, etc. They
have a pleasant fragrance and impart a refreshing feel on the skin. Moreover, most
of these soaps are meant for specific skin conditions.

6. ANIMAL SOAPS:
Just like flavored soaps are made from ingredients that come from plants, animal
soaps are made from fat that has been extracted from animals. Animal fat is heated
to produce oil. The main ingredient of these soaps is sodium tallowate. Therefore,
animal soaps are a mixture of animal tallow and oils.

7. LUXURY SOAPS:
Luxury soaps are made from premium ingredients like sandalwood, almonds, and
chocolate. Each ingredient comes with its own set of benefits for the skin. As these
soaps are made from premium, luxurious ingredients, they are expensive. However,
because of their herbal and natural nature, they are beneficial for the skin.

8. PERFUMED SOAPS:
Perfumed soaps have fancy fragrances, unlike the mild fragrances of regular soaps.
They are commonly used in spas and salons and in places where aromatherapy is
practiced. Moreover, people often use them on a daily basis if they are fond of the
fresh-smelling scents that these soaps give off.

There are various methods that can be employed to manufacture soaps . Each
method is different from the other, and the soap produced from each technique has a
unique set of characteristics.

METHODS EMPLOYED IN MANUFACTURE OF SOAP:

1. MELT AND POUR METHOD:
The melt and pour method is a simple, lye-free method, that you can use to make
soap at home. All you need to make soap with the melt and pour method is a
premade soap base.
 Simply melt the soap base till it completely liquefies.
 Add the dye of your choice, and other ingredients, including herbs, essential oils,
and nutrients.
 Mix all the ingredients in the melted soap base.
 Pour the mixture into a mould of your choice.
 Allow it to dry and harden.

2. HOT PRESS METHOD AND COLD PRESS METHOD:

Both hot and cold press methods use basic ingredients to make soap from scratch.
Therefore, these soap making methods produce the purest soaps. Lye and water are
used in the process of saponification.
HOT PRESS METHOD:
In the hot process method, the ratio of lye to oil does not have to be as precise as in
the cold press method, which makes the hot press method a lot easier and less time-
consuming. However, the downside to this quick setting time is that the soaps
produced from this method are not as visually pleasing as they are with the cold
press method. Moreover, soaps usually end up being lumpy. Laundry soaps are
often made with the hot press method.

COLD PRESS METHOD:

The cold press method of making soap produces the best looking soaps.
The saponification process is slow, and hence, the soap makers have enough time to
create beautiful designs and patterns. Most of the visually pleasing soaps that you
can buy are produced using the cold press soap making technique.

3. REBATCHING/ MILLING METHOD:

The rebatching or milling soap method is a method of soapmaking that involves
reworking soaps that have already been made. It involves shredding previously
made soaps (either by the hot press method or cold press method) and then melting
them and remaking them into fresh soaps. Each method of making soap has its own
merits and demerits. Therefore, the soaps produced from each method vary in
quality and aesthetics as well.

BASIC SOAP INGREDIENTS:

The basic ingredients that a regular soap bar is made up of are:

 LYE: It is the reaction between lye and oils that produces the soap through a
process called saponification. The two types of lye that are used in soap making are
 sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. The process of saponification is said to
be complete when all the lye has been consumed.

 WATER: Water makes up an important part of a soap recipe. The lye is mixed into
a solution with water before it is mixed with oils.

 SCENT: Most of the soaps available today are scented. Therefore, a scented
ingredient makes for an important ingredient of soaps. Either fragrant oils or plant-
based essential oils are used to add scent to soap.

 COLOUR: Dyes are an essential component of all soaps. Coloured soaps are
visually more attractive, and that is why FDA approved dyes and pigments are
usually added to soaps.

 PRESERVATIVES: True soaps that are made of oil, lye, and water do not need
preservatives, but preservatives are often added to liquid soaps.

 READY-MADE SOAP BASES: Soap bases may be completely natural or

synthetic. Their composition varies. Soap bases consist of ingredients that are
required to make the soap meltdown before it is poured into a mould.

Soaps are a mandatory part of our lives today. They are the basic element of all
cleanliness procedures, whether it is self-cleanliness or the cleaning of our homes, or
the washing of our laundry or dishes. Whenever there is something that needs to be
cleaned, soaps and detergents are the cleaning agents that we use. Now that you
know all about the types of soaps out there, you will be better able to understand
why some types of soaps are meant for use on the skin, and some are not. You can
now better decide which type of soap will be suitable for the purpose you have in
your mind.
 What is Nail polish?

