Ingredient guide · N

Nitrocellulose

Nitrocellulose is a film-forming ingredient commonly used in nail polishes, base coats and some long-wear lip products. It creates a hard, glossy, protective layer that helps colour stay put and resist chipping. In the UK beauty aisle you’ll most often see it listed near the top of nail lacquer ingredient lists.

Nitrocellulose — Nitrocellulose is produced by treating cellulose, a natural polymer sourced from wood p… | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In cosmetics, nitrocellulose is dissolved in solvents to form a flexible yet durable film on the nail or lip surface. As the solvents evaporate, it leaves behind a smooth, shiny coating that locks in pigments, improves wear time and adds a high-gloss finish. Formulators adjust the molecular weight and plasticisers alongside it to balance flexibility and chip resistance without making the product brittle.

Key benefits

  • Forms a tough, glossy film for long-lasting wear
  • Helps lock pigments onto the nail or lip surface
  • Provides a smooth, high-shine finish
  • Improves chip and smudge resistance
  • Creates a protective barrier against everyday wear
  • Allows even application and quick drying

Best for

nails, all nail types

Where it comes from

Nitrocellulose is produced by treating cellulose, a natural polymer sourced from wood pulp or cotton linters, with nitric acid. Although the starting material is plant-derived, the final ingredient is a chemically modified polymer.

Products with Nitrocellulose

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Nitrocellulose than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

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