Do you face challenges meeting consumer needs for nail polish and nail care products? Fresh looking polish that dries quickly with lasting gloss is expected. Discoloration and chipping are common complaints formulators face. We understand how difficult it can be to tweak your formulations to achieve the desired quality while aligning with rising regulations.
First, What is the cause of these issues?
Most likely it is caused by Nitrocellulose. Nitrocellulose is a commonly used film former in nail coatings and it exhibits some undesirable traits that can cause underlying issues for nail care products.
QUV(B)
Weathering Test - 18 Hours Exposure
UV Stability
Sunlight Test - 6 Months Exposure
The most impactful problem is poor UV stability of Nitrocellulose which is responsible for the yellowing and discoloration in most nail care products, especially clear coats. High solvent demand is another challenging attribute with Nitrocellulose due to the rising pressure of VOC control regulations.
Now, Here is the solution
Eastman cellulose esters, a family of cellulose-based polymers, provide the same functionality as nitrocellulose in nail care formulations, but they also improve many other attributes of nail care products as detailed in the below table:
Properties
Cellulose Acetates
Nitrocellulose
Chip Resistant
Reduces cracking/chipping for longer lasting nails
Fast Drying
Reduces the possibility of streaking/smearing and improves wear resistance. Great for people on the go
Excellent Clarity & Shine
Keeps colors vibrant and won’t dull
Non-Yellowing
Prevents yellowing, increases vibrancy and gloss in UV curable formula
Low-Flammability/Toxicity
Because: Safer and easier to handle due to low flammability
Storage Stability & Hazard Rating
Allows safer storage and flexibility to buy in greater bulk
Smooth Application, Non-Tacky
Allows the application to wet surfaces
Eastman Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CABs) are highly efficient resins widely used in high-quality solvent-borne and reactive coating systems. A variety of grades specifically engineered to provide or improve key attributes of the formulation. Three main variables in CAB determine the best grade for a given application:
Butyryl content - Hydroxyl content - Viscosity.
Eastman Solus™ 2100 performance additive is the newest Cellulose Esters designed to meet lower VOC levels with lower solvent demand. Eastman Solus™ 2100 features very low viscosity make it suitable for UV/LED cure systems. It also improves dry-time and prevents yellowing similar to other CABs. Click here to learn more about Eastman Solus™ 2100
Is it possible to blend Nitrocellulose with Cellulose Esters?
Some formulations utilize both materials by blending Nitrocellulose in CAB/CAP solutions to improve yellowing resistance while maintining lower overall cost of the formulation. Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB) will also help to achieve extended clear water white looking for the nail care products. They might also improve drytime and gloss of the blend.
Conclusion:
Eastman Cellulose Esters is your solution to achive Nitrocellulose free formulation. It might not be a new chemistry for the industry, but Eastman Cellulose Esters is the only solution that gives you control over your formulation. You can select specific grades to improve certain attributes of your nail product such as dry time, gloss, weathering, water or alcohol tolerance and more. The chemistry is the primary solution to prevent yellowing, discoloration, chipping and other common issues in the nail coatings market.
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