Is this top coat safe for fragile or weak nails?

The top coat is generally safe for most nails, but its strong solvent mix can further dry very brittle or damaged nails, so using a nourishing base coat and limiting reapplication is recommended for fragile nails.

What is the role of nitrocellulose in this top coat?

Nitrocellulose acts as the primary film‑forming agent, creating a clear, flexible yet hard coating that locks in color, adds high gloss, and provides resistance to chipping and wear.

How often should the top coat be applied and does it contain any controversial chemicals?

Apply the top coat once as the final layer over fully dried nail polish and reapply every few days for extra shine if needed; it contains common solvents such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate and pigments like CI 60725, which are not banned but can cause irritation in sensitive users.

Rimmel • 50 g

Top coat

Makeup

Product Insights

Rimmel Top Coat is a 50 g nail polish top‑coat formulated with a blend of solvents such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate, film‑forming nitrocellulose, and polymeric resins like cellulose acetate butyrate to create a high‑gloss, long‑lasting finish. The formula also includes plasticizers (acetyl tributyl citrate) and pigments (titanium dioxide, D1c violet No.) that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially due to the presence of solvents and the pigment CI 60725. It is packaged in a plastic bottle and is intended for use as the final protective layer over colored nail polish to prevent chipping and add shine.

Comparative Analysis

Positioned as a fast‑dry, high‑gloss finishing layer for nail polish, Rimmel Top Coat differentiates itself with a high concentration of nitrocellulose and a solvent blend that ensures a durable, chip‑resistant polish while delivering a professional salon shine.

Ingredients

ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, cellulose acetate butyrate, mek, adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer, nitrocellulose, acetyl tributyl citrate, sucrose benzoate, n-Butyl alcohol, etocrylene, platinum, aqua/water/eau, alumina, silica, titanium dioxide (CI 77891), D1c violet No. 2 (CI 60725).

84%

35%

Unlock Deep Cosmetic Safety Check

Scan this and millions of other cosmetics with the free NutrScan app to discover ingredient safety, potential concerns, and detailed product analysis before every purchase.