What is toluene and why is it in nail polishes? | Sally Beauty

What is toluene and why is it in nail polishes?

Toluene is an organic solvent that is used in nail polish, base coats and topcoats to help the polish stay on the nail. Toluene is included in a list of hazardous chemicals cited in a 1987 California law. While the amount of toluene found in nail polish is well below the maximum amount allowed by California law, many professional nail products today are toluene-free.