AU2015203500A1

AU2015203500A1 - Nail polish remover

Info

Publication number: AU2015203500A1
Application number: AU2015203500A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Nicholas Hill
Original assignee: Kingsbury Group Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Kingsbury Group Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-30
Filing date: 2015-06-24
Publication date: 2016-01-21

Abstract

- 1 The invention is directed to a non-flammable water based nail polish remover formulation including water, propylene carbonate, propylene glycol, and one or more 5 aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters each selected from RxCO2(CH2)nCO2Rz; wherein RX is C1-4 alkyl, Rz is C1-4 alkyl, and n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6; and wherein water is the most prevalent component by weight

Description

- 1 NAIL POLISH REMOVER FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to nail polish removers. In particular, the 5 invention relates to non-flammable water based nail polish removers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Nail polish, also known as nail varnish or nail lacquer, is a coating applied to finger nails or toe nails for decorative or protective purposes. Nail polish 0 formulations typically include a film forming organic polymer in a solvent. Additional ingredients such as adhesive polymers, plasticisers, stabilisers, dyes and pigments are usually included in a nail polish formulation to provide the desired properties and appearance. Conventional nail polish formulations are generally based on nitrocellulose polymer formulated in organic solvent. Water-based acrylic 5 formulations are also available. After use, nail polish is generally removed from the nail surface using nail polish remover. Commercially available nail polish remover generally contains one or more organic solvents which together form the main constituent of the formulation. Acetone and ethyl acetate are commonly the main organic solvents used in 0 nail polish remover solutions. Moisturisers, fragrances and colours are usually added to improve the properties, odour and appearance. Acetone based nail polish removers are very effective in removing nail polish. However acetone can cause the cuticles to become dry and the nails to become dry and brittle. Acetone free nail polish removers are commercially available. These "acetone free" formulations 25 generally contain ethyl acetate as the main solvent, often in combination with alcohol. The high proportion of organic solvent in acetone and non-acetone formulations renders the nail polish remover flammable. Flammable formulations pose hazards during manufacture and use. These flammable formulations also 30 present difficulties with regard to transport considerations as they are classified as dangerous goods. Furthermore, the solvents used in conventional solvent based nail polish removers have a strong odour and may be considered unpleasant to use. Solvent -2 based nail polish remover formulations can also result in drying of the nail bed, causing it to become brittle. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 5 It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative nail polish remover that overcomes one or more problems of the existing nail polish removers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a novel non-flammable formulation for 0 removing nail polish. In a preferred form, the present invention provides a non flammable, water based nail polish remover. The nail polish remover can be used to remove nitrocellulose based nail polish and water-based acrylic nail polish. Accordingly the present invention in one aspect broadly provides a non flammable nail polish remover formulation including: 5 Water; Propylene carbonate; Propylene glycol; and One or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters each selected from RxC02(CH2)nCO2Rz; wherein 0 Rx is C1-4 alkyl; Rz is C1-4 alkyl; and n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. Preferably the nail polish remover formulation is water based. Preferably water is the single most prevalent ingredient in the formulation by 25 weight. Preferably the one or more dicarboxylic diesters are dicarboxylic dimethyl esters each selected from CH3CO2(CH2)nCO2CH3 wherein n is 2 to 4. Preferably the one or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters is selected from dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate or dimethyl adipate, or a mixture of any two or 30 three thereof in combination in any proportion. The present invention also provides a water based, non-flammable formulation for removing nail polish including: Water; Propylene carbonate; -3 Propylene glycol; and One or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters each selected from RxC02(CH2)nCO2Rz; wherein Rx is C1-4 alkyl; 5 Rz is C1-4 alkyl; and n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6; and wherein water is the most prevalent component by weight. A water based, non-flammable nail polish remover as hereinbefore defined can additionally include further components such as stabilisers, solvents, 0 solubilisers, preservatives, colouring agents and fragrances. Accordingly, the present invention further provides a water based, non flammable formulation for removing nail polish including: Water; Propylene carbonate; 5 Propylene glycol; One or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters wherein the one or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters are each selected from RxC02(CH2)nCO2Rz; wherein: Rx is C1-4 alkyl; Rz is C1-4 alkyl; and 0 n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6; and one or more further components; and wherein water is the most prevalent component by weight. Preferably the one or more further components are selected from stabilisers, solvents, solubilisers, preservatives, colouring agents, moisturising agents, 25 conditioning agents and fragrances. More preferably the one or more further components are selected from solubilising agents, preservatives and moisturising agents. Preferably the water based non-flammable nail polish remover includes at least one preservative. 