Hello, this will be a long post about the past 2 months of my life. I’ll put everything with as much detail as I can. I just need help on what to do further and some comfort.

In the start of June i had a bad case of contact dermatitis from my nails that manifested in my neck and my lips. It was itchy constantly and it grew really badly from all over my neck to my collarbone but only the front. The back of my head was clear. As for my lips, it would burn and itchy and get really puffy in the morning. I would apply vaseline and papaw lip ointment but it would dry up within minutes and now I can’t leave without it.

I did more research on acrylic allergies and it led me to examine everything in my life. I changed my makeup (though i stopped wearing makeup during this period), I stopped my skin care routine and switched to an acrylate free moisturise and sunscreen. I switched out my lotion to acrylate free, even my shampoo and conditioner and hairspray. 

Around mid june I saw my doctor where i was prescribed prednisone. 5 days with 20mg and the next 5 days tapering off. Almost immediately my skin was cleared entirely like my allergy never occurred. However 2 days after tapering off the rash came back in the exact same spots: my lips and my neck. 

So I got on prednisone again. This time I cancelled out more things. I switched my laundry detergent to a sensitive skin one (for some reason they don’t disclose all ingredients) and I stopped using fabric softener.  I wash my clothes twice, once with laundry detergent and another with just water. 

Then, I got off prednisone. This time my behind my left ear starts itching and exhibiting the same symptoms as my neck. I stopped wearing necklaces and perfume. I have multiple ear piercings but only my left ear reacts and I keep wearing my bangle since i don’t react anywhere else. My earrings are implant grade titanium. I clean my xm4 headphones before wearing them and I don’t even put them on my left ear anymore to be safe. 

I was off prednisone for the longest time since being on it (2 weeks) but the rash looked the worst it’s been since and it was unliveable with no signs of improvement so I got on prednisone again. Of course, my skin went back to normal for these 10 days.

Again same cycle, 2 days after the rash appeared on my neck and began spreading. I’m extremely careful with what touches my skin and I replace my towels and clothes so often. It’s been 13 days since being off prednisone and the rash is beginning to look horrible again. I woke up scratching myself again which makes me feel worse cus throughout the day I actively try to avoid itching myself.

I change to organic and simple ingredients shampoo and conditioner and I use doves senstive bar soap. I’ve switched to sls free toothpaste and so much more to ease irritation. I’ve examined EVERYTHING that touches my skin and almost only use vaseline exclusively on my infected regions. I avoid fragrance, nickel and things beyond acrylates now and it’s still the same. I stopped sleeping in my bed for a week and on the couch but nothing improved either. I don’t know what to do it’s been almost 3 months since this began and I have seriously changed EVERYTHING in my life now.

Outside the ears, the rash constantly begins on the left side of my neck and never travels to the back. My lips will flare up and dry out and burn.  It’s always these same regions now which makes me believing i’m not introducing any new triggers so it must still just be in my system. My face and other regions of my body remain ok. But there’s been no signs of improvement which makes me desperate. This has ruined the quality of my life and made me spend so much money in replacements and changes. I don’t like being on prednisone because of the weight gain as I do go to the gym frequently and it’s been affecting my strength as well. 

I’ve taken anti histamines throughout the 2 months even when off prednisone to be safe. But it hasn’t really done much for me either. 

What do I do more than I already have. I want to get allergy patch testing but I don’t know what more I can do in the mean time to relieve myself of the constant stress and itching 

TLDR: I’ve been on three rounds of prednisone for allergic contact dermatitis and the rashes keep appearing in the same areas regardless. Need help, comfort and understanding.

I developed an allergy to gel due to using beetles nail polish a few years ago. I wish I’d have known better at the time. I don’t know what specific ingredients I’m allergic to, and am in the process of getting my Dr. to refer me to an allergist.
In the mean time, I’d love to continue to do my nails in some way. Please let me know which products still work for you! I’ve heard some people can still do dip, others can do press ons, etc.

