About BuilderGel.app

Why we built this

HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) is a well-recognized contact allergen used in gel nail products, yet ingredient disclosures can be difficult to compare. Repeated or uncured skin exposure can contribute to sensitization, and confirmed methacrylate allergy can affect which nail, dental, or medical materials a clinician recommends.

We built BuilderGel.app because finding and comparing a product's disclosed ingredients should not require a chemistry degree. The database reports what a reviewed source lists; it does not certify a product as safe or suitable for every person.

What the database covers

Our database covers builder gels, BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) products, hard gels, poly-gels, gel polishes, base coats, top coats, and related nail prep products. We screen every product against 13 flagged sensitizing or higher-concern ingredients including HEMA, Di-HEMA TMHDC, MMA, HPMA, TPO, IBOA, and formaldehyde.

Products receive descriptive ingredient status labels, including whether reviewed ingredient data discloses HEMA or other flagged ingredients. Each product page shows the full ingredient list, flagged ingredients, and lower-risk HEMA-free alternatives.

Data sources and confidence

Ingredient data is sourced from brand websites, Amazon product listings, and user submissions. Each product is assigned a data confidence grade (A–D) based on source reliability. Brand website data is graded A; third-party marketplace listings are graded B or C. User submissions start at C and are upgraded after independent verification.

We update ingredient data when formulations change, but we can't guarantee real-time accuracy. Always verify with the physical product label, especially after purchasing a new batch.

Editorial independence

Ingredient status labels follow our published methodology. Affiliate availability, price, ratings, and commission rates do not change those labels. Our review is an ingredient-source and editorial review, not a clinical assessment.

Use the ingredient checker to inspect a product, browse the ingredient guide for source-backed context, or submit a correction when a formula or label has changed.

How to contribute

The database grows through community contributions. If you know of a product that should be included — or if you've spotted an error in our ingredient data — please submit it via the form below. Your submission will be reviewed and added to the queue.

Not medical advice

BuilderGel.app provides ingredient information for educational purposes only. We are not medical professionals and this is not medical advice. If you have experienced a reaction to nail products, consult a dermatologist or allergist. See our full disclaimer.