What is IBOA?
When it comes to nail product ingredients, HEMA often takes the spotlight as one of the most well-known causes of skin and nail allergies. But there’s another ingredient that deserves just as much attention IBOA, also known as Isobornyl Acrylate.
So, what is IBOA and why is it used in nail products?
IBOA is an acrylate monomer often added to gels, gel polishes, and nail enhancements to improve adhesion and flexibility. While these properties sound beneficial, IBOA has also been linked to allergic contact dermatitis, similar to reactions caused by HEMA.
At HONA, we take ingredient safety seriously. Our entire nail system is free from IBOA, HEMA and HPMA four ingredients associated with allergic reactions and sensitivities in the nail industry. We believe in creating safer, smarter, stronger products that deliver professional performance without compromising your health.
We also believe that education is power. Understanding what’s inside your products helps you work confidently and protect both yourself and your clients. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand what IBOA is, why it can cause allergies, and how to identify safer alternatives.
What Is IBOA and Why Is It Used in Nail Products?
IBOA (Isobornyl Acrylate) is a chemical compound used in various cosmetic and industrial applications. In the nail industry, it helps improve adhesion, strength, and flexibility in products like hard gels, builder gels, and gel polishes.
While it can enhance performance, IBOA belongs to a family of ingredients known as acrylates, which are common triggers of skin sensitisation and allergic reactions.
When someone develops a sensitivity to IBOA, their immune system reacts even to very small amounts of the ingredient. This can lead to symptoms such as:
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Redness and itching around the nail area
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Burning or blistering on the fingertips
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Peeling or soreness of the surrounding skin
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Nail lifting or separation in severe cases
Because IBOA is not as widely discussed as HEMA, many professionals and clients may not realise that it could be the cause of their reaction.
Is IBOA Safe to Use in Nail Products?
While IBOA is permitted for use in cosmetic formulations, it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals especially when products are applied incorrectly or come into contact with the skin.
The British Association of Dermatologists has recognised IBOA as one of several acrylates that can trigger allergic contact dermatitis. Reactions may occur in both nail technicians and clients, particularly when:
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Products are over-filed or applied too close to the skin
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Curing is incomplete due to incorrect lamp use
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Brushes or tools become contaminated with uncured product
Once a sensitivity develops, it can be permanent, meaning even trace amounts of IBOA may continue to cause irritation.
This is why choosing products made without IBOA and following correct application techniques is so important for long-term nail and skin health.
Other Common Nail Allergens: HEMA, HPMA, and TPO
While IBOA is less talked about, it’s not the only ingredient linked to allergies in the nail industry. Here are three others to be aware of:
HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate)
A small monomer that can easily penetrate the skin, making it one of the most common causes of nail and skin allergies.
HPMA (Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate)
Chemically similar to HEMA, HPMA is also classed as a high allergen and can cause the same type of sensitisation.
Each of these ingredients increases the risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis which is why HONA avoids them.
Why HONA Is Free From IBOA, HEMA, HPMA, and TPO
At HONA, safety, performance, and transparency are at the heart of everything we create. Our hypoallergenic nail system is carefully formulated without the use of these high-risk ingredients.
Our products are:
IBOA-free
HEMA-free
HPMA-free
Instead, we use advanced hypoallergenic alternatives that offer the same strength, shine, and durability with far less risk of allergic reactions.
By removing these known allergens, we empower nail professionals to work confidently and safely, knowing their products are kinder to both them and their clients.
Why Education and Awareness Matter
Allergies in the nail industry can be confusing and, at times, overwhelming. Many professionals are unaware that an ingredient like IBOA could be behind the irritation or discomfort they experience.
That’s why HONA’s mission goes beyond creating safer products we’re committed to educating the industry, raising awareness, and empowering nail techs to make informed choices.
If you’ve ever experienced irritation or allergic symptoms, always:
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Check product ingredient lists carefully
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Avoid direct skin contact during application
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Choose a hypoallergenic system that’s free from known allergens
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Visit your GP or a dermatologist for patch testing and advice
Awareness is the first step toward prevention, and education is the key to lasting change.
The Takeaway
IBOA may not be the most talked-about ingredient in the nail world, but it’s one that deserves attention. Like HEMA and HPMA it has been linked to allergic reactions that can affect both nail professionals and clients.
By formulating our system without these high-risk ingredients, HONA continues to lead the way in creating a safer, smarter, and stronger future for nail professionals where beauty and safety go hand in hand.