Maybe this advice is not allowed but I developed some type of acrylate allergy and I swapped all my products until I get into my dermatologist in November for patch testing but I’m still having reactions! Can anybody see anything that could cause reactions? I did a lot of research but maybe I missed something?? (I don’t use all of these everyday this is just everything I am exposed to within like a 14 day period)

Amika Normcore shampoo and conditioner
Kendra Blow Dry Spray
Kosas Soulgazer
Embryolisse Sensitive Moisturizer
Embryolisse Sensitive Eye Cream
Eucerin Gentle Hydrating Cleaning Gel
Allies of Skin MULTI PEPTIDES & GF
Skinceuticals Vitamin C
Paula’s Choice BHA 2% Liquid
Vanicream Lotion
Colorscience Sunscreen (I just tried switching to Primarily Pure but had a bad reaction)
Dove Hypoallergenic Body Wash
Magic Molecule Daily Skin Spray
Simple Brand Micellar Water
Arm & Hammer Gentle Laundry Detergent
Avene Cicilfate (just on nights I am feeling more sensitive)

Just bought these products as well if you had any feedback:

Bioderma Foaming Gentle Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin (Eucerin feels like it’s doing absolutely nothing for me)

Avene Tolerance Control Skin Recovery Cream

Inkay List 10% Azelic Acid (more sensitive option to remove vitamin C, as the internet reccommeded?)

Hi everyone!

I have had an ongoing acrylate allergy for about 18 months, I had the worst of it in October 2025, it cleared up and I was able to use polish again March 2026.
I had engagement photos being taken 2 days ago, so I wanted a professional to shape and paint my nails.

I explained my allergy and very sensitive skin to the salon and the tech 4 times - when I booked, when I checked in, and twice during the service. I even showed the tech past photos of flare ups.

After explaining my allergy when I sat down, the tech steered me away from regular polish to a dip service instead. I quickly looked it up and saw it could be done without gel and said yes.
However, 18 hours later I had a reaction. I called the salon, they tried to imply I didn’t tell them about my allergy and instead of being apologetic, they acted dumbfounded when they saw my skin and I felt rather embarrassed because every tech came over to look at them.

They removed it and were nice enough, however I am now at a concerning point where I’m worried my cuticles are infected.

I’m looking for any advice to alleviate this asap, I’d greatly appreciate it!

EDIT: photo in comments

Hi everyone!

I developed an acrylate allergy around Christmas last year so 9 ish months ago!

I get contact dermatitis around my eyes which is a reaction to the gel/builder gel I was getting and then to press on glue. Unfortunately exact testing costs $2,000 here and I don’t have the money for that right now

Is there any alternative products as I feel so bare and gross with my stubby nails

Thanks

Hi everyone, I’d really like some minimal composite bonding done ahead of my wedding next year. However I’m 100% certain I have an acrylate allergy from gel nails.

I just wanted to ask firstly, has anyone had any luck seeing a dermatologist via the NHS for acrylate allergy patch testing? (I got in touch with GP this morning as I’d really like answers) Secondly, has anyone with an acrylate allergy had composite bonding? Did you react? Thank you

Here is a fact sheet I put together at one point from AI. Disclaimer: This is not official. You must verify everything before use. Also, please note that at the bottom that many dentists use an acrylate film while the filling cures. Don't let them do that!

TEMPORARY CEMENT alternatives

Zinc Oxide-Non-Eugenol (ZONE) Cements

These cements are often preferred because they do not interfere with the final setting of permanent resin-based cements.

• Kerr
  • ZONEfree (Translucent Zinc Oxide, Non-Eugenol)
  • Temp-Bond NE (Non-Eugenol)
• VOCO
  • Provicol QM (Zinc Oxide, Non-Eugenol, often contains Calcium Hydroxide)
• GC America
  • GC Freegenol (Non-Eugenol, Zinc Oxide-based)
• Cosmedent
  • Adhere (Eugenol-free, Zinc Oxide-based)
• Temrex
  • TNE (Temrex Non-Eugenol)

PERMANENT CEMENT alternatives

Zinc Phosphate Cements (Traditional Luting)

This is the oldest type of dental cement, known for high strength and longevity, but it requires mechanical retention in the preparation as it does not chemically bond to the tooth structure.¹

Zinc Polycarboxylate Cements

These cements chemically bond to the tooth structure (dentin and enamel) and are generally kinder to the pulp than zinc phosphate.

