January 23, 2024

The Imperative for Hypoallergenic Nail Products in the Manicure Industry

The Hidden Risks in Nail Care: Unveiling Occupational Hazards
The beauty industry, particularly our sector nail care, is a place of creativity and self-expression. Yet, an often-overlooked issue lurks beneath the surface: occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD) however more and more. nail techs are becoming aware of this occupational hazard. Nail technicians, who are the artists behind the beauty, are at an elevated risk of developing OACD due to frequent exposure to acrylate monomers such as HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and HPMA (hydroxypropyl methacrylate), found in many nail care products.

The Growing Awareness of Health Risks Among Nail Technicians
Anton C. de Groot's comprehensive review highlights a significant concern: a notable number of nail professionals suffer from contact allergies (many undiagnosed), particularly to HEMA, with varying rates of positive reactions (de Groot & Rustemeyer, 2023, p. 9). This issue is further compounded by the gender disparity in the industry, with a majority of technicians being female and more likely to use nail cosmetics themselves, thereby increasing their risk of sensitisation (de Groot & Rustemeyer, 2023, p. 26).

Regulatory Actions and Clinical Evidence
Recognising the potential harm, the European Union has restricted the use of HEMA in nail products to professional use only, mandating warning labels to be included on packages containing HEMA (de Groot & Rustemeyer, 2023, p. 26). Further evidence was seen when patch testing in select patient groups has confirmed the allergenic potential of HEMA, with numerous cases of allergic contact dermatitis linked to it (de Groot & Rustemeyer, 2023, p. 14).

Toxicological Risks and the Need for Safer Alternatives
Furthermore, the paper by Zane Grigale-Sorocina et al. scrutinises the toxicological risks presented by HEMA in nail products. Their study's findings are concerning: HEMA caused skin irritation in 20.3% of individuals. This is supported by case studies where up to 90% of patients showed positive reactions to HEMA (please check the research paper found here for verification), and 54.5% reacted to HPMA (Grigale-Sorocina et al., 2023, p. 2). These high incidences of reactions underscore the necessity for safer alternatives in the nail industry.

HONA: Pioneering Hypoallergenic Nail Products
In response to these issues, HONA has emerged as a pioneer in the development of hypoallergenic nail products. By steering clear of known allergens like HEMA and HPMA, HONA is responding proactively to the growing body of research that highlights the risks these substances pose. Prioritising hypoallergenic ingredients, HONA presents a forward-thinking solution, aligning with the industry's shift towards products that offer beauty and well-being.

The Future of Nail Care: Safety and Beauty Combined
Innovative brands like HONA are instrumental in guiding the nail industry towards a safer future. By designing products that minimize the risk of allergic contact dermatitis, nail technicians can protect their health while continuing to provide high-quality services. Hypoallergenic nail products are not just a trend but a necessary evolution in nail care, essential for the health and safety of professionals in this vibrant industry.

A New Era for Nail Professionals
As HONA continues to develop nail care solutions that cater to this need, it heralds a new era where health risks are significantly reduced, if not eradicated. For nail professionals, staying informed about the products they use daily is crucial. The evidence presented in the studies by de Groot and Grigale-Sorocina et al. advocates a paradigm shift towards hypoallergenic nail products. HONA stands at the forefront of this change, offering products that combine safety with excellence, ushering in a future where nail care is as safe as it is beautiful.

References

  1. de Groot AC, & Rustemeyer T. (2023). 2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA): A clinical review of contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis, 89(6), 401-433.
  2. Pemberton, M., Kreuzer, K., & Kimber, I. (2023). Challenges in the classification of chemical respiratory allergens based on human data: Case studies of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and 2-hydroxypropylmethacrylate (HPMA). [Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology: RTP]- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37105297/
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Written by Michael Henson