30 The present invention also provides a water based non-flammable nail polish remover comprising: Water; Propylene carbonate; Propylene glycol; -4 One or more dicarboxylic dimethyl esters; One or more solubilising agents; One or more preservatives; and wherein water is the most prevalent component. 5 Preferably water comprises greater than 22% w/w of the total nail polish remover formulation. Preferably propylene glycol comprises 15-25% w/w of the total nail polish remover. In a preferred aspect propylene glycol comprises 20% w/w of the total nail 0 polish remover. Preferably the combined amount of propylene carbonate and dicarboxylic dimethyl esters comprises less that 43.5% w/w of the total nail polish remover formulation. Preferably the one or more dicarboxylic dimethyl esters are selected from 5 dimethyl succinate, dimethyl adipate and dimethyl glutarate. Preferably the one or more solubilising agents are selected from polysorbate 20 and ethanol. Preferably a preservative is 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine 2,4-dione. 0 In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a non-flammable nail polish remover comprising: Water (approximately 22.2% w/w); Propylene carbonate (approximately 21.9% w/w); Propylene glycol (approximately 20.0% w/w); 25 Dimethyl glutarate (approximately 13.2% w/w); Polysorbate 20 (approximately 9.0% w/w); Ethanol (approximately 4.5% w/w); Dimethyl succinate (approximately 4.4% w/w); Dimethyl adipate (approximately 3.8% w/w); 30 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione (approximately 0.2% w/w); and moisturisers (approximately 0.8% w/w). In a further aspect the present invention provides a process for preparation of a non-flammable water based nail polish remover as hereinbefore defined including -5 combining and mixing water; propylene carbonate; propylene glycol; and one or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters as hereinbefore defined. In a yet further aspect, the present invention provides a process for preparing a formulation as hereinbefore described including combining: 5 Water; Propylene carbonate; Propylene glycol; and One or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters selected from CH3CO2(CH2)nCO2CH3 wherein n is 1 to 6; and, optionally,one or more additional 0 components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Existing nail polish remover formulations typically contain sufficient levels of organic solvents such as acetone, ethyl acetate, propanol or ethanol to render the 5 formulation flammable. As such, these flammable formulations are classified as dangerous goods for purposes of transport by road, sea or air in accordance with The Australian Dangerous Goods Code ( 7 th Edition) and corresponding overseas codes and regulations. In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a o formulation for removing nail polish including: Water; Propylene carbonate; Propylene glycol; and One or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters wherein the one or more aliphatic 25 dicarboxylic diesters are each selected from RxCO2(CH2)nCO2Rz wherein: Rx is selected from C1-4 alkyl; Rz is selected C1-4 alkyl; and n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. Preferably water is the single most abundant ingredient in the formulation by weight. Preferably Rx and Rz are independently selected from methyl and ethyl. More 30 preferably Rx and Rz are each methyl. Preferably n is 2, 3 or 4. Preferably RxCO2(CH2)nCO2Rz is selected from dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate and dimethyl adipate. Preferably RxCO2(CH2)nCO2Rz is a mixture of two or three of CH3CO2(CH2)2CO2CH3, CH3CO2(CH2)3CO2CH3 and CH3CO2(CH2)4CO2CH3 -6 in any proportion. In one preferred aspect the one or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters each selected from RxCO2(CH2)nCO2Rz is a mixture of dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate and dimethyl adipate. Preferably an aliphatic dicarboxylic diester mixture comprises dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate and dimethyl adipate in an 5 amount of 15-25% w/w; 55-65% w/w and 12-23% w/w respectively. In a preferred embodiment the aliphatic dicarboxylic diester mixture comprises dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate and dimethyl adipate in a ratio of approximately 20:62:18. Preferably the nail polish remover formulation includes: Water; 0 Propylene carbonate; Propylene glycol; and One or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters selected from CH3CO2(CH2)nCO2CH3 wherein n is 1 to 6; and wherein water is the single most prevalent component by weight. 5 Preferably water is present as the most abundant ingredient in the nail polish formulation. Preferably water is present in an amount of greater than 20% w/w. More preferably water is present in an amount of 22% w/w or greater, preferably 22% w/w to 30% w/w. 0 In a preferred embodiment water is present in an amount of 22% w/w to 25% w/w. Preferably the nail polish remover formulation contains water (>22% w/w); propylene carbonate (<22% w/w); and dicarboxylate diester(s) totalling <21.5% w/w. Preferably the nail polish remover comprises 15% w/w to 25% w/w propylene 25 glycol. The present invention further provides a water based, non-flammable nail polish remover formulation comprising water as the most abundant single ingredient. In one embodiment the nail polish remover formulation includes: Water (20% w/w to 30% w/w); 30 Propylene carbonate (15% w/w to 25%); Propylene glycol (15% w/w to 25% w/w); and One or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters selected from CH3CO2(CH2)nCO2CH3 wherein n is 2 to 4 (15% w/w to 25% w/w); and wherein water is the single most prevalent component by weight.