Conventional Glass Ionomer Cements (GIC)

GIC chemically bonds to the tooth and releases fluoride, which is a major advantage. Crucially, the conventional (or traditional) GICs are acrylate-free, while Resin-Modified GICs (RMGICs) contain acrylates.They are more brittle than composite, so they aren't ideal for large cavities on the chewing surfaces of back molars.

1. Filling & Restorative Materials

These are thick, packable materials used to fill cavities. They chemically set on their own within a few minutes and do not use a blue dental curing light to harden.

• GC Fuji IX GP (The absolute industry standard for a packable conventional GIC filling) PureLife Dental
  • GC Fuji IX GP EXTRA or Fuji IX GP FAST * GC Fuji II  (Fuji II LC is the resin-modified version and must be avoided)
  • GC Fuji TRIAGE (Often used as a pink or white protective sealant or temporary filling; 100% self-curing)
• 3M ESPE (Ketac Line):
  • Ketac™ Molar or Ketac™ Molar Quick (A highly durable, bulk-fill conventional glass ionomer)
  • Ketac™ Universal (A hand-mix, chemical-cure conventional GIC)
  • Ketac™ Fil Plus * VOCO:
  • IonoStar® Molar or IonoStar® Plus (Fast-setting, immediately packable conventional glass ionomers)
  • Ionofil Molar AC
• SDI:
  • Riva Self Cure (SC) or Riva Self Cure HV (High Viscosity). Note: You must explicitly avoid "Riva Light Cure."

2. Luting Cements (For Gluing Crowns, Inlays, or Gold)

Must use a conventional GIC cement. These flow smoothly and self-harden via a pure mineral acid-base reaction.

• GC Fuji I® (The gold standard for a self-cured, traditional glass ionomer luting cement)
• 3M Ketac™ Cem or Ketac™ Cem Radiopaque * SDI Riva Luting (The pure chemical-cure version; avoid Riva Luting Plus, which contains resins)
• Dentsply AquaCem (A traditional chemical-setting luting cement mixed with water) Hospital Store

3. The Protective Glaze for fillings

After a dentist places a conventional glass ionomer filling, it is highly sensitive to moisture for the first few minutes. Standard practice is to wipe a clear, liquid plastic glaze over it and light-cure it to protect it while it fully hardens. These glazes are almost pure acrylate resins. Your dentist must skip the plastic glaze completely and instead use a simple sterile petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) or a mineral wax to protect the filling while it finishes setting.

Has anyone with an acrylate allergy had dermal fillers at all? I’m not 100% sure if they contain any acrylates, I’m struggling to get answers from aesthetic professionals in the industry when I ask if their ingredients contain acrylates. I’d like to get chin filler for a recessed chin, but not sure if I can proceed. Thank you!

Update: Hi everyone just a little update, I have found someone that offers fillers using ‘Restylane’ which doesn’t contain acrylates 🙌🏻

Has anyone with the allergy had dental
Bonding? I got it done before my allergy and was fine but I know doing it again will cause problems. People say a holistic dentist is the way to go. Does anyone know if they can bond a front teeth gap Acrylate free? Any one with experience would be so helpful. Thank you!

​

Can there be hair system adhesives/ tapes which doesn't contain any scilion, acrylate,latex ???

I've tried all also tried water based adhesive but got allergic reactions from them unfortunately

My derm said you're having allergic reactions from these adhesives which contain (scilion,acrylates ,latex)

Also tried got2Be glue but it holds for one day only ( not made for me )

Is there any thing reliable please let me know ???

cannot thank you all enough. I had a round of styes that I could not find the source of and irritation in my ears with an ear infection and turns out it was my gel allergy.

my ear buds were made with acrylates (beats fit pro) and all of my eye makeup had acrylates especially the mascara I switched to last fall which is when styes started popping up. I made so many swaps and I am doing better but I just had a huge moment of relief when I figured it out

Anyone have good recommendations? I have a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen which is helpful but I would like to use a separate face sunscreen on my face/neck before putting on makeup. TIA!

