Liam Carter
A fingernail top coat is a clear polish that seals in the nail polish colour, protects against chipping and damage, and gives nails a glossy finish. It is applied last, after a base coat and two layers of nail colour. Top coats use the same basic ingredients as nail polish but without the pigments and dispersing agents. The main ingredients are solvents, primary film formers, secondary film formers, and plasticizers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide a glossy finish, enhance the longevity of your manicure, protect nail polish from chipping and cracking, and add strength to your nails. |
| Ingredients | Solvents (e.g. ethyl acetate, butyl acetate), primary film formers (e.g. CAB, nitrocellulose), secondary film formers (e.g. resins, complex polymers), plasticizers, hardening agents (e.g. acrylic, polymer resins) |
| Application | Applied last, after the base coat and colour layers. Applied in thin, floaty layers, starting from the base and ending with a gentle swipe along the tips of the nails to seal the edges. |
| Results | A high-shine, long-lasting, and protective finish for your manicure. |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients: ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, CAB, and more
Fingernail top coat is made out of several ingredients, including ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, and CAB.
Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl acetate (systematically ethyl ethanoate, commonly abbreviated EtOAc, ETAC or EA) is an organic compound with the formula CH3CO2CH2CH3, simplified to C4H8O2. This compound is a flammable, colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet smell (similar to pear drops). It is the ester of ethanol and acetic acid and is manufactured on a large scale for use as a solvent. In the context of nail care, ethyl acetate is commonly used in nail polish removers and helps create an ultra-glossy, protective layer that guards against scratches and chips.
Butyl Acetate
Butyl acetate is a chemical compound with the formula C6H14O2. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet, fruity odor. Butyl acetate is used as a solvent in lacquers, enamels, and other coatings. It helps to form a film on the nail surface, contributing to the protective and glossy nature of the top coat.
CAB
CAB, or Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, is a thermoplastic polymer that belongs to the family of cellulose acetate esters. It is a versatile material with excellent clarity, toughness, and adhesion properties. In nail coatings, CAB likely contributes to the formation of a durable, glossy film that enhances the overall appearance and protection of the nail polish.
Other potential ingredients in fingernail top coats include nitrocellulose, various resins, and plasticizers, all working together to provide a durable, glossy, and protective finish to your manicure.
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Purpose: prevents chipping, adds shine, and seals in colour
The purpose of a fingernail top coat is to seal in colour, add shine, and prevent chipping. It is the final step in a manicure, applied after the base coat and nail colour.
A top coat provides a glossy finish, enhances the longevity of your manicure, and protects nail polish from damage, chipping, and scratches. It also helps to smooth out minor imperfections and ridges, giving your manicure a polished and flawless look.
Top coats are formulated with ingredients like quick-drying resins and UV filters to provide superior gloss, durability, and protection. The main ingredients include solvents such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate, and film-forming agents such as polymers and resins. These film-forming ingredients create a transparent shield over your nail polish, preserving and enhancing the colours beneath.
The careful selection of ingredients in top coats achieves both a high-gloss finish and long-lasting wear. Top coats can also be matte, which delivers a velvety-matte look without the shine.
A top coat is essential for anyone who wishes to replicate a salon-quality manicure at home. It helps to seal in the colour, adds shine, and prevents chipping, ensuring your manicure achieves a more "finished" look.
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Application: applied last, in thin layers, avoiding cuticles
The top coat is the final step in a nail polish routine and it is important to apply it properly to ensure the best results. The top coat should be applied last, as its function is to seal in the colour and add a protective layer to the nail. It is important to apply thin layers of the top coat to avoid any clumping or smudging. Thin coats dry faster and are less likely to smear, and multiple thin coats are more durable than one thick coat. Be sure to avoid the cuticles when applying; a steady hand is needed to carefully paint the nail, keeping the brush stroke away from the skin around the nail. Cuticles are the thin layer of transparent skin at the base of a nail, and they are very delicate. Accidentally applying nail polish to them can be painful and cause irritation, so it is best to avoid contact with any chemicals or polishes. Applying a top coat correctly will ensure a long-lasting manicure and protect the nail art or colour underneath.
