Know what's in
your gel.
HEMA causes permanent nail allergies. Check your builder gel for HEMA and 14 other sensitizers before they cause damage — free, instant, no sign-up.
- HEMA
- Di-HEMA TMHDC
- MMA
- HPMA
- Formaldehyde
- Toluene
- +9 more
66+
products checked
38
HEMA-free verified
17+
brands covered
15
sensitizers screened
HEMA causes
permanent allergies.
Once sensitized, you can never use gel products again — not even at a professional salon. The reaction can spread to dental work, medical adhesives, and wound dressings.
What is HEMA?Contains HEMA
Gelish Hard Gel Clear
HEMA-Free
Modelones Builder Gel
Three steps to
a clearer ingredient choice.
Search your product
Type a brand name or product name into the checker. We search 66+ builder gels and BIAB products instantly.
Go to checkerRead the ingredient report
See the full INCI list with flagged sensitizers highlighted and a plain-language ingredient status.
Compare lower-risk alternatives
Every flagged product links to HEMA-free options with disclosed ingredients you can verify before buying.
Go to HEMA-free list
Lower-risk picks
Top HEMA-Free Picks
Ingredient guide
13 sensitizers
we screen for.
Not all harmful ingredients are labelled clearly. We identify them by INCI name, common name, and known aliases.
Browse all ingredientsCommon Questions
Is HEMA dangerous in nail products?
Yes. HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) is the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis from gel nail products. Sensitization is permanent — once you develop a reaction, you may never be able to use gel products or many dental and medical adhesives again.
What is a builder gel?
Builder gel is a thick, UV/LED-cured gel used to extend or strengthen natural nails. Unlike regular gel polish, it has enough structure to add length. BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) is a thinner variation applied like nail polish directly on the natural nail.
How do I check if my gel polish is HEMA-free?
Use our ingredient checker — search the product name and we'll flag any sensitizing ingredients. Look for '2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate' (HEMA) or 'Di-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate' on the label.
What should I use instead of HEMA-containing gels?
Look for products listing Urethane Acrylate Oligomer or Bis-GMA as primary monomers. Browse our HEMA-free list for lower-risk options, then verify the current packaging because HEMA-free does not mean allergy-proof.
Can nail technicians develop HEMA sensitivity?
Yes — and it is more common in nail technicians due to repeated exposure. Switching to HEMA-free products is the most effective protection.
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