Nail polish (also known as nail varnish or nail enamel) is a lacquer that can be applied to

the human fingernail or toenails to decorate and protect the nail plates. The formula 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 colour
and texture. Nowadays nail polishes come in all shades of colours and play a significant part
in manicures or pedicures.

TYPES OF NAIL POLISH:

CREME:
When it comes to classic nail lacquer, the standard style is crème. This type of nail polish is
one of the most popular and tends to be relatively low-maintenance, with a broad spectrum of
shades

Chrome/Metallic
For a bit of extra flash, chrome or metallic nail polish is the way to go. This style is
ultra-high-shine and is the perfect choice for a high-impact look. Since this type of
nail polish has a tendency to streak.

Matte
Matte polish is like regular polish, but has a purposely dull finish rather than a shine. It can be purchased
as a regular base coat in ranges of different colours. Matte nail polish can also be found in a top coat. Matte
top coat is most useful for painting over any dry base colour, giving it a different appearance. The matte
top coat polish will dull the shine from a regular base coat polish. Matte polish has become very popular
through the years, particularly since it can be used in nail art applications, where designs can be created on
the nail using the contrast of both shiny and matte surfaces.

METALLIC
Metallic nail paint, as the name suggests. Resembles a metal in its finish. It doesn’t have
large or visible particles of sparkle like glitter nail paint does, but has a certain lustre which
we see in metals like silver, gold and bronze. Not only that these don’t have a coarse texture
like glitter nail polish.
GEL

Gel nail paint is often confused with crème nail paint but is more long lasting, chip-resistant,
and expensive. Gel nail paint is a long-lasting variety of nail polish made up of a type
of methacrylate polymer. It is painted on the nail similar to traditional nail polish, but does not dry. Instead
it is cured under an ultraviolet lamp or ultraviolet LED. While regular nail polish formulas typically last
two to seven days without chipping, gel polish can last as long as two weeks with proper application and
home care. Gel polish can be more difficult to remove than regular nail polish. It is usually removed by
soaking the nails in pure acetone (the solvent used in most nail polish removers) for five to fifteen minutes,
depending on the formula.

Top coat
This type of nail polish is a clear coloured polish formula that is used specifically after applying nail polish
to the nail. It forms a hardened barrier for the nail that can prevent chipping, scratching and peeling. Many
top coats are marketed as "quick-drying." Top coats can help the underlying coloured polish dry quickly as
well. It gives the polish a more finished and desired look and may help to keep the polish on for longer.

Base coat
This type of nail polish is a clear, milky-coloured, or opaque pink polish formula that is used specifically
before applying nail polish to the nail. Its purpose is to strengthen nails, restore moisture to the nail, and
help polish adhere to the nail. It prevents staining and extends the lifespan of the manicure. Some base
coats are marketed as "ridge fillers", and can create a smooth surface, de-emphasizing the ridges that can
appear on unbuffed nails. Some base coats, called "peel off base coats", allow the user to peel off their nail
polish without using a remover.

PEARL
Pearl nail polish was a huge rage in the 90s and early years. It contains fine pearlescent
particles which give the polish a uniquely delicate sheen. Usually, paler colours like shell and
white pearl are common in this.

INGREDIENTS/ RAW MATERIAL:

There is no single formula for nail polish. There are, however, a number of ingredient types
that are used. These basic components include: film forming agents, resins and plasticizers,
solvents, and colouring agents. The exact formulation of a nail polish, apart from being a
corporate secret, greatly depends upon choices made by chemists and chemical engineers in
the research and development phase of manufacturing. Additionally, as chemicals and other
ingredients become accepted or discredited for some uses, adjustments are made. For
example, formaldehyde was once frequently used in polish production, but now it is rarely
used.
The primary ingredient in nail polish is nitrocellulose (cellulose nitrate) cotton, a flammable
and explosive ingredient also used in making dynamite. Nitrocellulose is a liquid mixed with
tiny, near-microscopic cotton fibres. In the manufacturing process, the cotton fibres are
ground even smaller and do not need to be removed. The nitrocellulose can be purchased in
various viscosities to match the desired viscosity of the final product.
Nitrocellulose acts as a film forming agent. For nail polish to work properly, a hard film must
form on the exposed surface of the nail, but it cannot form so quickly that it prevents the
material underneath from drying. (Consider commercial puddings or gelatine products that
dry or film on an exposed surface and protect the moist product underneath.) By itself or used
with other functional ingredients, the nitrocellulose film is brittle and adheres poorly to nails.
Manufacturers add synthetic resins and plasticizers (and occasionally similar, natural
products) to their mixes to improve flexibility, resistance to soap and water, and other
qualities; older recipes sometimes even used nylon for this purpose. Because of the number
of desired qualities involved, however, there is no single resin or combination of resins that
meets every specification. Among the resins and plasticizers in use today are castor oil, amyl
and butyl stearate, and mixes of glycerol, fatty acids, and acetic acids.
The colourings and other components of nail polish must be contained within one or more
solvents that hold the colourings and other materials until the polish is applied. After
application, the solvent must be able to evaporate. In many cases, the solvent also acts a

