Methacrylates are chemicals that are commonly found in nail salon products, including acrylic and gel nail enhancements, nail polish, and nail glue. Exposure to methacrylates can cause skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation, as well as allergic reactions.

Some of the high-risk methacrylate chemicals that are known to cause allergic reactions in nail salon workers and clients include:

  1. Ethyl methacrylate (EMA)

  2. Methyl methacrylate (MMA)

  3. Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)

  4. Hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA)

  5. Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)

  6. Butyl methacrylate (BMA)

It's important to note that not all people who are exposed to these chemicals will develop an allergic reaction, and some people may be more sensitive to certain methacrylates than others. If you work in a nail salon or frequently visit one and are experiencing symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, or rash, it's important to seek medical attention and consider being tested for a methacrylate allergy by a dermatologist. 

To avoid the risk of allergies, being unable to work in a nail salon or the legal risk of salon clients developing allergies, it is advisable to use low allergy risk hypoallergenic gels and gel polishes wherever possible.

IKON.IQ is the leading producer of hypoallergenic professional nail products in Europe. These include:

  • PRIMA gel polishes

  • NOVA gel polishes

  • EVOLUTION soak-off builder gels

  • HYPNOS soak-off colour gels

  • INSPIRE nail art paining gels