QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF FORMALDEHYDE CONTENT IN NAIL POLISH PRODUCTS SOLD AT COSMETIC CLINIC X

Abstract

Nail polish is a cosmetic product used to color and beautify nails, composed of pigments dispersed in volatile solvents that coat the natural nail surface. One of the additional ingredients sometimes found in nail polish is formalin (formaldehyde), which functions as a nail hardener. According to the Regulation of the Head of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) No. 18 of 2015, the use of formalin in nail polish is permitted only if it is clearly stated on the product label with the warning “Contains Formalin,” and the concentration does not exceed 5%. This study aimed to qualitatively analyze the presence of formaldehyde in nail polish products sold at Cosmetic Clinic X. The tests included organoleptic observation, packaging label inspection, and chemical identification using the chromotropic acid method and Tollens’ test. The results showed that six nail polish samples tested positive for formaldehyde but did not include proper labeling as required by BPOM regulations. These findings indicate the need for stricter quality control and supervision of cosmetic products to ensure consumer safety