Plasticizer. Butyl stearate and acetate compounds are perhaps the most common.

Finally, the polish must have a colour. Early polishes used soluble dyes, but today's product
contains pigments of one type or another. Choice of pigment and its ability to mix well with
the solvent and other ingredients is essential to producing a good quality product.
Nail polish is a "suspension" product, in which particles of colour can only be held by the
solvent for a relatively short period of time, rarely more than two or three years. Shaking a
bottle of nail polish before use helps to restore settled particles to the suspension; a very old
bottle of nail polish may have so much settled pigment that it can never be restored to the
solvent. The problem of settling is perhaps the most difficult to be addressed in the
manufacturing process.
In addition to usual colouring pigments, other colour tones can be added depending upon the
colour, tone, and hue of the desired product. Micas (tiny reflective minerals), also used
in lipsticks, are a common additive, as is "pearl" or "fish scale" essence. "Pearl" or "guanine"
is literally made from small fish scales and skin, suitably cleaned, and mixed with solvents
such as castor oil and butyl acetate. The guanine can also be mixed with gold, silver, and
bronze tones.
Pigment choices are restricted by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which
maintains lists of pigments considered acceptable and others that are dangerous and cannot be
used. Manufacturing plants are inspected regularly, and manufacturers must be able to prove
they are using only FDA approved pigments. Since the FDA lists of acceptable

And unacceptable pigments change with new findings and re-examinations of colours,
manufacturers occasionally have to reformulate a polish formula.

The Manufacturing Process

Early methods of making nail polish used a variety of methods that today look charmingly
amateurish. One common technique was to mix cleaned scraps of movie film and other
cellulose with alcohol and castor oil and leave the mixture to soak overnight in a covered
container. The mixture was then strained, coloured, and perfumed. Though recognizable as
nail polish, the product was far from what we have available today.
The modern manufacturing process is a very sophisticated operation utilizing highly skilled
workers, advanced machinery, and even robotics. Today's consumers expect a nail polish to
apply smoothly, evenly, and easily; to set relatively quickly; and to be resistant to chipping
and peeling. In addition, the polish should be dermatologically innocuous.

Mixing the pigment with nitrocellulose and plasticizer

 1 The pigments are mixed with nitrocellulose and plasticizer using a "two-roll" differential
speed mill. This mill grinds the pigment between a pair of rollers that are able to work with
increasing speed as the pigment is ground down. The goal is to produce fine dispersion of the
colour. A variation of this mill is the Banbury Mixer (used also in the production of rubber
for rubber band).
  2 When properly and fully milled, the mixture is removed from the mill in sheet form and
then broken up into small chips for mixing with the solvent. The mixing is performed
in stainless steel kettles that can hold anywhere from 5 to 2,000 gallons. Stainless steel must
be used because the nitrocellulose is extremely reactive in the presence of iron. The kettles
are jacketed so that the mixture can be cooled by circulating cold water or another liquid
around the outside of the kettle. The temperature of the kettle, and the rate of cooling, are
controlled by both computers and technicians.

This step is performed in a special room or area designed to control the hazards of fire
and explosion. Most modern factories perform this step in an area with walls that will
close in if an alarm sounds and, in the event of explosion, with ceilings that will safely
blow off without endangering the rest of the structure.

Adding other ingredients

 3 Materials are mixed in computerized, closed kettles. At the end of the process, the mix is
cooled slightly before the addition of such other materials as perfumes and moisturizers.
 4 The mixture is then pumped into smaller, 55 gallon drums, and then trucked to a production
line. The finished nail polish is pumped into explosion proof pumps, and then into smaller
bottles suitable for the retail market.

