* Nitrocellulose: A film-forming polymer that provides the glossy, hard surface of the nail polish.
* Ethyl Acetate: A solvent that helps dissolve the nitrocellulose and other ingredients, as well as control the viscosity of the polish.
* Butyl Acetate: Another solvent that works similarly to ethyl acetate.
* Isopropyl Alcohol: A solvent that helps to thin the polish and promote even application.
* Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer: A resin that enhances the durability, adhesion, and flexibility of the nail polish film.
* Triphenyl Phosphate: A plasticizer that improves the flexibility and durability of the nail polish film.
* Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) This is a plasticizer that used to be common but is now often avoided due to health concerns.
* Stearalkonium Bentonite: A thickening agent that helps suspend the pigments and other ingredients in the polish, preventing settling.
* Silica: A texturizer that helps to control the thickness and consistency of the polish.
* Mica: A mineral that adds shimmer and iridescence to the nail polish.
* Bismuth Oxychloride: A pigment that provides a pearlescent or iridescent effect.
* Titanium Dioxide: A white pigment that provides opacity and brightness.
* Iron Oxides: Pigments that provide a range of colors, including yellow, red, brown, and black.
* Ferric Ferrocyanide: A blue pigment.
* D&C Red No. 6 Barium Lake, D&C Red No. 7 Calcium Lake, D&C Red No. 34 Calcium Lake, D&C Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, D&C Violet 2: These are examples of various colorants that provide a wide range of colors.
Important Note:
* "3-Free," "5-Free," "7-Free," "9-Free," etc.: Many nail polish brands now advertise themselves as being "free" of certain chemicals. The numbers refer to the number of potentially harmful ingredients that are not included in the formula. Common chemicals that are often excluded are:
* Formaldehyde
* Toluene
* Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
* Formaldehyde Resin
* Camphor
* Ethyl Tosylamide
* Xylene
* Triphenyl Phosphate
* Parabens
To get the definitive list for a specific Petites nail polish, always check the ingredient list on the packaging or the manufacturer's website.