-7 In a preferred embodiment the nail polish remover further comprises ethanol (1% w/w to 4.5% w/w). Preferably the nail polish remover formulation includes: Water (22% w/w to 24% w/w); 5 Propylene carbonate (18% w/w to 22% w/w); Propylene glycol (15% w/w to 22% w/w); and One or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters selected from dimethyl succinate; dimethyl glutarate and dimethyl adipate (18% w/w to 22% w/w); and wherein water is the single most prevalent component by weight. o Preferably the remainder of the nail polish remover formulation comprises one or more additional components selected from solubilisers, preservatives, moisturisers and conditioners. Colouring agents and fragrances may also be added for aesthetic purposes. The formulation of the present invention can be used to remove nitrocellulose 5 based or acrylic based nail polish formulations. When evaluated in accordance with conventional protocol for determining flammability, the nail polish remover of the present invention has a flashpoint of greater than 600C. Typically the measured flash point is approximately 640C. Accordingly the nail polish remover is not classified as dangerous goods from the 0 perspective transport by air, sea or road in accordance with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code ( 7 th Edition). The organic solvents present in the preferred embodiment of the nail polish remover formulation are low odour solvents. The formulation has no unpleasant or strong odour, accordingly it is pleasant to use. 25 The single most prevalent component of the nail varnish remover formulation is water. Accordingly the formulation is termed "water based" as water is the largest single ingredient. When cosmetic ingredients are listed for the purposes of labelling and packaging in accordance with the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) the ingredients must be listed in order with the most predominant 30 ingredient (by % w/w) listed first. Accordingly, labelling and packaging for the nail polish remover of the present invention will have water (as the most abundant ingredient) listed first. The presence of a relatively high proportion of water moderates the oiliness or greasiness of the organic solvents (propylene carbonate and dicarboxylic dimethyl -8 esters). Water also helps to reduce removal of natural oils from the nail plate by the organic solvents. Removal of the natural oils will cause dryness and brittleness of the nails. When used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term "flammable" (or 5 "flammable liquid") refers to substances which give off a flammable vapour at temperatures of not more than 600C (closed-cup test), or not more than 65.60C (open cup test). Flammable liquids are subject to the provisions of the Australian Dangerous Good Code ( 7 th Edition), Section 2.3.1 (Class 3 Packing Group Ill) for the purposes of transportation. 0 When used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term "non-flammable" refers to a substance having a closed cup flash point of greater than 600C. When used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term "water based" means that water is present in a formulation as the most prevalent ingredient. When used herein, unless otherwise stated, percentage ratios are quoted by 5 weight; that is, "% w/w". When used herein the term "C1-4 alkyl" means methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl or tert-butyl. Preferably C1-4 alkyl is methyl. Preferred aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters include dimethyl succinate (butanedioic acid, 1,4-dimethyl ester); dimethyl glutarate (pentanedioic acid, 1,5 0 dimethyl ester); and dimethyl adipate (hexanoic acid, 1,6 dimethyl ester). Solubilising components are well known in the art and are readily available for commercial sources. Solubilising components include propylene glycol; ethanol; polysorbate 20 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbital monolaurate); Polysorbate 40; Polysorbate 60; Polysorbate 80; PEG 7 glyceryl cocoate; PEG 7; PEG 9; PEG 20; 25 PEG 40; and PEG 60. If ethanol is present in a nail polish remover formulation of the present invention, the ethanol should be present at less than 5% w/w to maintain a flash point of >600C. Moisturising or conditioning components may optionally be added to the nail 30 polish remover to condition the nails and skin. Moisturising and conditioning additives for incorporation in a nail polish remover formulation are known in the art, and are readily available from commercial sources. Typical moisturising and conditioning ingredients include glycerol (glycerine), hydrogenated castor oil, aloe vera extract, tocopherol (vitamin E), calcium D-pantothenate and pro-vitamin B5.

