Nail polish is a cosmetic product that is used to decorate and protect nails. It can include base coats, topcoats, nail hardness, polishes, and more. Nail polish is typically made up of four main raw materials: film formers, plasticizers, pigments, and solvents. The ingredients in nail polish can vary depending on the brand and type of polish, but some common ingredients include:

• Film formers: These ensure that nail polish dries hard and shiny. Examples include nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate.

• Plasticizers: These provide flexibility and adhesion. Examples include dibutyl phthalate, triphenyl phosphate, and trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate.

• Pigments: These provide color. Examples include iron oxides, color lakes, and mica.

• Solvents: These keep nail polish in liquid form. Examples include ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, butyl acetate, and toluene.

Some nail polishes are designed as an all-in-one product, while others are sold as separate base coats, pigmented polishes, and top coats. Gel nail polish is another type of nail polish that is formed of methacrylate compounds and photoinitiator compounds like benzoyl peroxide that don’t dry but instead adhere to the nail when exposed to UV light. Plasticizers are added to gel nail polish to give it its strong but flexible nature.

Negative-space nail art is a popular trend in nail design, where the natural nail is left exposed in certain areas. There are many different nail designs for short nails that can be achieved using nail polish, including negative-space designs, mismatched designs, and bright pops of color.

Its important to note that nail polish ingredients have undergone review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, which uses peer-reviewed scientific literature to determine safety. Some nail polish brands are formulated without harmful ingredients, such as the "toxic trio" of dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde.