
OPI is a world-leading nail care company, offering a range of nail polishes and gel colours. OPI's GelColor collection provides a high-shine, long-lasting finish that promises to keep your manicure looking freshly done for a minimum of three weeks. Notably, OPI has introduced HEMA-free gel polishes to its collection. HEMA, or Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, is a light-curing monomer commonly found in gel nail polishes, which hardens and adds shine to nails when cured under UV/LED light. However, HEMA has been associated with adverse effects, including allergic reactions that can lead to eczema, inflammation, and severe skin irritation. As a result, some nail polish brands, including OPI, have developed HEMA-free alternatives to cater to customers with sensitivities or allergies to HEMA, prioritising client well-being and inclusivity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| HEMA-free | Yes |
| Allergies | May cause allergies to those with a HEMA allergy or sensitivity |
| Application | Self-levelling and streak-free |
| Shine | Glossy |
| Wear | Minimum of 3 weeks |
| Removal | Damage-free |
| Vegan-friendly | Yes |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- OPI GelColor Complimentary Wine is a HEMA-free, vegan-friendly gel nail polish
- OPI Intelli-Gel Technology self-corrects and levels for perfect application
- HEMA-free gel polishes are formulated for customers sensitive to HEMA
- HEMA is a chemical monomer commonly used in coatings and resins
- HEMA-free gel polishes are marketed and labelled as such

OPI GelColor Complimentary Wine is a HEMA-free, vegan-friendly gel nail polish
The shine-intense shades of the GelColor collection cure in 30 seconds and last for weeks. The range polishes on like lacquer with OPI's custom brush and comes in a range of iconic OPI colours. From the fast application to the lightning-speed cure, GelColor redefines salon gel services with durable, glossy colour.
To apply Complimentary Wine, start by capping the free edge, then apply a very thin coat of GelColor to the nail surface. Cure for 30 seconds and repeat. Next, apply the Super Gloss Top Coat by capping the free edge first, then apply a thin coat to the nail surface. Cure for another 30 seconds. Remove the tacky layer on the Super Gloss Top Coat with an Expert Touch Nail Wipe saturated in N.A.S. 99. Finally, massage a drop of ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil into your cuticles.
HEMA, or Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, is a light-curing monomer commonly found in gel nail polish. When polymerised under UV/LED light, gel nails harden and shine. However, when products containing HEMA are misused or absorbed repeatedly through the skin or nail plate, they can cause an allergic reaction, leading to eczema, inflammation, and severe skin irritation. This can happen to anyone, even if they have never reacted to a particular gel polish containing HEMA before.
Gel Nails: How Long Before a Manicure Refresh?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

OPI Intelli-Gel Technology self-corrects and levels for perfect application
OPI's Intelli-Gel Technology is a game-changer for nail professionals and enthusiasts, offering a self-correcting formula that ensures a flawless and precise application every time. With years of development behind it, the Intelli-Gel System is a testament to OPI's innovation and commitment to delivering the smartest gel polish on the market.
The secret to its success lies in the responsive gel molecule network that adapts to your every move. This unique feature allows the formula to self-correct and level, providing an even and impeccable finish. No more worrying about streaks, flooding, or touch-ups! The high viscosity of the gel ensures it stays put, allowing for expert precision and razor-sharp lines.
The Intelli-Brush™, with its innovative design, is the perfect companion to the Intelli-Gel formula. Its rounded edge gently hugs the cuticles for precise application, while also fanning out to provide maximum coverage in a single stroke. The patent-pending stem features a flow control channel, optimising product pickup and flow control for a smooth and controlled application.
The Intelli-Gel Technology takes the guesswork out of achieving the perfect gel manicure. With its self-correcting ability, you can trust that every stroke will be flawless, and the high-quality pigments ensure a vibrant and long-lasting colour payoff. The formula is also vegan and HEMA-free, catering to clients with sensitivities or allergies and providing a safer manicure experience.
OPI's Intelli-Gel Technology revolutionises the gel manicure process, offering a self-correcting and levelling formula that delivers on precision, ease of application, and long-lasting results. With its advanced features and benefits, the Intelli-Gel System sets a new standard for gel nail polish, providing a professional and salon-quality manicure experience.
Applying Solid Nail Gels: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

