What is the ingredient designed to help make nail polish last longer and not chip?

The ingredient that helps make nail polish last longer and reduces chipping is plasticizers. These compounds are added to nail polish to improve its flexibility and durability. By incorporating plasticizers, the polish can better withstand the stresses of daily wear and tear, such as bending and impacts, without cracking or chipping. This component is essential for creating a formulation that not only adheres well to the nail but also maintains a smooth appearance over time.

Thickeners, while relevant in adjusting the viscosity of nail polish, do not specifically contribute to prolonging the wearability of the polish itself. Oligomers refer to short chains of molecules that can also serve various functions in nail products but are not primarily focused on preventing chipping. Solvents are used to dissolve the formulation and help it spread on nails, but they do not provide the lasting effects that plasticizers offer. Thus, plasticizers play a crucial role in achieving the desired longevity and performance of nail polish.