Choosing safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly cosmetic products is the key to getting the most out of your beauty routine. Regarding acrylic nails, one of the most important products to consider is your liquid monomer. Two types of monomers dominate the industry: the healthy, nail-safe EMA and the hard, damaging MMA.
What’s the difference between the two? Why is EMA better than MMA when it comes to your health and the environment? Learn more about both compounds and their effect on acrylic nails with this guide.
What Are EMA and MMA?
EMA and MMA are liquid monomers that you can combine with acrylic powder to make your acrylic nail enhancements. EMA, or ethyl methacrylate, is a widely used and approved chemical compound. Its excellent bonding properties and flexibility make it a popular option for acrylic liquid and powder systems.
On the other hand, MMA, or methyl methacrylate, has a much more controversial reputation. MMA is known for its incredible hardness and long-lasting durability. It’s a common solution for medical use, specifically in acrylics for dental crowns. When it comes to nails, though, that durability does more harm than good.
The FDA banned MMA in the 1970s, but you can still find it as an ingredient in some salon products. That’s why it’s important to learn the difference between EMA and MMA, and keep an eye out for which compound is in your liquid monomers.
The Dangers of MMA
MMA has a few notable drawbacks that have led to its unfavorable reputation. Because of its strength and durability, MMA-based acrylics are much harder than their EMA counterparts. This means they last for weeks, but it also means they’re more likely to cause damage to the natural nail bed when trying to remove them.
Furthermore, the rigidity of MMA acrylics can cause your nails to crack and break. MMA is also harsher on the natural nail bed and surrounding skin. It can cause numbness, irritation, and lead to rough, thin, yellowed natural nails.
MMA also poses a risk to the environment. As a volatile organic compound (VOC), MMA poses health risks to those exposed during application and removal processes.
EMA: A Healthy, Dependable Alternative
Choosing EMA-based acrylic products is a smarter and safer decision for your personal health and the environment. EMA acrylics offer more flexibility than MMA, which helps reduce the risk of breakage, damage, and injury to your nails.
Furthermore, EMA-based acrylics are gentler on the natural nail and easier to remove, making them a more reliable option for nail enhancements. As an added bonus, many EMA solutions can be odorless or scented—like Mia Secret’s Odorless Monomer or peach or cherry-scented Monomer Drops—helping to mitigate the strong chemical smell associated with traditional acrylics.
Mia Secret’s EMA liquid monomers are better for you and the environment than MMA-based acrylics. When you’re looking for a stylish, healthy, and environmentally friendly manicure, our acrylic systems are the way to go. Shop a range of nail liquid monomers on our website today and find the tools you need to create strong, healthy, beautiful nails.