Presence of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and other (meth)acrylates in nail cosmetics, and compliance with EU legislation: An online market survey

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDuring the last 15–20 years, allergic contact dermatitis from acrylates‐containing nail cosmetics (acrylic nails, gel nails, gel nail polish) has been increasingly reported. 2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is considered to be the major allergenic culprit; few data on its presence in nail cosmetics are available.ObjectivesTo investigate (1) the frequency in which HEMA and di‐HEMA trimethylhexyl dicarbamate are present in nail cosmetics; (2) whether nail cosmetics comply with EU regulations; (3) which other (meth)acrylates are present in nail cosmetics and how often.MethodsOne‐line market survey.ResultsHEMA was present in nearly 60% of 394 cosmetic nail products and di‐HEMA trimethylhexyl dicarbamate in 34%. Mandatory warnings on the packages of products containing HEMA were absent in 35% (‘For professional use only’) resp. 55% (‘Can cause an allergic reaction’). Forty‐five other (meth)acrylates were identified, of which the most frequent were hydroxypropyl methacrylate (25%), isobornyl methacrylate (16%) and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (12%). Some ingredient lists mentioned non‐INCI names or non‐specific names.ConclusionsHEMA was by far the most common ingredient of nail cosmetics, being present in nearly 60% of the products. Violations of EU legislation occurred in >30% (mandatory warnings missing) resp. 10% (mislabelling) of nail cosmetics.