ADVANCES IN NAIL ENAMEL TECHNOLOGY

Nail enamel is a very esoteric area of cosmetic formulating, related f or the most part to paint and lacquer technology. Non-settling or susp ension nail enamel was and is a development in cosmetic formulation th at represents an excellent example of the application of rheological p rinciples. Suspension nail enamel has undergone many changes from the formulations of the last 30 years. This paper will review some of the past formulations, manufacturing procedures, and evaluation methods, a nd attempt to discuss the technology of the 1990s. Packaging innovatio ns and advances in nail care lacquer areas such as base and top coat, hardness and strengtheners will be outlined. The presentation will add ress environmental and governmental issues and the impact they may hav e on future nail enamel formulations, namely toluene-free, formaldehyd e-free, and water-based systems.