Ingredient Checker
Search any builder gel, gel polish, or BIAB brand to see disclosed HEMA, Di-HEMA TMHDC, HPMA, MMA, TPO, and related 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 a practical way to reduce avoidable exposure.
- 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 ingredient report
We display the disclosed ingredient list with flagged ingredients highlighted and a plain-language ingredient status.
- 3
Find a lower-risk alternative
If your product contains HEMA or other sensitizers, we link to HEMA-free options with disclosed ingredients you can verify before buying.
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 builder gel and BIAB products and display the disclosed ingredient list with any sensitizing ingredients highlighted. Results use descriptive ingredient status labels rather than blanket safety claims.
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.