Your health matters
as much as your nails.
We believe you deserve to know exactly what's in the products you use — and the real risks the nail industry doesn't always talk about.
It is our mission to make manicures easier, more affordable, and safer. We are committed to educating our customers about potentially harmful ingredients in the nail industry, how we are working to improve upon them, and what you should know when performing manicures at home.
The nail industry has a safety problem.
The nail industry has been under increasing scrutiny from dermatologists, regulators, and health organizations around the world. Contact dermatitis, allergic sensitization to methacrylates, and long-term skin damage are being reported at rising rates — particularly as gel and acrylic nails have grown in popularity.
A 2016 study at the University of Miami's Department of Dermatology found that 1–3% of the population is already sensitized to at least one ingredient found in nail cosmetics. More recent research suggests that number is growing as home nail kits become more widely used without professional guidance.
At CNVS, we've made a commitment to formulate differently. Our ColorCure™ Gel contains less than 1% HEMA, and we are actively working toward HEMA-free formulas for customers with known sensitivities. We also design our veneers to minimize skin contact during application — because the risk isn't just about what's in the product, it's about how it's used.
Univ. of Miami Dermatology, 2016
Contact Dermatitis & Nail Products
Contact dermatitis has become one of the most serious and underreported health issues in the nail industry. It is an inflammatory skin reaction caused by direct contact with an irritating or sensitizing substance — and methacrylates in gel and acrylic nail products are among the most common triggers.
The British Association of Dermatologists and the British Journal of Dermatology have both published warnings in recent years noting a significant rise in methacrylate-related allergic contact dermatitis, particularly linked to the widespread availability of DIY gel nail kits. Once sensitized, a person can react to methacrylates in other medical and dental products for life.
There are two types of contact dermatitis relevant to nail products:
The more common type. Caused by direct skin damage from the product itself — not an immune response. Symptoms include redness, dryness, cracking, and a burning sensation around the nails and fingertips. Usually resolves when exposure stops. Most often caused by improper application where gel touches the skin repeatedly.
The more serious type. An immune system response that develops after repeated exposure to a sensitizing ingredient such as HEMA or other methacrylates. Once sensitized, even tiny exposures can trigger a severe reaction — and sensitization is generally permanent. Symptoms can spread beyond the nails to the face, eyelids, and neck via finger contact.
What makes this particularly concerning is that sensitization can occur with no symptoms at first. Many people apply gel nails for months or years before a reaction develops — and by then, the sensitization is irreversible. The European Commission formally restricted the concentration of HEMA and Di-HEMA TMHDC in nail products in 2023 precisely because of this risk.
Who is most at risk:
- People who frequently use gel nail kits at home without professional guidance
- Those who allow uncured gel to contact the skin around the nail
- Nail technicians with prolonged, repeated exposure
- People with pre-existing eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin
- Anyone using products with higher concentrations of HEMA or ethyl methacrylate (EMA)
How CNVS reduces your risk: Our veneers are pre-shaped and pre-sized to minimize gel overflow onto the skin. Our ColorCure™ Gel contains less than 1% HEMA. Correct application — gel on the nail plate only, never the skin — is the single most effective way to prevent sensitization.
HEMA & Methacrylates
HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) is a chemical compound used widely in gel nails and acrylic nail formulations. It undergoes polymerization when exposed to UV or LED light, creating the hard, durable finish associated with gel manicures. It is also found in dental adhesives, bone cement, and some medical devices — which is why sensitization from nail products can have broader health consequences.
Methacrylates as a class include HEMA, ethyl methacrylate (EMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and others. MMA was banned by the FDA for use in nail products in the US due to its association with serious nail damage and allergic reactions, but HEMA and EMA remain common.
Scientific research has shown that HEMA at limited concentrations poses minimal risk when applied correctly to the nail plate only and fully cured. The risk increases significantly when uncured gel contacts the surrounding skin — which is why application technique is critical, and why CNVS veneers are designed to minimize this risk through precise sizing.
Known risks of HEMA and methacrylates:
Repeated skin contact with HEMA can lead to permanent sensitization. Once sensitized, reactions can occur from trace amounts — including from other medical and dental products that contain methacrylates.
Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, blistering, and rash around the nails. In severe cases, reactions can spread to the face, eyes, and neck from finger contact.
Vapors from methacrylate-based products can be harmful with prolonged exposure. Proper ventilation is essential — this applies to salon technicians especially, but also to home users in small spaces.
Uncured gel is significantly more reactive and more likely to cause sensitization than fully cured gel. Always cure for the full recommended time and ensure your LED lamp is functioning correctly.
Our approach: CNVS ColorCure™ Gel contains less than 1% HEMA — well below the concentration found in most standard gel nail products. We are actively working toward HEMA-free formulas for customers with known sensitivities. Our veneers are translucent enough to allow full LED curing while being beautifully pre-colored, reducing the need for additional products that increase skin exposure.
Reactions & First Aid
If you experience any reaction during or after application, act quickly. Early intervention can significantly reduce the severity of a reaction.
Hives, intense itching spreading beyond the nail area, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or any sign of a severe allergic reaction. These require immediate medical care.
If gel touches your skin during application
If you develop a reaction after application
Other common causes of irritation: Gel that is not fully cured is more reactive and more likely to cause irritation. This can happen if too much product is applied, if the LED lamp is weak or aging, or if the curing time is insufficient. Always follow our application instructions and ensure full curing under the LED lamp. Our veneers are designed to be translucent enough to allow complete LED light penetration for a full cure.
If you have a known HEMA allergy, do not use our products without first consulting a dermatologist or allergist. They may recommend patch testing and can advise on lower-risk alternatives.
Safety Data Sheets
Download our official Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Safe Use Guide for complete ingredient information, handling procedures, and hazard classifications for all CNVS ColorCure™ products.
Questions about our ingredients or application? We're here to help.
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