Oxiteno formulates new nail polish solvent to replace toluene

Chemicals company Oxiteno has formulated sec-Butyl acetate, a new solvent for nail polish applications, which could replace Toluene, a hazardous air pollutant.

The Brazil-based firm said Toluene is a clear liquid substance, which is used as a solvent to dissolve other substances used in the formulation, , and is limited to nail products in cosmetics.

Toulene aids in assuring that the ingredients in the nail product are easily, effectively and smoothly applied, reported cosmeticsdesign.com.

The company said the sec-Butyl acetate mimics the performance of its predecessor and the company hopes the product will become a major success in the cosmetics marketplace.

Oxiteno said the new solvent was approved for its shine, coating, colour, application, consistency and drying properties an unnamed market player, who tested it.

The unnamed company told cosmeticsdesign that Oxiteno was carrying out research for two years on the new technology to test it in nail polishes.

"Among its main advantages are: scent of fruits; solvents compatible with most acrylic, cellulosic and epoxy resins, ensuring its presence over the drying process; low environmental impact and low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emission," the company added.

Oxiteno said that Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated Toluene for its safety and acknowledged that it could be safely used as a cosmetic ingredient in a second separate assessment.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), however, has said that overexposure to Toluene in nail polish or fingernail glue may adversely impact health.

While less quantities of these ingredients are used in nail care products, , exposure levels can be drastically reduced with proper usage and application techniques.

The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) officials determined that toluene does not pose a risk to health the way it is being used in nail polish products.

This finding agrees with findings by other scientific and regulatory bodies.