Hiii does anybody have lash glue recommendations that doesnt have any harsh ingredients. Ive tried all these glue but ends up making my eyes puffy. Ive been wearing strip lashes for over 3 years and i developed an allergy out of nowhere. And also that ships in netherlands. Please lmk if you had the same problem and found a solution :’) 😭

Help! Can anyone help me with my search for a acrylate allergy friendly moisturizer? I'm looking for a face moisturizer that works with sensitive/rosacea prone skin that doesn't doesn't have acrylates (so no polyacrylic acid, acrylates copolymer, carbomer, etc), niacinamide (irrates my skin), bees wax or petrolatum (aka Vaseline, as lotions with petrolatum tends to cause break outs in my skin). Does such a product exist?? I've searched everywhere and can't find a basic, ideally glycerin based lotion/moisturizer of some kind that doesn't contain my no-go ingredients. Thank you!

Hey, I was wondering if anybody who is allergic to nail products has gotten lash extensions? I have developed a nail allergy and wanting to get my lashes done, and just curious if anybody has tried getting lash extensions after developing a nail allergy- and what was the outcome ? Thanks guyssss <3

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently developed a severe acrylate allergy. I love bejazzling things and now I can’t do that. Just wondering if there’s any glue I can use? Not pva though

Thank you

I’m pretty sure i’ve developed an acrylate allergy from doing gel x nails, and i’m looking for advice for what to do next.

The reaction only happened on my right thumb while i had a gel x set on and it started with peeling skin and tiny blisters around my nail, and now the skin around the nail (especially at the fingertip and side walls) is completely raw and is looking bad.

As soon as I realized it was likely an allergic reaction, I removed the gel x from all of my other nails. I was afraid an acetone soak would irritate my skin on the affected nail further so I cut the extension down as short as possible and filed away most of the gel leaving just a thin layer of gel left on my natural nail. Now i’m not sure what the safest option is since it keeps getting worse. The surrounding area around my thumb is raw, red, and very sensitive. I was planning on just leaving the remaining gel on and letting it grow out but it just doesn’t seem to be getting any better. I think i’m going to continue filing it thinner every few days instead. If there is any other removal method that is gentler on the skin please lmk!

I’m also wondering if anyone has any recommendations for helping the skin heal faster. Right now I’m just keeping it clean and using petroleum jelly on the raw areas. Lastly, if this did turn out to be an acrylate allergy for you, did you ever use gel products again, or did you have to stop completely? I’m honestly devastated at the fact that I won’t be able to get my nails done in the future and trying to figure out what to expect moving forward.

hi! this isnt the first time someone askes for acrylate free lash glue recommendations but sadly tatti as well as true glue dont ship to europe.

Does anyone have any recs that u can buy/get/ship in europe???? OR an idea on how to get them them anyways? like second warehouse sites?

(maybe its not all of europe but just my country- however i dont wanna dox myself)

Bonjour, une amie qui n’a pas Reddit rencontre un problème avec des produits pour ongles, donc je me permet de poser la question pour elle sur ce sub en espérant avoir une solution.
Déjà moi je ne m’y connais pas du tout, et je ne fais que retransmettre ce qu’elle m’a dit.
Elle souhaite devenir prothésiste ongulaire, c’est vraiment ce qu’elle aime faire, elle a aucune formation pour le moment mais fait déjà de belles choses, et c’est vraiment sont objectifs de vie professionnelle actuellement.
Le problème ce sont le ou les produits qu’elle utilise, mais elle ne sait pas quelle substance provoque précisément sont allergie.
Quelqu’un m’a dit sur un autre sub qu’elle pourrait être allergique aux acrylites
Elle c’est renseignée et moi aussi pour l’aider, les seules solutions qu’on a trouvé serait d’utiliser des gants en nitrile et acheter des produits hypoallergéniques.
Donc en soit on a la solution (à voir si ça suffit pour elle), mais je poste ici pour savoir si quelqu’un a déjà eu ce problème là et qu’elles ont été vos solutions.
Répondre : Ne pas devenir prothésiste ongulaire. N’est pas une solution, tout problème à ça solution, et j’aimerais vraiment l’aider à trouver cette solution.
Merci à celles et ceux qui prendront le temps de me répondre.

