HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) is a methacrylate monomer widely used in artificial nails, gel polishes, and dental and medical adhesives to provide film-forming and bonding properties. It is a formulation ingredient rather than a skin-treatment active, valued for its ability to polymerize into durable resins.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Allergic contact dermatitis | Common | A leading cause of acrylate allergy, often from uncured gel nail products contacting skin. |
Nail dystrophy or onycholysis | Uncommon | Damage, thinning, or separation of the nail plate after repeated exposure. |
Paresthesia of fingertips | Uncommon | Numbness or tingling reported in nail technicians and sensitized individuals. |
Skin irritation and dryness | Uncommon | Local irritant reactions on periungual skin from uncured monomer. |
Respiratory or mucosal symptoms | Rare | Reported in occupational settings from vapor or dust exposure. |
Cross-reactivity with other (meth)acrylates | Rare | Sensitization may extend to related dental or medical acrylate materials. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.