Ingredient Checker
Search any builder gel or BIAB product to instantly see if it contains HEMA, Di-HEMA TMHDC, or 13 other sensitizing ingredients.
HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) is the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis from gel nail products. Sensitization is permanent — once you react, you may never be able to use gel products again. Checking ingredients before you buy is the safest way to protect yourself.
- HEMA
- Di-HEMA TMHDC
- MMA
- HPMA
- Formaldehyde
- Toluene
- +9 more
How to Use the Ingredient Checker
- 1
Type your product name
Enter a brand name (e.g. "Gelish") or full product name (e.g. "Modelones Builder Gel Clear") into the search box above.
- 2
Review the safety report
We display the full ingredient list with any harmful ingredients highlighted. Each product receives a safety score from 1 (high risk) to 5 (safe).
- 3
Find a safer alternative
If your product contains HEMA or other sensitizers, we link to verified HEMA-free alternatives you can switch to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HEMA and why is it dangerous in nail products?
HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) is a monomer widely used in gel nail products. It is the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis from nails. Once you become sensitized, the allergy is permanent — and can spread to dental materials, wound dressings, and other medical products that contain methacrylates.
Is Di-HEMA TMHDC the same as HEMA?
Di-HEMA TMHDC (Di-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate) is a common HEMA replacement that is also highly allergenic and cross-reactive with HEMA. Many products marketed as 'HEMA-free' contain Di-HEMA TMHDC. Our checker flags both.
How does the ingredient checker work?
Type a product name or brand into the search box. We search our database of 50+ builder gel and BIAB products and display the full ingredient list with any sensitizing ingredients highlighted. Products are scored from 1 (high risk) to 5 (fully safe).
What ingredients does the checker screen for?
We screen for 15 sensitizing ingredients including HEMA, Di-HEMA TMHDC, MMA (Methyl Methacrylate), HPMA, EGDMA, BMA, Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate), and Camphor.
My product isn't in the database — what should I do?
Check the ingredient list on your product packaging or the brand's website. Look for any ingredient ending in 'acrylate' or 'methacrylate' — these are monomers worth researching. HEMA specifically appears as '2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate' or '2-hydroxyethyl 2-methylpropenoate' on INCI labels.