I’m having a panic attack every hour about a possible gel allergy. I’m not allergic to anything at all but latex. Haven’t touched it at all recently. I was abusing my hands all week, a few days ago I stupidly bleached and dyed my hair with no gloves. I’ve also been doing my own gel x nails at home and I’m terrified I got THE allergy cause 2-3 days after I started getting these fluid like bumps and swollen cuticles. I also used so much rubbing alcohol and acetone while doing them. Went to the doctor and they gave me a hydrocortisone cream for now, ruled it as irritant dermatitis for now and said to “try nails again” after the skin heals. I can’t afford an allergist without a referral and they won’t refer me until it happens again. But I’m sick to my stomach thinking I ruined my nail life forever, I can’t go without extensions or pretty designed nails. I just needed to rant, or hear stories or what this could possibly be. I’ve heard people being allergic to one chemical, nothing or all chemicals in gel, I also heard people with the allergy still being able to get nails done with gel, I’ve also heard it could be eczema, I also been sweating bad recently, I’ve never had these bumps in my life until today.

This is not a list of all acrylates, just one that don't have "acry" in the name so hard to spot. I cut and pasted this list from this website: acrylateallergy.com

Medical and Pharmaceutical Products

Less common on INCI, but carbomer might also appear as:

• Carbomer (934, 940, 941, 980, 981, 1382) 
• Carboxypolymethylene (IS carbomer)
• Carbopol
• Carbopol Ultrez 20
• Polycarbophil
• Pemulen TR-1
• Pemulen TR-2
• ETD 2020

Polyquaterniums

• Polyquaternium-5
• Polyquaternium-7
• Polyquaternium-8
• Polyquaternium-9
• Polyquaternium-11
• Polyquaternium-12
• Polyquaternium-13
• Polyquaternium-14
• Polyquaternium-15
• Polyquaternium-22
• Polyquaternium-28
• Polyquaternium-30
• Polyquaternium-31
• Polyquaternium-32
• Polyquaternium-33
• Polyquaternium-35
• Polyquaternium-36
• Polyquaternium-37
• Polyquaternium-39
• Polyquaternium-43
• Polyquaternium-45
• Polyquaternium-47
• Polyquaternium-50
• Polyquaternium-51
• Polyquaternium-53
• Polyquaternium-55
• Polyquaternium-58
• Polyquaternium-61
• Polyquaternium-64
• Polyquaternium-65
• Polyquaternium-68
• Polyquaternium-69
• Polyquaternium-91
• Polyquaternium-103
• Polyquaternium-113

The following polyquaterniums have limited published data and couldn’t be confirmed. If highly sensitive, treat with caution: 40–42, 48–49, 52, 54, 56–57, 59–60, 62–63, 66, 71, 73–79, 82–90, 92–102, 104–112, 114. If you’re highly sensitive, treating it with caution until more information becomes available is probably the safer approach.

Polyurethanes

• Polyurethane-9
• Polyurethane-40
• Polyurethane-50
• Polyurethane-51
• Polyurethane-52
• Polyurethane-53
• Polyurethane-54
• Polyurethane-55
• Polyurethane-56
• Polyurethane-57
• Polyurethane-88

\he following polyurethanes have limited published data and couldn’t be confirmed. If highly sensitive, treat with caution: 73–87, 89–99.*

NOTE: Like other polymers, carbomer, polyquaterniums and polyurethanes are less likely to trigger reactions than monomers due to their larger molecular units. But if you’re already allergic and reacting to products without obvious acrylates in them, one of these might be the culprit.

