Over the last decade, putting on gel polish feels as common as ordering a cup of coffee. Yet beneath the glossy finish, a chemical named isobornyl acrylate lurks—bringing allergies and skin reactions to the surface for some nail salon regulars and technicians alike. Awareness seems much lower than it should be given how many hands dig into gel formula jars every day.
Isobornyl acrylate helps gel polish stick and shine. It works so well that it crops up everywhere: salon brands, DIY kits, even the ones labeled “hypoallergenic.” But a growing stack of medical reports has started pointing fingers at this ingredient. Dermatologists spot more cases each year where clients show up covered in blisters or itchy rashes, often not realizing what set them off. A recent study out of Sweden tracked a five-fold jump in gel polish-related allergic reactions since 2016, tracing the root cause to acrylates like isobornyl acrylate.
I spoke with a nail tech who spent years working with gel products until she developed chronic eczema. Her doctor connected it to repeated exposure to isobornyl acrylate. She switched careers and now won’t set foot near a salon chair. Allergies aren’t just uncomfortable—they can end jobs, limit social life, and rob people of something as simple as having painted nails.
The thing about nails: their shields only look tough. Chemicals like isobornyl acrylate slip through tiny cracks or unprotected cuticles. The body reacts, sometimes with swelling or pain that can last for weeks. Severe cases force people to cut off polished nails or live with long-term sensitivity. Reports have shown that children exposed through family members or home-use kits sometimes suffer serious reactions. People shouldn’t have to gamble with their health to take part in a beauty routine.
Some brands market “acrylate-free” or “sensitive” lines, but these labels aren’t well regulated. Many products still sneak isobornyl acrylate into their formulas. The European Union raised restrictions, but in the United States, oversight lags behind. The FDA classifies gel polish as cosmetic, skipping robust safety testing. Brands may not always list every allergenic ingredient clearly, leaving buyers to guess what’s inside that tiny bottle.
Clearer labeling would help right away. Listing isobornyl acrylate in bold print—every bottle, every kit—would alert people before they use it. Nail salon owners could supply gloves and step up ventilation. Training for techs can teach how to spot early allergic signs and advise customers. For regulators, tightening up rules and capping allowed levels in products would make a real difference.
People share Instagram-ready nail art by the millions, yet warnings about allergic reactions rarely get equal airtime. Dermatologists and nail professionals teaming up to run social media campaigns or talks could change this, offering straightforward tips and tricks to reduce risks. With more of the public informed, pressure grows for industry and regulators to make gel polish both safe and beautiful—no unpleasant surprises afterward.
