HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate)
INCI: 2-HYDROXYETHYL METHACRYLATE
Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
10 study endpoints found for HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate). NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | >=161.3 mg/kg bw/day | oral | - | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | >=124.1 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | 0.5 other | 1991 | rat | inhalation | REACH |
| NOAEL | 100 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | >=600 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | 3230 mg/kg bw/day | oral | mouse | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | 150 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | 1500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | mouse | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | >=1258 mg/kg bw/day | oral | - | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | 6762 mg/kg bw/day | oral | - | oral | REACH |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Source: ESSCA 2019/20
Expert Verdict
Contact dermatitis epidemic among nail technicians and consumers with cross-sensitization to other methacrylates; impurity profiling needed (methacrylic acid, EGDMA); restricted in EU to professional use only; occupational exposure monitoring recommended; 55% of products surveyed lacked required allergic reaction warning.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) safe in cosmetics?
Contact dermatitis epidemic among nail technicians and consumers with cross-sensitization to other methacrylates; impurity profiling needed (methacrylic acid, EGDMA); restricted in EU to professional use only; occupational exposure monitoring recommended; 55% of products surveyed lacked required allergic reaction warning. The EU classifies HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Is HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) allowed in the EU?
HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 35%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) do in cosmetics?
HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) functions as: Monomer in artificial nail modelling systems (UV/LED gel nails). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 868-77-9.
What is the Margin of Safety for HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate)?
adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.
What is the NOAEL for HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate)?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) is >=161.3 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.
Is HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) classified as hazardous under GHS?
HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: May be harmful if swallowed Causes skin and eye irritation May cause allergic skin reaction May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.
Compliance Tools
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