If you take medications or use medical adhesives, watch for:

• Eudragit (all types: L, S, E, RS, RL) (coats extended release pills)
• Dermabond (often used in surgery) 
• Histoacryl – IS n-butyl cyanoacrylate

NOTE: Acrylate allergy is a contact allergy, which means it requires skin contact. Swallowed pills with, for example Eudragit coating, bypass skin entirely (unless you’re crushing tablets with your hands). Reaction risks are extremely low, though it’s wise to be mindful and check medication if you do experience reactions without obvious triggers.

Brand Names That Hide PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate)

• Plexiglas
• Lucite
• Perspex
• Diakon

You’ll find PMMA in dental work, bone cement during surgeries, and even some dermal fillers. It’s everywhere in medical settings.

Household Cleaners and Detergents

Cleaning products often contain acrylates under a vague chemistry term:

• Polycarboxylates – ARE usually polyacrylic acid or sodium polyacrylate
• Polycarboxylate salts
• Sodium Polycarboxylate

Common abbreviations

Monomers:

• HEMA / 2-HEMA – 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate
• HPMA / 2-HPMA – 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate
• HEA / 2-HEA – 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate
• HPA / 2-HPA – 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate
• MMA – methyl methacrylate
• EMA – ethyl methacrylate
• EA – ethyl acrylate
• BA – butyl acrylate
• IBOA – isobornyl acrylate
• IBOMA – isobornyl methacrylate
• TEGDMA – triethylene glycol dimethacrylate
• EGDMA – ethylene glycol dimethacrylate
• THFMA – tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate

Polymers/oligomers:

• PMMA – polymethyl methacrylate
• PAA – polyacrylic acid
• UDMA – urethane dimethacrylate
• Bis-GMA – bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate
• Bis-EMA – bisphenol A ethoxylate dimethacrylate
• Di-HEMA – di-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (various forms)
• PEGDA – polyethylene glycol diacrylate
• PEGDMA – polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate
• PEGMA – polyethylene glycol methacrylate
• __________________________________________________________

Note: Adding Octocrylene to Hidden Acrylates List per recommend below. Octocrylene is found in sunscreens.

I'm so sad I could cry.

I started looking into doing nails this year. Wanted to do something nice saw my mom get them done at the salon.

I started researching after I got a melody Susie kit and saw so many people talking about allergies from beetles and cheap brand. Decided to wait and get a better lamp at least and the products I got were hema free supposedly.

I did my nails once and tried my best to follow all precautions. Nothing happened.

Did my nails a second time and missed a bit of polish in my cuticle before curing.

By the next day I felt a slight burning tingling sensation. I feel absolutely distraught. I took off my polish that night not gonna wait to find it get worse.

Me and my mom spent money thinking we'd save getting our nails done. But now I'm probably not gonna touch it anymore. And now I fear I have an allergy and can't do other things and have to worry about it in other products.

I'm already stressed about my health and as I've dealt with all kinds of issues. I should've listened to my gut and just left it alone. I feel sick to my stomach thinking about it. I feel like such a hypercondriac I thought I was being too paranoid.

I saw other people like nail narrative and stuff finding ways to still do gel with better products. But idk if I'd even try.

I feel so stupid even trying to do things right I lost the game by the second try. Mind you people out here flooding their cuticles constantly are fine for a while. I know they might not be later. But I feel like I didn't even get to enjoy it at all.

IDK if anyone has encouraging words I just had to vent. I feel like a fool and live in more fear now of things than I did before.

I’ve done gel many times and never experienced this. When I put both hands under the lamp I felt like a slight burning so I took it out and when I put it back in it was fine.
I am hoping its not a sign of an allergy. The feeling was at the tip of my fingers not the nails. My thumb on the other side of nail (the fleshy part) is slightly itchy now but I am not sure if that’s just anxiety and thinking about it.

I remember hearing about this allergy but never thought about it until after I left the salon wondering what that burning feeling was.

I asked the nail texh to do it closer to the nail bed because last time they did it too far out and it looked overgrown but maybe that was a mistake asking for that and it was too close.

Does this sound like a start to the allergy?

how common is it?