Shellac — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: SHELLAC
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 9000-59-3
- Category
- film former
- Risk Level
- low
- Common Allergen
- No
- Found In
- nail polish, mascara, hairspray
Is Shellac safe in cosmetics?
Shellac is rated low risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Commonly found in nail polish, mascara, hairspray.
What is Shellac?
Shellac is a film_former commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
Allergy & Safety Information
Shellac is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations.
This ingredient is considered low risk from an allergenicity perspective. Reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic use concentrations. However, no ingredient is universally safe — if you notice redness, itching, or irritation after using a product containing this ingredient, discontinue use and monitor whether symptoms resolve.
How to Identify Shellac in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Shellac, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Nail polish, Mascara, Hairspray. These product categories are the most common sources of Shellac exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Shellac? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Shellac and other allergens automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shellac safe for sensitive skin?
Shellac is generally well-tolerated, even by sensitive skin.
What products contain Shellac?
Shellac is commonly found in nail polish, mascara, hairspray.
What does Shellac do in cosmetics?
Shellac functions as a film_former in formulations.
Related Guides
Is Shellac causing YOUR skin reactions?
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