Builder Gel in the UK: What nail technicians should know about ingredients and industry changes
If you’ve spent any time on nail tech forums or industry pages recently, you’ll have noticed a growing conversation around builder gel ingredients in the UK.
From ingredient reformulations to discussions around allergies and product safety, builder gel systems are receiving more attention than ever. For professional nail technicians, this isn’t something to panic about. Instead, it’s a reminder of how important it is to understand the products you work with, know their ingredients, and choose brands designed for professional use.
At Pure Nails, we believe education is just as important as performance. As regulations tighten and awareness grows, transparency around ingredients and safe formulation has become essential across the nail industry.
Let’s break down what’s happening with builder gels in the UK, what the recent discussions in the industry mean, and why choosing the right system matters.
Why builder gels are under the spotlight🔍
Builder gels have become one of the most requested salon services in the UK over the past few years. They allow nail technicians to strengthen the natural nail, add structure, and create durable overlays without traditional acrylic systems.
As demand has grown, so has awareness around the ingredients used within gel systems, particularly methacrylates such as:
• HEMA (Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate)
• Di-HEMA TMHDC
• Other monomers used to help gels adhere and cure properly
These ingredients are widely used in professional nail products because they provide the durability and adhesion that builder gels need to perform correctly.
However, like many cosmetic ingredients, they must be used correctly and responsibly. Improper use, skin exposure, or incorrect curing can increase the risk of allergic reactions over time.
This is why professional education and high-quality formulations designed specifically for trained nail technicians are so important.
For those looking to build confidence in both application and product knowledge, Pure Nails offers dedicated training programmes covering builder gel systems, correct usage, and industry best practices.
📸@beautyandbeyond - easibuild
The recent industry backlash
Recently, a few discussions have surfaced across the nail industry regarding builder gel systems and potential allergic reactions.
The conversations have largely focused on:
• Ingredient transparency
• Training standards within the industry
• Safe application practices
• The difference between professional products and consumer accessibility
While builder gels across the industry contain similar functional ingredients, the discussions have reinforced something nail professionals already understand:
Application technique, product formulation, and technician training all play a critical role in nail safety.
Incorrect use, such as flooding product onto the skin, under-curing gels, or over-filing the natural nail can significantly increase sensitivity risks regardless of brand.
📸@nicolamoore - macaron
Why ingredient transparency matters
As the professional nail industry evolves, ingredient awareness is becoming part of everyday salon practice. Choosing a builder gel system developed for professional use can help protect both technicians and clients.
At Pure Nails, almost all our gel polish range is HEMA-free, and any products that do contain HEMA are clearly labelled so technicians can easily identify HEMA-free options for their clients.
Professional systems should prioritise:
• Transparent ingredient information
• Formulations designed for controlled adhesion and curing
• Products manufactured under strict cosmetic safety standards
• Education on correct application techniques.
📸@goodwithabrush -
How Pure Nails approaches builder gel formulation
At Pure Nails, product development focuses on creating professional builder gels that perform reliably while supporting safe salon use. Most of the Pure Nails gel polish range is also HEMA-free, with products clearly labelled to help technicians make informed choices.
Pure Nails builder gels focus on:
• Balanced professional formulations designed for strong adhesion without unnecessary exposure
• Reliable curing performance under professional lamps
• Compatibility across full gel systems, from base through to top coat
For technicians, this means builder gels that are easy to work with, predictable during application, and built with professional standards in mind.
📸@hrbeauty_x - madelines
Why education matters more than ever
The current conversation within the nail industry is ultimately a positive one. It reflects a growing shift towards greater professionalism, education, and transparency. For nail technicians, staying informed about product ingredients and application techniques helps maintain the highest standards within the salon.
📸@nicolamoore - panettone
Supporting nail technicians with professional products
At Pure Nails, we are committed to supporting nail professionals with reliable builder gel systems, professional education, and transparent product development. As the industry continues to evolve, our focus remains the same, creating products that help technicians deliver beautiful, durable results while maintaining safe salon practices..
📸@chloepower - d2b pink easibuild
Have questions about builder gels or product ingredients?
IIf you'd like to learn more about builder gel systems, training, or ingredient information, our team is always happy to help. You can also explore the Halo EasiBuild Builder Gel range to discover a professional builder-in-a-bottle system designed for strength, control, and reliable salon performance.
Tag us @purenailsuk, we can’t wait to see your builder gel creations 💅🎨