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Types: high-gloss, matte, glitter, and more
The purpose of a top coat is to seal in the nail colour and protect the nail polish from chipping, fading, and damage while keeping it looking glossy. Top coats are formulated with specific additives that provide extra durability and shine. They are designed to deliver a high-gloss finish that enhances the manicure and offers protection.
There are several types of top coats available, each offering a different finish and level of protection:
- High-gloss top coats: These are designed to deliver a mirror-like shine and enhance the vibrancy of the manicure. They often contain hardening agents like acrylic or polymer resins, which provide strength and resilience to the nail polish, making it more resistant to daily wear and tear.
- Matte top coats: Matte top coats provide a non-glossy finish for those who prefer a more subtle look. While they do not offer the same level of shine as high-gloss top coats, they still provide protection against chipping and damage.
- Glitter top coats: These add a layer of sparkle or glitter over the nail polish, enhancing the manicure with a touch of glamour. They can be used to create a variety of looks, from subtle shimmers to bold, glittery statements.
- Fast-drying top coats: Formulated with quick-drying ingredients, these top coats are ideal for those who want their nails to dry quickly. They reduce the chances of smudging or denting freshly painted nails, saving time and maintaining the manicure's pristine appearance.
- UV-protected top coats: These top coats contain ultraviolet shields or colour stabilizers that protect the nail polish from sun exposure and prevent colour fading. They act as a barrier against the sun's harmful UV rays, preserving the vibrancy and longevity of the manicure.
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Safety: some ingredients have been linked to allergies and toxicity
While a manicure can elevate your look, some of the ingredients in nail polishes and top coats can be harmful. Ingredients like toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), tosylamide-formaldehyde resin (TSFR), epoxy resin, and sulfonamide have been identified as allergens and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. In fact, over 3% of the population suffers from allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) due to nail polish.
Symptoms of an allergy can include itching, redness, swelling, blisters, pain and tenderness around the nails. In some cases, this inflammation can extend to the fingers and hands. It is imperative that you avoid getting nail polish on your skin, as this can cause a reaction. If you suspect an allergy, it is important to see a dermatologist or allergist, who can conduct a patch test to determine the specific allergen.
Some ingredients in nail polish top coats have also been linked to toxicity. For example, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and other phthalates, which were once commonly used as plasticizers to increase the flexibility of the product, have been linked to cancer and reproductive toxicity. Toluene, which was previously used as a solvent due to its strong adhesion properties, is considered part of the "toxic trio" and has been mostly eliminated from nail products. However, it is important to read ingredient lists, as some brands still use it.
To minimize the risk of exposure to potentially harmful ingredients, look for nail polishes and top coats that are labelled as "3-free", "5-free", or similar. These formulations are free from common allergens and toxic ingredients. For example, Essie's Gel Couture Matte Top Coat is a vegan formula that is free from formaldehyde.
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Frequently asked questions
A nail top coat is a product used to seal and protect your nail colour. It helps to prevent chipping and scratches, and can also add shine and strength to your nails.
Nail top coats use the same basic ingredients found in nail polish but without the pigments and dispersing agents. The main ingredients are solvents (such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate), and film-forming ingredients (such as acrylic or polymer resins).
To achieve the best results, wait until your nail polish is almost dry, but not fully dry, before applying a thin layer of top coat. Start from the base of your nail and end with a gentle swipe along the tips to seal the edges. Allow the top coat to dry completely for a glossy, chip-resistant finish.
To maintain the longevity and shine of your manicure, it is good practice to reapply a nail top coat every few days. You can also apply a fresh top coat as part of your regular nail maintenance routine when you notice signs of wear and tear.
