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66+ builder gels reviewed · free forever

Know what's in
your gel.

Check your builder gel disclosure for HEMA and 12 other flagged ingredients. Review the source, verify the current label, and make a more informed choice — free, instant, no sign-up.

  • HEMA
  • Di-HEMA TMHDC
  • MMA
  • HPMA
  • Formaldehyde
  • Toluene
  • +7 more

66+

products checked

38

HEMA-free verified

17+

brands covered

13

ingredients screened

Know the risk

HEMA exposure can
lead to sensitization.

Uncured gel on skin and repeated exposure can contribute to allergic contact dermatitis. If you suspect a reaction, stop use and ask a qualified clinician about diagnosis and related methacrylates.

What is HEMA?

Contains HEMA

Gelish Hard Gel Clear

HEMA
HPMA
Urethane Diacrylate
Photoinitiator 819
Flagged ingredients disclosed

HEMA-Free

Modelones Builder Gel

Urethane Acrylate Oligomer
Acrylate Monomer
Photoinitiator 819
CI 77891
No flagged ingredients disclosed

Three steps to
a clearer ingredient choice.

01

Search your product

Type a brand name or product name into the checker. We search 66+ builder gels and BIAB products instantly.

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02

Read the ingredient report

See the full INCI list with flagged sensitizers highlighted and a plain-language ingredient status.

03

Compare disclosed alternatives

Flagged products link to options whose reviewed disclosures do not list HEMA. Verify the full current label because HEMA-free does not mean allergy-proof.

Go to HEMA-free list

Lower-risk picks

Top HEMA-Free Picks

View all 38 products
Apres Beetles Bio Seaweed Gel Born Pretty CND Gelish Glam and Glits IBD Kiara Sky Makartt Mia Secret Modelones Nailboo OPI Saviland Vishine Young Nails Apres Beetles Bio Seaweed Gel Born Pretty CND Gelish Glam and Glits IBD Kiara Sky Makartt Mia Secret Modelones Nailboo OPI Saviland Vishine Young Nails

Ingredient guide

13 ingredients
we flag.

Acrylates, methacrylates, solvents, and other ingredients can appear under different label names. We match reviewed disclosures by INCI name, common name, and known aliases.

Browse all ingredients

Common Questions

Why is HEMA flagged in nail products?

HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) is a well-recognized contact allergen used in gel nail products. Repeated or uncured skin exposure can contribute to sensitization; people with suspected reactions should stop use and seek advice from a qualified clinician.

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?

There is no universally allergy-safe substitute. Compare the complete current disclosure, remember that HEMA-free products may contain other acrylates or methacrylates, avoid uncured product on skin, and ask a qualified clinician for advice if you have symptoms or a confirmed allergy.

Can nail technicians develop HEMA sensitivity?

Occupational exposure can increase contact with uncured gel. Appropriate gloves, avoiding skin contact, correct curing, ventilation, and reviewing product disclosures can help reduce exposure; HEMA-free labels alone do not make a product allergy-proof.

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