The Ultimate Nail Battle: MMA vs EMA – What You Need to Know

In the realm of nail products, a longstanding battle has been waged between two acronyms: MMA vs EMA.

MMA, or Methyl Methacrylate, and EMA, Ethyl Methacrylate in technical terms, are the key players in this debate.

Whether you’re a skilled nail technician or simply someone who cares about their choices, understanding the differences between these compounds and their effects on your health is essential.

Despite the risks associated with MMA, it continues to be used in Australian nail products.

This raises curious questions about safety standards and industry practices.

By exploring both sides of the argument, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of this controversial topic.

Let’s unravel the MMA vs EMA debate.

Understanding Monomers: A Closer Look at MMA vs EMA

MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) and EMA (Ethyl Methacrylate) are two distinct types of methacrylate monomers needed for the creation of acrylic nails.

In the past, MMA was a go-to choice in the nail industry due to its affordability and durability. It is cheap and hard-wearing.

With the growing awareness of its health risks, however, the industry changed course.

Enter Ethyl Methacrylate (EMA), the safer choice.

EMA was developed to meet the demand for a safe and versatile substance in products like adhesives and nail products.

Researchers and scientists explored different chemical reactions and combinations to develop EMA, aiming to enhance its properties and make it a suitable choice for these applications.

Quickly becoming the industry standard, EMA has exploded onto the scene quickly because it’s safe and dependable.

This means you can confidently use it, knowing that your nail enhancements will not only look great but also be safe for everyday use.

The Risks of MMA vs EMA

Now, let’s talk about the not-so-friendly MMA.

This chemical product hides some big risks.

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a chemical compound used as a bonding agent in artificial nail products. 

It sets much faster and adheres more strongly to the nail than other products.

Despite this, the use of MMA has been associated with adverse health effects, and acrylic nails made with MMA can be tough, inflexible, and challenging to remove.

Experimental and clinical studies have documented that monomers may cause a wide range of adverse health effects such as irritation to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, allergic dermatitis, stomatitis, asthma, neuropathy, disturbances of the central nervous system, liver toxicity, and fertility disturbances.

A comprehensive study article outlining the adverse affects can be referenced here .

The Most Common Health Risks Associated with MMA

• Nail damage and deformities: The use of MMA as a nail product may contribute to nail damage and deformities in nail growth. Methyl methacrylate (MMA), has also been reported to cause abnormalities or lesions in several organs.
• Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat: Industrial use of MMA has been known to cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and respiratory tract for both the client and the technician.
• Contact dermatitis: MMA can cause contact dermatitis, a type of skin inflammation that results from exposure to an irritant or allergen.
• Respiratory sensitisation: MMA is a respiratory irritant and dermal sensitiser that has been associated with occupational asthma in a small number of cases.
• Cancer risks: There is evidence to suggest that MMA may promote cancer progression and increase the risk of cancer-associated mortality. Studies have shown that MMA can induce aggressive metastasis and drug resistance in cancer cells, activate various signalling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and promote tumour metastasis.  It is important to note that the studies cited here do not specifically address the question of whether MMA causes cancer. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between MMA and cancer.
• Difficulty breathing and headaches: Nail technicians who are frequently and normally exposed to products containing MMA during their work are at a higher risk of adverse health effects, this includes difficulty breathing when fumes are inhaled in high concentration and this also results in headaches and/or migraines.

Is MMA Legally Accessible in Australia?

In Australia, MMA isn’t illegal despite its risks, mainly because it’s inexpensive and easily accessible.

This is concerning, especially considering countries like the United States and Canada, have banned it and applied very strict rules around it.

For instance, in the US, the FDA has labelled MMA as a “poisonous and deleterious substance” in its liquid form. They’ve even taken action against nail product manufacturers using MMA.

However, in Australia, MMA isn’t banned because it’s safe in other applications, according to the Department of Health of WA.

Still, the Department strongly advises against using MMA products in nail salons.

Consumers have the right to enquire and be informed if a product contains MMA.

It’s crucial to stay aware and make informed choices about the products you use. You can read the full article can be read here: https://www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/U_Z/Use-of-methyl-methacrylate-MMA-in-nail-products

So, to summarise, it is NOT illegal to use, distribute and sell MMA products in Australia.

The EMA Advantage

When you’re both a consumer and a professional, the choice is clear: opt for a safer alternative like EMA.

EMA has been declared safe and is approved for use in the beauty industry.

Let’s look at why:

Health Benefits:

EMA offers a safer bet because it’s flexible and less sticky, lowering the risk of permanent nail damage.

It doesn’t damage the nail plate, so it’s less likely to trigger allergic reactions.

Using EMA also ensures a healthier working environment for professionals in the long run.

Emitting toxic fumes, choosing against MMA means long term health risks are significantly reduced for the technician also.

Smoother Application:

Manufacturers can tweak EMA’s properties like curing time, flexibility, adhesion, and more by blending it with other components.

It adheres smoothly to the nail, giving a natural feel, and it’s easier to remove, putting less stress on natural nails.

When applied correctly, EMA creates stunning acrylic nails that are strong yet flexible, without yellowing or lifting issues.

Choosing EMA products, is a smart choice for both nail technicians and their clients.

Educating clients on the nail products you choose and why, is not only valuable for their awareness but also serves as a compelling selling point for your business.

When clients understand the thought and care behind your product selection, it builds trust and confidence, making them more likely to choose your services.

This blog post at Scarlett Nail Supplies raves about EMA and is another great source of info.

Nail Product Safety: Comparing MMA vs EMA

So, how can you ensure that the nail products you use contain EMA and not MMA?

The answer lies in the product ingredients.

The list of ingredients will spell it out, in black and white.

Check and read the label on the physical product, ask the supplier for an SDS (Safety Data Sheet, formerly an MSDS) for the product you intend to purchase or simply request a picture of the ingredients if you’re shopping online.

All reputable suppliers should have safety and chemical information readily available by way of an SDS.

You can read more about the importance of SDS for the beauty industry in an upcoming blog post here and delve into the why, what and how of Safety Data Sheets .

Avoid products that list Methyl Methacrylate and opt for those that contain Ethyl Methacrylate instead!

Choosing Reputable Suppliers

Considering the widespread use of MMA in Australian nail products, it’s crucial to buy from trustworthy suppliers.

Seek suppliers who are open about their ingredients and readily provide or have access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) information.

Positive reviews from other customers are also a good indicator.

Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from fellow industry professionals.

I personally recommend products from NSI Australia (enjoy 10% discount site-wide using my code REET-NSI ) Nail Shop Australia (use code IBT2023 for 5% discount off all products) and Colour Me Pretty Nails Australia (exclusive discounts available for students training with me). All of these suppliers are compliant and strictly sell only MMA -free products.

If you have more questions or need further recommendations, feel free to reach out. I’m here to assist you!

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