-9 When present in a nail polish remover formulation, preferably moisturising or conditioning components are present in an amount totalling up to 10% w/w. In a preferred embodiment, moisturising or conditioning components are present in amounts of up to 2% w/w. More preferably moisturising or conditioning components 5 are present in amounts of up to 1% w/w. One or more preservatives may be added to the nail polish formulation to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life. Preservatives are known in the art, and are readily available from commercial sources. A preferred preservative is 1,3 dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMDMH, 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethyl 0 imidazolidine-2,4-dione). Preservative is present in the nail formulation in an amount of up to 5% w/w. Preferably preservative is present in an amount of up to 0.5 %. More preferably preservative is present in an amount of up to 0.5 % w/w. Colour or fragrance may be added to the nail polish remover for aesthetic purposes to provide an attractive colour or fragrance to the formulation. Colouring 5 agents and fragrances are well known in the art, and are readily available from commercial sources. The viscosity of the nail polish remover formulation can be increased to form a gel consistency by addition of simple aqueous thickening agents. Thickening agents are well known in the art, and are readily available from commercial sources. 0 Thickening agents include carbomers or acrylic polymers. The nail polish remover formulation can be formulated as a foaming product by addition of a foaming agent such as a silicone. Foaming agents are well known in the art, and are readily available from commercial sources. 25 EXAMPLES The following Example illustrate the invention, but are not intended as a limitation thereof. All chemical components used in the formulation are readily available from commercial sources. 30 Organic solvents, namely propylene carbonate, dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate and dimethyl adipate, were of standard commercial grade. Dicarboxylic diesters, such as dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate and dimethyl adipate, are readily available commercially as mixtures of diesters. For example, a mixture of dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate and dimethyl adipate is available from -10 Chemoxy International Limited, Cleveland, United Kingdom under the name EstasolTM, or from Invista (Australia) Pty Ltd under the name FlexiSolv@. Water can be demineralised, distilled or deionised. 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMDMH, 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5 5 dimethyl-imidazolidine-2,4-dione) is readily available from commercial sources. Solubilising components such as propylene glycol, ethanol and polysorbate 20 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbital monolaurate) are readily available from commercial sources. 0 EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Non-Flammable Nail Polish Remover The following components were combined and mixed together in the following proportions (% w/w): Water (solvent, 22.2%); 5 Propylene carbonate (solvent, 21.9%); Propylene glycol (solubiliser, 20.0%); Dimethyl glutarate (solvent, 13.2%); Polysorbate 20 (solubiliser, 9.0%); Ethanol (solubiliser, 4.5%); 0 Dimethyl succinate (solvent, 4.4%); Dimethyl adipate (solvent, 3.8%); 1,3-Dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMDMH; or 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5 dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione, preservative, 0.2%); and Moisturiser/conditioner (0.8%). 25 The resulting nail polish remover formulation was obtained as a clear, non viscous, homogeneous liquid. The formulation is substantially odourless. TEST DATA The nail polish remover of Example 1 removes nitrocellulose or water-based 30 acrylic nail polish coatings from the nail surface. The formulation is a fast acting formulation, comparable in method of use and efficacy to conventional acetone or ethyl acetate based nail polish removers. To remove nitrocellulose or water-based acrylic nail polish, a cotton wool pad or ball moistened with a small amount of the nail - 11 polish remover of Example 1 is held on the nail for a few seconds and the polish is then wiped away. The flash point and fire point were assessed in accordance with standard international protocols. 5 Flash point measurements for the nail polish remover were determined in accordance with international standards according to ASTM protocol ASTM D93 Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester (see www.astm.org/standards/). Fire point measurements were determined according to ASTM protocol ASTM 0 D92 - Standard Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester (see www.astm.org/standards/). Measured flash point: 64 0 C (ASTM D93) Measured fire point: >1 00oC (ASTM D92) The flash point of the nail polish remover formulation of Example 1 has a 5 closed cup flash point greater than 60 0 C and is accordingly classified as non flammable in accordance with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code ( 7 th Edition). Accordingly the nail polish remover formulation is not subject to transportation restrictions which apply to flammable liquids according to dangerous goods legislation. o The nail polish remover of Example 1 was tested for ability to support microbial growth in accordance with recommended criteria for topical preparations as described in the British Pharmacopoeia 2010 "Efficacy of Antimicrobial Preservation in Pharmaceutical Products". In accordance with known protocols, a sample of the nail polish remover 25 formulation of Example 1 was inoculated with S.aureus, P.aeruginosa, C.albicans and A.niger. After 28 days incubation, the sample was shown to have a microbiological count of <2.0 x 102 cfu/g for each of S.aureus, P.aeruginosa, C.albicans and A.niger, thus meeting the British Pharmacopoeia criteria for topical preparations. 30 The formulation of Example 1 was tested for its ability to mix with oil in comparison to known solvent based removers in accordance with the following protocol. Protocol - 12 The nail polish remover of Example 1 (50g) was placed in a glass beaker and was allowed to normalise to ambient temperature (approximately 200C). Castor oil (0.1Og) was added to the beaker and observations regarding whether the oil floated or sank were made. The mixture was stirred gently for two minutes, and the 5 appearance of the blend was observed to determine miscibility. Using the above method, Castor oil was found to be immiscible with the nail polish remover of Example 1. Comparative testing showed that castor oil is miscible with a typical acetone based nail polish remover (20% water in acetone) and is also miscible with a typical 0 "non-acetone" nail polish removers (typically ethyl acetate, alcohol and water in the approximate ratio 55:30:15). ADVANTAGES An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it is 5 water based. The formulation is non-flammable and is not classified as constituting dangerous goods for transportation purposes. The formulation of the preferred embodiment has a low level of volatile organic compounds. There is no unpleasant or strong odour. It is an effective nail polish remover for both solvent based nitrocellulose nail polish and water based 0 acrylic nail polish. The water based nature of the nail polish remover formulation helps to moderate the oily consistency of the organic solvents making it pleasant to use. The water also helps to reduce removal of natural oils from the nail plate. Removal of the natural oils by organic solvent will cause dryness and brittleness of the nails. 25 VARIATIONS It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within 30 the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. Throughout the description and claims this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A non-flammable nail polish remover formulation including: water; 5 propylene carbonate; propylene glycol; and one or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters each selected from RxC02(CH2)nCO2Rz; wherein Rx is C1-4 alkyl, Rz is C1-4 alkyl, and n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or

