Harmful Ingredients in Builder Gels
We screen every product in our database against 10 sensitizing ingredients. Click any ingredient to see which products contain it and why it matters.
High Risk — avoid entirely
HEMA
High RiskAlso: 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl 2-methylpropenoate
Most common sensitizer in nail products. Can cause permanent allergic contact dermatitis with repeated exposure.
Di-HEMA TMHDC
High RiskAlso: Di-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate
Cross-reactive with HEMA. Found in many 'HEMA-free' products as a replacement — still allergenic.
MMA
High RiskAlso: Methyl Methacrylate, Methyl 2-methylacrylate
Banned in nail products in many US states. Extremely strong bond that can rip natural nails on removal.
HPMA
High RiskAlso: Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate, 2-Hydroxypropyl methacrylate
Methacrylate monomer with similar sensitization risk to HEMA.
Formaldehyde
High RiskAlso: Formalin, Methanal
Known carcinogen. Banned in nail products in the EU.
Medium Risk — use caution
EGDMA
Medium RiskAlso: Ethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate
Cross-linking agent that can trigger reactions in HEMA-sensitized individuals.
BMA
Medium RiskAlso: Butyl Methacrylate, n-Butyl methacrylate
Methacrylate monomer. Lower sensitization risk than HEMA but still potentially reactive.
Toluene
Medium RiskAlso: Methylbenzene, Toluol
Solvent linked to neurological effects with prolonged exposure.
DBP
Medium RiskAlso: Dibutyl Phthalate, Di-n-butyl phthalate
Plasticizer and potential endocrine disruptor. Banned in EU cosmetics.
Low Risk — worth noting
Check your product for these ingredients
Search our database of 50+ builder gels and BIAB products.