Which ancient civilization is credited with inventing nail polish?

The ancient civilization credited with inventing nail polish is Ancient China.

Nail coloring in China dates back to around 3000 BCE, making it one of the earliest known forms of decorative cosmetics. Early mixtures could include natural colorants combined with ingredients such as beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, and gum arabic. These coatings were very different from modern solvent-based lacquer, but they served a similar decorative purpose.

Nail color also communicated status. During the Zhou dynasty, around 600 BCE, members of the royal house reportedly favored gold and silver shades. Red and black later became important royal colors, while elaborate nail decoration remained associated with rank and privilege.

Other ancient cultures also colored their nails, which can cause confusion about the answer. In ancient Egypt, people used henna to create reddish-brown tones, and nail painting was practiced elsewhere in the Mediterranean world. Those traditions do not overturn China’s earlier documented association with nail polish. Modern polish, with its film-forming lacquer and quick-drying formula, developed much later.