What Is HEMA in Gel Polish and Why Is It So Notorious?

HEMA stands for hydroxyethyl methacrylate, a chemical acrylate monomer that adds flexibility and adhesion to nail products such as gel polish and acrylic nails. It has long been a favorite ingredient in the nail industry because of its effectiveness: gel polish containing HEMA lasts a long time, barely chips and is easy to apply.

But there’s a downside: HEMA is one of the strongest triggers of allergic reactions among salon visitors and DIY mani-pedi lovers. Redness, itching, swelling, lifting nails or even open wounds can all be signs of a HEMA allergy. Since 2018, reports of these complaints have skyrocketed (source: BNNVARA Kassa, 2025). Some sources even state that 2–3% of people who regularly use gel polish eventually develop a HEMA allergy.

Besides the sheer number of consumer complaints, HEMA also worries health professionals because sensitization is permanent: once allergic, always allergic. This can even cause issues in the medical world, for example with dentures, insulin pumps or surgical gloves, as HEMA is sometimes present in these products as well.

Maniac Nails has never used HEMA in its products, and never will.

What Does HEMA-Free Mean and Why Is It Important?

HEMA-free means that a nail product contains no hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) (and usually also no Di-HEMA). HEMA free indicates that the ingredient is completely excluded during production, often alongside directly related variants. Avoiding HEMA is relevant for anyone with sensitive skin or a history of allergies.
But even if you don’t have a known allergy, choosing HEMA-free gel polish and HEMA-free gel nail stickers offers a major benefit: you drastically reduce the risk of developing an allergy in the future. This matters, because once a HEMA allergy develops, it never goes away and it can lead to medical complications later in life, for example during dental treatments or while using insulin pumps.

The demand for HEMA free nail products has grown by more than 150% in recent years, especially in the Netherlands and Belgium. Many consumers now only want HEMA free nail products because of the associated health risks.

Is HEMA in Gel Polish Dangerous?

HEMA is considered safe in low concentrations, but only when used correctly. European manufacturers may use up to 35% HEMA in gel products. However, this limit is often exceeded in cheap online products (especially from outside the EU), which significantly increases the risk of allergies.
The main risks include:

• Direct contact of wet (not fully cured) HEMA with the skin

• Repeated skin contact from sloppy application or poor hygiene

• Improper curing due to the wrong lamp, causing uncured substances to remain

• Inhaling fine dust when removing product by filing

HEMA-free nail products were developed because it’s difficult to consistently maintain a safe threshold value and because some people are extremely sensitive. Note also: HEMA exposure is cumulative, meaning even small, repeated exposure increases the risk of developing an allergy.

Are HEMA-Free Products Safe for People With an Allergy?

HEMA-free products are designed to reduce the risk of allergies. But are they 100% safe? That depends on personal sensitivity. Dermatologists warn: all acrylates that are still in liquid form and need to be cured, carry some risk, although HEMA is by far the most problematic.

People allergic to HEMA may, in rare cases, also react to other acrylates. If you have a known allergy, always perform a patch test and consult a doctor when in doubt.

Still, the chance of a reaction with a high-quality HEMA-free product is significantly lower than with traditional gel polish. In fact, about 98% of users with sensitive skin or a known allergy experience no issues at all when using HEMA free gel polish.

What Is the Best Alternative: HEMA-Free Gel Nail Stickers?

HEMA-free gel polish is a great alternative if you want to avoid traditional gel polish, but for many people there’s an option that’s even easier, safer and faster: HEMA-free gel nail stickers.

These stickers contain no HEMA or Di-HEMA, which drastically reduces allergy risk. Because they’re already 60–70% cured, your skin barely comes into contact with wet acrylates, exactly where the risk begins with regular gel polish.

HEMA-free gel nail stickers work completely differently from liquid gel polish: simply stick them on, cure under a LED or UV lamp and you’re done. No liquids, no brushes, no polish running into the cuticles (the number one cause of allergic reactions). The result: a shiny, long-lasting manicure that stays perfect for weeks.

Why Maniac’s HEMA-Free Gel Nail Stickers Are the Best Choice

Our premium semi-cured stickers are not only HEMA-free, but also 10-free, vegan and cruelty free. Each sticker consists of 7 layers of real gel polish and is produced under strict EU-quality standards, making them safe for sensitive skin and for users with a history of irritation.

Maniac stickers also offer benefits that HEMA-free gel polish doesn’t always provide:

• No contact with liquid acrylates = extremely low allergy risk

• Super easy and foolproof application — ideal for beginners and busy users (click here for a step by step guide)

• Cures under the lamp in one minute, with zero mess

• Up to 3 weeks of wear, matching salon-quality

• Easy, aceton-free removal with our special removal oil that keeps nails and skin happy (How to remove? Click here)

Where HEMA-free gel polish still requires basecoat, color layers, topcoat and a steady hand, HEMA-free gel nail stickers offer a shortcut that’s safer, faster and far more user-friendly.

In short: if you’re looking for a skin-friendly alternative to traditional gel polish, HEMA-free gel nail stickers — especially ours ;) — are the most accessible, gentle and reliable solution.

What Should I Look For When Buying HEMA-Free Nail Products?

• Choose brands that follow EU regulations (Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009/EC)

• Check the ingredient list and look for clear “HEMA-free” and “Di-HEMA-free” labels

• Be cautious with vague webshops or unclear ingredient claims

• Read reviews, especially if you have sensitive skin

• Prefer products from reputable salons or high-quality retailers

Can Regular Nail Polish Also Contain HEMA?

So far, HEMA is mostly a problem in gel polish, BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) and acrylic nails, because these require strong and durable adhesion. In regular nail polish, which doesn’t cure under a lamp, HEMA is rarely or never used.
Still, it’s always smart to check ingredients if you’re sensitive, as formulas can change. If HEMA appears on the label, choose an alternative, especially if you have allergies.

Are HEMA-Free Nail Products More Eco-Friendly?

To reduce environmental impact, many HEMA-free gel polishes are now made without harsh solvents or harmful plasticizers. This makes them slightly more eco-friendly than conventional gel polish, but they remain chemical products.
If sustainability matters to you, look for labels such as vegan, cruelty free and eco friendly.
At Maniac, you don’t even have to think twice: our HEMA-free gel nail stickers are always vegan, cruelty free and eco friendly.
HEMA free nail products are not only safer for people, but often contribute to a lower environmental footprint as well.

Conclusion: Why the Demand for HEMA-Free Products Is Rising and Why Maniac Is the Answer

The massive growth in HEMA-free nail products is anything but a coincidence. More and more users discover how high the allergy risk can be and consciously choose products that protect their skin and long-term health.

That’s exactly why Maniac’s fully HEMA-free Gel Polish Stickers are the perfect alternative: no HEMA, no Di-HEMA, vegan, cruelty free, eco friendly and ridiculously easy to apply without any contact with liquid acrylates.

You get the same beautiful, long-lasting salon look, without risks, without hassle and completely HEMA free.

Click here for all the information about Maniac and explore their products.