6. 0 2. A non-flammable nail polish remover formulation as claimed in claim 1 wherein water is the single most prevalent ingredient in the formulation by weight. 3. A non-flammable nail polish remover formulation as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the one or more dicarboxylic diesters are dicarboxylic dimethyl esters each selected from CH3CO2(CH2)nCO2CH3 wherein n is 2 to 4. 5 4. A non-flammable nail polish remover formulation as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters is selected from dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate or dimethyl adipate, or a mixture of any two or three thereof in combination in any proportion. 5. A non-flammable water based nail polish remover formulation including: 0 water; propylene carbonate; propylene glycol; and one or more aliphatic dicarboxylic diesters each selected from RxC02(CH2)nCO2Rz; wherein Rx is C1-4 alkyl, Rz is C1-4 alkyl, and n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 25 6; and wherein water is the most prevalent component by weight. 6. A non-flammable water based nail polish remover formulation as claimed in claim 5 wherein the formulation includes one or more additional components selected from stabilisers, solvents, solubilisers, preservatives, colouring agents and fragrances. 30 7. A non-flammable water based nail polish remover formulation as claimed in claim 5 or 6 wherein the formulation includes one or more solubilising agents and one or more preservatives. - 14 8. A non-flammable water based nail polish remover formulation as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein water comprises greater than 22% w/w of the total nail polish remover formulation.