QUALITY CONTROL

Extreme attention to quality control is essential throughout the manufacturing process. Not
only does quality control increase safety in the process, but it is the only way that a
manufacturer can be assured of consumer confidence and loyalty. A single bottle of poor
quality polish can lose a customer forever. Regardless of quality control, however, no single
nail polish is perfect; the polish always represents a chemical compromise between what is
desired and what the manufacturer is able to produce.
The nail polish is tested throughout the manufacturing process for several important factors
(drying time, smoothness of flow, gloss, hardness, colour, abrasion resistance, etc.).
Subjective testing, where the mixture or final product is examined or applied, is ongoing.
Objective, laboratory testing of samples, though more time consuming, is also necessary to
ensure a usable product. Laboratory tests are both complicated and unforgiving, but no
manufacturer would do without them.

HEALTH CONCERNS:
The health risks associated with nail polish are disputed. According to the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, "The amount of chemicals used in animal studies is probably a couple of hundred times
higher than what you would be exposed to from using nail polish every week or so. So the chances of any
individual phthalate producing such harm [in humans] is very slim." A more serious health risk is faced by
professional nail technicians, who perform manicures over a workstation, known as a nail table, on which
the client's hands rest – directly below the technician's breathing zone. In 2009, Susan Reutman,
an epidemiologist with the U.S.  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s’ Division of
Applied Research and Technology, announced a federal effort to evaluate the effectiveness of downdraft
vented nail tables in removing potential nail polish chemical and dust exposures from the technician's work
area. These ventilation systems have potential to reduce worker exposure to chemicals by at least
50%. Many nail technicians will often wear masks to cover their mouth and nose from inhaling any of the
harsh dust or chemicals from the nail products.
According to Reutman, a growing body of scientific literature suggests that some inhaled and absorbed
organic solvents found in nail salons such as glycol ethers and carbon disulphide may have adverse effects
on reproductive health. These effects may including birth defects, low birth weight, miscarriage, and
preterm birth.
Nail polish formulations may include ingredients that are toxic or affect other health problems. One
controversial family of ingredient are phthalates, which are implicated as endocrine disruptors and linked
to problems in the endocrine system and increased risk of diabetes. Manufacturers have been pressured by
consumer groups to reduce or to eliminate potentially-toxic ingredients, and in September 2006, several
companies agreed to phase out di-butyl phthalates. There are no universal consumer safety standards for
nail polish, however, and while formaldehyde has been eliminated from some nail polish brands, others
still use it.

NAIL POLISH REMOVER

 WHAT IS NAIL POLISH REMOVER?

Nail polish remover is an organic solvent used to remove nail polish from the nails.
Generally nail polish remover is made of acetone, which is a solvent that dissolves the
film of the nail polish.

Non-acetone polish removers contain ethyl acetate or methyl ethyl ketone as their active
ingredient and are less effective for removing nail polish than acetone.

Acetone is a clear, harsh-smelling and highly flammable liquid. It's a solvent,

capable of disintegrating even plastic. This explains why it works so quickly
breaking apart and removing your nail polish. Isopropyl alcohol is typically
used in the making of acetone.

The key active ingredient in non-acetone removers is usually ethyl acetate.

Made from ethanol and acetic acid, ethyl acetate is colorless and also
flammable. In addition to also being used as a solvent, its fragrant smell has
led to its use in perfumes.

Most of your nail polish removers are going to include solvents as ingredients.
If you can remember your lesson about polymers from high school chemistry
class, think of it like this: Your nail polish remover is an organic liquid solvent.
Nail polish is a hardened organic polymer. When the remover is applied to the
polish, the molecules of the solvent will force their way through the polymer
molecules, causing the polish to disintegrate.

Because of acetone's strength as a solvent, it shouldn't be used on your fake

nails. The solvent in the polish remover will weaken your extensions and cause
them to separate from your natural nail. One of the reasons non-acetone nail
polish removers were created was to be used on nail extensions.

But for removing sparkly, glitter nail polish, it's best to go with the big guns --
acetone polish remover. The chemicals in glitter nail polish make it more
difficult than other polishes to break down.

If you have strong health concerns about the chemicals used in both acetone
and non-acetone polish removers, you should consider switching to a nail
polish remover that doesn't use toxic ingredients. There are also many polish
removers on the market today that boast of being fully "natural" and
biodegradable.