The Ingredients We Use in Our HEMA-Free UV Gel Products — What They Are & Why They Matter
At Luxie Nail, we believe in offering nail products that not only deliver stunning results but also prioritize your nail health and safety. That’s why all of our UV gel products are HEMA-free — formulated without one of the most common nail allergens found in many gels.
Understanding what goes into your gels helps you make informed choices and gives you confidence in the quality and safety of your nail enhancements. Below, we break down the key ingredients used across our product range, explain their roles, and highlight which ones may cause sensitivities.
UV GEL INGREDIENTS CHART
Monomers & Film Formers
| Ingredient | Role / Function | Description | Sensitizer? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylates Copolymer | Film former, binder | Forms a flexible, durable film when cured; provides adhesion and structure to gels. | Low risk of sensitivity |
| Isobornyl Acrylate | Monomer, adhesion promoter | Enhances flexibility and adhesion of gels to the nail plate; helps gel flow evenly. | Low risk of sensitivity |
| Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate (HPMA) | Monomer, adhesion promoter | Enhances adhesion and durability; commonly used in gel nail products for better wear. | Rare sensitivity in some users |
| Acrylic Acid | Adhesion promoter, monomer | Improves bonding to nail plate and other gel layers; also modifies polymerization. | Low risk of sensitivity |
| Ethyl Methacrylate | Monomer, film former | Provides hardness and durability; common in nail enhancements for strength. | Rare sensitivity in some users |
Photoinitiators
| Ingredient | Role / Function | Description | Sensitizer? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Isopropyl Thioxanthone | Photoinitiator | Absorbs UV light to initiate polymerization (curing) of gel formulas. | Low risk of sensitivity |
| Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) | Photoinitiator | Efficient photoinitiator for LED/UV curing; promotes fast cure. | Low risk of sensitivity |
| Hydroxycyclohexyl Phenyl Ketone | Photoinitiator | Initiates curing process under UV light; helps gels harden quickly. | Low risk of sensitivity |
Crosslinkers & Polymers
| Ingredient | Role / Function | Description | Sensitizer? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionate) | Crosslinker, curing agent | Helps link polymer chains to improve gel strength and flexibility during UV curing. | Not commonly sensitizing |
| Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate | Crosslinker | Creates strong, crosslinked polymer networks, increasing gel strength and durability. | Rare sensitivity in some users |
| BIS-HEMA Poly(1,4-Butanediol-14/IPDI Copolymer) | Polymer, crosslinker | Provides flexible, tough film formation in gels; contributes to adhesion and durability. | Rare sensitivity in some users |
Thickeners / Texture Modifiers / Fillers
| Ingredient | Role / Function | Description | Sensitizer? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon Dioxide | Thickener, matting agent | Provides matte texture, improves durability, and controls viscosity in matte gel formulas. | No |
| Ethene Homopolymer (Polyethylene) | Thickener, texture modifier | Adds a velvety feel and controls gel consistency, often in matte top coats. | No |
| Microcrystalline Wax | Thickener, flexibility enhancer | Adds structure and flexibility to gels; improves adhesion and durability. | No |
| Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) | Filler, thickener | Provides strength, opacity, and texture; commonly used in builder gels for bulk and hardness. | Low risk of sensitivity |
| Silica | Thickener, anti-caking agent | Adds texture, improves wear resistance, and controls viscosity. | No |
| Silicone (various forms) | Texture modifier, water repellent | Adds slip and smooth application; improves durability and water resistance. | No |
Adhesion Promoters
| Ingredient | Role / Function | Description | Sensitizer? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate | Adhesion promoter, coupling agent | Improves bonding between components; enhances gel adhesion and flexibility. | No |
Plasticizers & Flexibility Enhancers
| Ingredient | Role / Function | Description | Sensitizer? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pentaerythrityl tetraethyl-hexanoate | Plasticizer, flexibility enhancer | Improves flexibility and elasticity; helps prevent cracking and chipping. | No |
Solvents
| Ingredient | Role / Function | Description | Sensitizer? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isopropyl Alcohol | Solvent | Helps dissolve other ingredients and improves spreadability; evaporates quickly. | Possible irritant |
| Butyl Acetate | Solvent | Helps thin formulations for smooth application; evaporates after curing. | Possible irritant |
| Ethyl Acetate | Solvent | Evaporates quickly; helps gel application flow and drying. | Possible irritant |
Sensitizers are ingredients known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals, especially with prolonged exposure.
Irritant vs. Sensitizer — What’s the Difference?
| Term | Type of Reaction | Onset | Reversible? | Affects Everyone? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irritant | Physical or chemical — disrupts the skin barrier | Immediate | Yes | Often, depending on dose and exposure | Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethyl Acetate |
| Sensitizer | Allergic — triggers immune response | Delayed (after repeated exposure) | No (can become a permanent allergy) | Only affects susceptible individuals | HEMA, HPMA, Ethyl Methacrylate |
What Are Sensitizers and Why Does HEMA-Free Matter?
When it comes to nail products, sensitizers are ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in some people — especially with frequent or prolonged use. These reactions can range from mild redness and itching to more serious contact dermatitis.
Many traditional gel nail formulas contain HEMA (Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate), a common acrylate monomer known to be a strong sensitizer. While HEMA helps gels adhere and cure properly, it’s also one of the main culprits behind nail allergies in gel users.
That’s why our HEMA-free UV gels are formulated without HEMA and other harsh sensitizers, making them a gentler choice for your nails and skin. We carefully select ingredients like Acrylates Copolymer and advanced photoinitiators that provide excellent performance without compromising safety or comfort.
By reducing sensitizing ingredients, our gels help minimize the risk of allergic reactions while still delivering the durability, shine, and flexibility you expect from a high-quality gel product. This makes them ideal for sensitive skin, nail technicians with clients prone to allergies, or anyone who wants safer, healthier nail enhancements.
Are products with sensitizers safe to use?
Yes, but with some caveats:
- Not everyone reacts: Many people use products with sensitizers without any problem.
- Exposure matters: The risk increases with frequent, prolonged, or high-concentration exposure.
- Proper formulation: Professional products often balance ingredient concentrations to minimize risk.
- Usage instructions: Following application guidelines reduces risk of overexposure.
How to use sensitizing products safely?
- Patch Test: Before using a new product, apply a small amount on a limited skin area to check for reaction.
- Follow directions: Don’t overuse or leave the product on longer than recommended.
- Limit exposure: Professionals should wear gloves and work in well-ventilated areas.
- Use protective measures: For nail techs, using barrier creams or protective gloves helps.
- Choose alternatives: If you know you’re sensitive, opt for HEMA-free or sensitizer-free formulas.
- Monitor for reactions: Stop use immediately if redness, itching, swelling, or other signs occur.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
We’re proud to offer a complete line of HEMA-free UV gels that combine safety, innovation, and gorgeous results. Whether you’re a professional nail artist or a gel nail enthusiast, our formulas are designed to keep your nails looking flawless and feeling healthy.
Feel free to reach out if you have questions about our ingredients or product range. Your nail health is our priority!