9. A non-flammable water based nail polish remover formulation as claimed in 5 any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein propylene glycol comprises 15-25% w/w of the total nail polish remover.

10. A non-flammable water based nail polish remover formulation as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9 wherein propylene glycol comprises 20% w/w of the total nail polish remover. 0 11. A non-flammable water based nail polish remover formulation as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10 wherein the combined amount of propylene carbonate and dicarboxylic dimethyl esters comprises less than 43.5% w/w of the total nail polish remover formulation.

12. A non-flammable water based nail polish remover formulation as claimed in 5 any one of claims 5 to 11 wherein the one or more dicarboxylic dimethyl esters are selected from dimethyl succinate, dimethyl adipate and dimethyl glutarate.

13. A non-flammable water based nail polish remover formulation as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 12 wherein the one or more solubilising agents are selected from polysorbate 20 and ethanol. 0 14. A non-flammable water based nail polish remover formulation as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 13 wherein a preservative is 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5 dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione.

15. A non-flammable nail polish remover including: water (approximately 22.2% w/w); 25 propylene carbonate (approximately 21.9% w/w); propylene glycol (approximately 20.0% w/w); dimethyl glutarate (approximately 13.2% w/w); polysorbate 20 (approximately 9.0% w/w); ethanol (approximately 4.5% w/w); 30 dimethyl succinate (approximately 4.4% w/w); dimethyl adipate (approximately 3.8% w/w); 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione (approximately 0.2% w/w); and moisturisers (approximately 0.8% w/w). - 15 16. A non-flammable nail polish remover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a colour or fragrance is added to the formulation.

17. A non-flammable nail polish remover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein thickening agents are added to increase the viscosity of the 5 formulation to form a gel-like consistency.

18. A non-flammable nail polish remover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 16, wherein a foaming agent is added to form a foaming formulation.

19. A non-flammable nail polish remover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the formulation has a measured flash point of approximately 640C 0 (ASTM D93).

20. A non-flammable nail polish remover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the formulation has a flash point greater than 600C.

21. A non-flammable nail polish remover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the formulation has a flash point greater than 600C and classified as 5 non-flammable in accordance with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code.

22. A non-flammable nail polish remover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the formulation has a measured fire point: >1000C (ASTM D92).

23. A non-flammable nail polish remover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the formulation has a low level of volatile organic compounds and 0 there is no unpleasant or strong odour.

24. A non-flammable nail polish remover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the remover is effective in removing both solvent based nitrocellulose nail polish and water based acrylic nail polish. 25