Editorial review: BuilderGel.app team · Updated · Ingredient-source review, not medical advice
Also known as: 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl 2-methylpropenoate
HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) is a reactive monomer used for adhesion in gel nail products. Contact with uncured product and repeated skin exposure can contribute to allergic contact dermatitis and sensitization. People with confirmed methacrylate allergy may need to discuss related dental or medical materials with a qualified clinician. EU rules classify HEMA as a skin sensitizer and restrict its use in nail products to professionals.
Common product types
Regulatory status
EU nail products containing HEMA are restricted to professional use and must carry warnings under Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/1682. In the United States, FDA regulates nail products as cosmetics and does not pre-approve cosmetic ingredients before market.
Makartt
Contains: HEMA, Camphor
Marketplace & purchase
As an Amazon Associate, BuilderGel.app earns from qualifying purchases. This purchase link does not affect the disclosure finding.
Check Price on AmazonGelish
Contains: HEMA, HPMA
Marketplace & purchase
As an Amazon Associate, BuilderGel.app earns from qualifying purchases. This purchase link does not affect the disclosure finding.
Check Price on AmazonGelish
Contains: HEMA, Di-HEMA TMHDC
Marketplace & purchase
As an Amazon Associate, BuilderGel.app earns from qualifying purchases. This purchase link does not affect the disclosure finding.
Check Price on AmazonContains: Di-HEMA TMHDC, HPMA, HEMA
Marketplace & purchase
As an Amazon Associate, BuilderGel.app earns from qualifying purchases. This purchase link does not affect the disclosure finding.
Check Price on AmazonContains: HEMA, EGDMA
Marketplace & purchase
As an Amazon Associate, BuilderGel.app earns from qualifying purchases. This purchase link does not affect the disclosure finding.
Check Price on AmazonYoung Nails
Contains: HEMA, Di-HEMA TMHDC
Marketplace & purchase
As an Amazon Associate, BuilderGel.app earns from qualifying purchases. This purchase link does not affect the disclosure finding.
Check Price on AmazonYoung Nails
Contains: HEMA, EGDMA
Marketplace & purchase
Contains: HEMA, Camphor
Marketplace & purchase
Contains: HEMA
Marketplace & purchase
As an Amazon Associate, BuilderGel.app earns from qualifying purchases. This purchase link does not affect the disclosure finding.
Check Price on AmazonGlam and Glits
Contains: HEMA, BMA
Marketplace & purchase
Mia Secret
Contains: MMA, HEMA
Marketplace & purchase
As an Amazon Associate, BuilderGel.app earns from qualifying purchases. This purchase link does not affect the disclosure finding.
Check Price on AmazonContains: HEMA, Di-HEMA TMHDC
Marketplace & purchase
As an Amazon Associate, BuilderGel.app earns from qualifying purchases. This purchase link does not affect the disclosure finding.
Check Price on AmazonModelones
Contains: HEMA, EGDMA, BMA
Beetles
Contains: HEMA, Di-HEMA TMHDC
Marketplace & purchase
Beetles
Contains: HEMA
Marketplace & purchase
Contains: HEMA, Di-HEMA TMHDC
Marketplace & purchase
Contains: HEMA
Marketplace & purchase
Contains: HEMA, BMA
Marketplace & purchase
Young Nails
Contains: HEMA, EGDMA
Marketplace & purchase
Contains: HEMA
Marketplace & purchase
Contains: HEMA, Di-HEMA TMHDC
Marketplace & purchase
Contains: HEMA
Marketplace & purchase
Contains: HEMA, EGDMA, BMA
Marketplace & purchase
Contains: HEMA
Marketplace & purchase
Born Pretty
Contains: HEMA, Di-HEMA TMHDC
Marketplace & purchase
Born Pretty
Contains: HEMA
Marketplace & purchase
These products are marked HEMA-free in our database and do not disclose HEMA. They are lower-risk starting points, not allergy-proof choices.
Modelones
Marketplace & purchase
As an Amazon Associate, BuilderGel.app earns from qualifying purchases. This purchase link does not affect the disclosure finding.
Check Price on AmazonModelones
Marketplace & purchase
As an Amazon Associate, BuilderGel.app earns from qualifying purchases. This purchase link does not affect the disclosure finding.
Check Price on AmazonModelones
Marketplace & purchase
As an Amazon Associate, BuilderGel.app earns from qualifying purchases. This purchase link does not affect the disclosure finding.
Check Price on AmazonBeetles
Marketplace & purchase
As an Amazon Associate, BuilderGel.app earns from qualifying purchases. This purchase link does not affect the disclosure finding.
Check Price on AmazonHEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) is a reactive monomer used for adhesion in gel nail products. Contact with uncured product and repeated skin exposure can contribute to allergic contact dermatitis and sensitization. People with confirmed methacrylate allergy may need to discuss related dental or medical materials with a qualified clinician. EU rules classify HEMA as a skin sensitizer and restrict its use in nail products to professionals.
HEMA is classified as high risk in our system. A well-recognized contact allergen in nail products; repeated or uncured skin exposure can contribute to sensitization.
HEMA may also appear as: 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl 2-methylpropenoate.
This page is educational and does not diagnose allergy. Ingredient labels and formulas can change; verify the current package and ask a healthcare professional if you have symptoms or a known acrylate allergy.