What is Hema?
HEMA is the main allergen in nail products (and cosmetics), so it's best to avoid products that contain HEMA. There's no good reason for manufacturers to use this ingredient other than to save costs.
HEMA is a monomer, a reactive substance that is usually used to attach the gel to the nail. It gives the gel polish a nice hard, shiny surface structure. You can find it in many nail products such as glue, acrylic, gel polish and gels. HEMA is known as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or hydroxyethyl methacrylate - monomers used to polymerize UV gels. The molecular size of HEMA is extremely small and can be absorbed into the skin and nail plate.
ALL products at CKK nails are HEMA-free!
ALL products at CKK nails are HEMA-free!
What is Di-Hema?
Because Di-HEMA has a larger molecular size, it cannot be absorbed into the nail plate as easily and the risk of allergies is significantly lower. The formula of the CKK nails gel polish is HEMA and Di-HEMA free: This protects the nails and the surrounding skin.
The formula of the CKK nails gel polish is HEMA-free, Di-HEMA-free and 15-substances-free!
And what is the difference between Hema and Di-Hema?
HEMA has the exact chemical name: 2- Hydroxyethyl methacrylate
Di-HEMA is referred to in the INCI listings as Di-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate and its exact chemical name is: 11,14-Dioxa-2,9-diazaheptadec-16-enoic Acid, 4,4,6,16-tetramethyl-10,15-dioxo,2-[(2-methyl-1-oxo-2-propenyl)oxy]ethyl ester.
The difference between these two substances can be seen just by the length of their chemical names.
Although Di-HEMA has the term HEMA in its INCI name, it is a different molecule. A molecule in which HEMA is "built in" but no longer in its original structure.
TPO free products?
All UV gel products in the CKK nails online shop are TPO-free. TPO-free UV nail gels do not contain harmful chemicals that are associated with skin irritation and hormonal disruption and are therefore safer for both nail designers and customers.
As of January 5, 2024, the European Commission (EU) has adopted Regulation (EU) 2024/197, which changes the classification and labeling of certain substances. As a result, diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (TPO) is reclassified as CMR (reproductive toxicity) 1B. This means that TPO may no longer be used in cosmetic products according to the EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Cosmetic products containing TPO may no longer be sold or made available on the EU market from September 2025.
What does 15 substances free mean and which substances are involved?
3-free:
These three chemicals, commonly used in nail products, were first identified as toxic. The following three chemicals may have some harmful long-term effects on the health of you or your clients.
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
This ingredient is commonly used in nail polish and cosmetics. It is a plasticizer used to prevent the polish from chipping and cracking. Plasticizers have been shown to cause cancer. The substance is also linked to liver, kidney and reproductive problems.
formaldehyde
This ingredient is used as a preservative in UV gel. This chemical gives UV gels that strong smell and can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems and nausea. Formaldehyde is a proven carcinogen.
toluene
This chemical is used to suspend the paint and form a smooth finish. Toluene has not been classified as a carcinogen, but it has been proven to be harmful to the central nervous system. Causes fatigue, dizziness and nausea!
That’s why we don’t use the toxic trio in our UV gels!
We are also 5-free:
Bingo! The toxic trio is gone! What's next? 5-free! 5-free UV nail products exclude 2 other toxic contaminants.
Formaldehyde resin
This chemical gives nail products shine and hardness. It also helps the UV gel to adhere better to the nail. Formaldehyde resin is a known skin allergen and has been shown to cause dermatitis.
Fighter
This ingredient is used to give UV gels more shine and elasticity. Contact with high concentrations of camphor can cause skin irritation, headaches, dizziness or nausea.
15-free
Since 5-free UV gels became popular, several more harmful ingredients have been added to the 5-free list. 10 to be exact. We are proud to say that all of our UV gels are 15-free!
Free of DBP, formaldehyde, toluene, formaldehyde resin, camphor and the following 10 chemicals:
acetone
Toxic in nature. A small amount of acetone can cause skin or eye irritation, headache, dizziness or nausea. Exposure to high concentrations can cause loss of consciousness and even be fatal.
Bisphenol A
This chemical can cause various allergic skin reactions or irritate the eyes or respiratory tract. It can even affect the reproductive system.
Ethyltosylamide
Is a plasticizer that helps increase the adhesion and durability of UV gels. May cause skin/eye irritation or reproductive dysfunction. Ethyl tosylamide is banned in personal care products (including UV gels) in Europe due to its antibiotic properties and resistance.
Glycol ether
Contact with glycol ether can cause respiratory irritation, headache, nausea, temporary clouding of the cornea or skin irritation. It can even be harmful to unborn babies during pregnancy.
Nonylphenol ethoxylate
This chemical can cause serious eye injuries and skin irritation. Exposure to nonylphenol ethoxylate can cause hormonal problems.
Parabens
Parabens are used to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold in cosmetic products. Parabens have been linked to an increased risk of hormonal problems and allergic reactions. All of our UV gels are paraben free!
Styrene
Styrene is naturally toxic. Styrene can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory irritation. Styrene has been linked to skin irritation.
Sulfates
Sulfates can be oxidized to sulfuric acid, a corrosive substance. Exposure to high concentrations of sulfates can cause lung problems or dermatitis.
Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP)
Is a plasticizer used to improve the flexibility and durability of UV gels. Exposure to TPHP has been associated with endocrine effects and reproductive toxicity.
Xylene
A solvent used to thin UV gels - or to prevent the product from becoming greasy. Xylene is what causes the typically strong smell of nail products. Xylene is a known allergen that can cause eye and skin irritation, headaches, dizziness and nausea.
