By Laloo Cosmetics SA, sole Southern African distributor of Laloo. Last reviewed 21 October 2026.
Short answer: HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) is a small acrylate used in many gels to help them stick to the nail. It is the most common cause of acrylate allergy from nail products. Laloo gel polish, BIAB, Primer HEMA Free and Top Coat Non Wipe are HEMA-free, so you can build a full gel service without it. HEMA-free lowers the risk but does not remove it, so clean technique still matters.
What is HEMA?
HEMA is a monomer: a small building block that links up with other ingredients when a gel cures under a UV or LED lamp. Brands use it because it improves adhesion. Its molecules are small, so uncured product that touches the skin can be absorbed more easily than larger ones.
Why nail techs choose HEMA-free
Most common culprit. In a 2017 UK audit reported by the British Association of Dermatologists, 2-HEMA was the acrylate patients most often reacted to.
Techs are exposed daily. About a third of cases in that audit came from work exposure, mostly nail technicians.
It can be lifelong. Dermatologists warn that an acrylate allergy can affect later dental treatment and surgery.
Regulated in Europe. Since 2021, EU nail products containing HEMA must be labelled “For professional use only” and “Can cause an allergic reaction”.
Primer Bonder, Easy Gel, Champion Gel, Rubber Base, Strong Base, cat eye and art gels
Not stated
Check the label, or ask us before using on a sensitive client
Status is based on the product information from Laloo, the manufacturer in Greece. Formulas can change, so always check the label on the bottle in your hand.
A complete HEMA-free gel polish service
Prep. Push back and clean the cuticle, buff off the shine and dehydrate with Anti Fungal.
All gels contain a mix of acrylates, and any of them can cause a reaction with repeated skin contact. Removing HEMA takes away the most common trigger, but technique is what protects you and your clients.
Keep it off the skin
Leave a small gap at the cuticle and side walls. If product touches skin, remove it fully before curing.
Cure completely
Use the lamp and times the product recommends. Under-cured gel is more likely to sensitise.
Protect your hands
Wear nitrile gloves, change them often and take them off without touching the outside.
Keep your station clean
Wipe brushes, bottle necks and work surfaces. Never let uncured gel sit on files, towels or clothing.
If you or a client develop itching, redness or swelling around the nails, eyelids or face, stop using acrylate products and see a doctor or dermatologist for a patch test.
Frequently asked questions
Is Laloo gel polish HEMA-free?
Yes. Laloo gel polish in 15ml, 7ml and 100ml refill sizes is HEMA-free. It is also vegan, cruelty-free and dermatologically tested, and is made in Europe.
What does HEMA-free mean?
It means the product is made without HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), the acrylate most often linked to allergic reactions from nail products. Other acrylates are still present, as they are in every gel.
Can I still get an allergy from HEMA-free gel?
Yes. HEMA-free lowers the risk but no gel is allergy-free. Avoid skin contact, cure fully with the right lamp and wear nitrile gloves. Anyone with a known acrylate allergy should be patch tested by a dermatologist before using any gel.
Is there a HEMA-free primer?
Yes. Primer HEMA Free bonds gel polish, builder gels (including BIAB), acrygel and acrylic to the natural nail without HEMA.
Is Laloo BIAB HEMA-free?
Yes. Laloo BIAB is HEMA-free, TPO-free, vegan and cruelty-free, and made in Europe.
Where can I buy HEMA-free nail products in South Africa?
Order online at laloo.co.za with courier delivery across South Africa, free on orders from R1,700. Gauteng customers can also choose local pickup at checkout.
Do you offer training on safe application?
Yes. The Laloo Training Academy teaches the Laloo gel, builder gel, acrygel and acrylic systems, from nail prep to finish.
Switching your salon to HEMA-free?
Tell us which services you offer and we will help you put together the right kit. Email hello@laloo.co.za or visit our contact page.
