5 HEMA Free Gel Nail Polish Brands
Photo of nail swatch sticks by RDNE Stock project on Pexels with text overlay 5 HEMA Free Gel Nail Polish Brands
Updated 2025.01.24. This post contains affiliate links and Lots of Lacquer will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on these links.
HEMA, short for 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, is a chemical monomer commonly used in coatings and resins, including in some gel nail polishes.
In 2018, the British Association of Dermatologists published a paper citing several forms of (meth)acrylate as a potential skin allergen, with a HEMA allergy affecting 1.5% of those tested. Here’s the quote:
“In an audit of 13 UK and Irish dermatology units during 2017*, a total of 4931 patients were tested for (meth)acrylate allergy. 1.5 per cent tested positive to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA), the most common (meth)acrylate to cause allergic sensitisation, and 2.4 per cent tested positive to at least one type of (meth)acrylate. After 2-HEMA, the next two top acrylates eliciting a positive reaction were 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (1%) and ethyl acrylate (0.9%)…"
When gel nail polish is applied, the uncured formula can accidentally get on the skin, and this is when the skin sensitivity potential initiates. The more often HEMA touches your skin, the more likely it is you may develop a sensitivity.
For best results when using gel polish, as most contain some form of acrylate, you can avoid skin contact with uncured gel by being careful with application or by using a petroleum gel around the cuticle area.
Yet, due to the potential for allergic reaction, some nail enthusiasts want to understandably avoid HEMA in their gel nail products.
Thankfully, if you do have an allergy, you can find gel formulas without the more sensitizing ingredients.
Below are 5 HEMA free gel nail polish brands:
Photo of nail swatch sticks by RDNE Stock project on Pexels with text overlay 5 HEMA Free Gel Nail Polish Brands
1 - Manucurist
2 - Aimeili
3 - Madam Glam
Starting back in 2019, Madam Glam began converting all of their formulas to be HEMA free, and by 2023 they have reached that goal. They are now a 100% HEMA free company.
Their goal is to deliver both beauty and peace of mind, and ensure a safe, glamorous experience for all. They are also 21 free, cruelty free, gluten free, palm oil free and certified by Vegan.org. Can you believe gels could be so earth friendly?
4 - Light Elegance
Light Elegance offers vegan, gluten free, cruelty free, 9 free and HEMA free gel polishes made in their Oregon based facility.
Get Light Elegance’s collection at their website
5 - Pink Gellac
Pink Gellac hails from the Netherlands and as a result, complies with the strict European cosmetic standards I wish we had in America. They offer a vegan, and HEMA free experience.
Photo of person’s manicured hand on minimalist floral background by cottonbro studio on Pexels
All in all, did you know there were gel nail polish brands committed to such ethical cosmetic and environmental safety?
They exist and each of the brands in the above list demonstrate a commitment to safer beauty. Turns out, you can have long-lasting gel manicures with ingredients that don’t compromise your values.
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