HEMA-free gel polishes are formulated for customers sensitive to HEMA
HEMA, or Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, is a light-curing monomer commonly found in gel nail polishes. When exposed to UV/LED light, it polymerises, hardening and giving shine to gel nails. However, when misused or absorbed repeatedly through the skin or nail plate, HEMA can trigger allergic reactions, causing eczema, inflammation, and severe skin irritation.
To address this issue, manufacturers have developed HEMA-free gel polishes formulated for customers sensitive to HEMA. These polishes minimise the potential harm of HEMA exposure, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and skin sensitivities. By eliminating HEMA from the formulation, these polishes are designed to be safer alternatives for individuals prone to HEMA-related allergies and skin issues.
HEMA-free gel polishes are crafted to perform similarly to traditional gel polishes, offering long-lasting wear, a high-gloss shine, and easy application. They cater to a wider range of clients, ensuring inclusivity and enhancing client satisfaction. Brands like Glossify, The GelBottle Inc (TGB), Madam Glam, and Aimeili have introduced HEMA-free options within their gel polish collections.
It is important to note that HEMA-free gel polishes may have unique characteristics. For example, some users have reported issues with lifting when using HEMA-free products. Additionally, while HEMA-free polishes significantly reduce the risk of allergic reactions, they are not hypoallergenic. Other ingredients in the formulation may still cause allergies in certain individuals. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the labels and ingredient lists, as HEMA can be listed under different names.
In summary, HEMA-free gel polishes are specifically formulated to address the needs of customers sensitive to HEMA. They offer an inclusive and safer alternative, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions associated with HEMA exposure. With their comparable performance to traditional gel polishes, HEMA-free options ensure that those with HEMA sensitivities can still enjoy the benefits of long-lasting, glossy gel manicures.
Gel Nail Polish: DIY Application Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products

HEMA is a chemical monomer commonly used in coatings and resins
HEMA, or 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, is a chemical monomer commonly used in coatings and resins. It is a clear, odourless, and colourless liquid that is soluble in water. HEMA is often used to increase the hydrophobicity or surface adhesion of polymers and polymer-based materials. This includes specialty coatings, resins, adhesives, printing inks, and acrylic plastics.
In the coatings industry, HEMA is used in combination with epoxy resin, diisocyanate, and melamine formaldehyde resin to prepare two-component coatings. It is also used in high-performance coatings for glass to protect against scratching and weathering. HEMA is a key ingredient in the formulation of adhesives and sealants due to its ability to form strong and durable bonds.
In the biomedical field, HEMA is the basis for many hydrogel products, including soft contact lenses, which can absorb a significant amount of water relative to their dry weight. It is also used in polymer binders for controlled drug release, absorbents for body fluids, and lubricious coatings for medical devices such as catheters and implants.
HEMA is used in UV-curable inks and coatings, as well as in the dental industry for tooth restoration and as a component of dental adhesives and composite resins. However, it has been shown to exert genotoxic effects in human gingival fibroblasts through methacrylic acid, a product of its degradation.
In nail care, HEMA is a light-curing monomer commonly found in gel nail polishes. When polymerised under UV/LED light, HEMA hardens and adds shine to gel nails. However, it has been associated with contact dermatitis and skin inflammation, itching, and rashes. Some individuals may also experience nail bed inflammation and discomfort due to HEMA exposure. As a result, HEMA-free gel nail polish options have been introduced to prioritise client well-being and cater to those with sensitivities or allergies.
Gel Nails: Salon Removal Techniques and Aftercare
You may want to see also
Explore related products

HEMA-free gel polishes are marketed and labelled as such
As a result, some gel nail polish brands have started to offer HEMA-free alternatives. For example, Glossify has introduced HEMA-free shades to its gel polish collection, and The GelBottle Inc (TGB) offers a range of 100% HEMA-free builder gels and polygels. Madam Glam is another company that has converted all of its formulas to be HEMA-free. These HEMA-free gel polishes are formulated to perform similarly to traditional gel polishes, providing long-lasting wear, high-gloss shine, and easy application.
OPI, the world leader in the nail care industry, also offers a HEMA-free gel polish option with their OPI GelColor formula. This formula provides the same amazing nail polish colours that OPI is known for in a long-lasting gel formula. The OPI GelColor gel nail polishes offer a pigmented and high-shine finish that will maintain your manicure or pedicure's freshly done appearance for a minimum of 3 weeks. The application is streak-free and self-levelling, and the glossy shine lasts for up to 3 weeks with no chips, cracks, or lifting.
By offering HEMA-free gel polishes, nail professionals can cater to a wider range of clients, including those with sensitivities or allergies to HEMA. This inclusivity enhances client satisfaction and helps expand their client base. It also provides peace of mind to clients who may be concerned about the potential health risks associated with HEMA exposure.
Choosing the Right LED Lamp for Gel Nails
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
HEMA, or 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, is a light-curing monomer commonly found in gel nail polish. When HEMA is polymerised under UV/LED light, gel nails harden and become shiny.
HEMA can cause contact dermatitis, leading to skin inflammation, itching, redness, and a rash. Prolonged or repeated exposure to HEMA may worsen these symptoms. Not all gel nail polishes contain HEMA, and HEMA-free products are formulated for those who are sensitive to HEMA.
Yes, OPI's GelColor formula is now HEMA-free and vegan-friendly. The OPI Intelli-Gel Technology self-corrects and levels for perfect application, delivering supercharged pigment and up to three weeks of wear and superior shine.











































