HEMA

AKA: 2-HYDROXYETHYL METHACRYLATE, 868-77-9, Glycol methacrylate, Hydroxyethyl methacrylate, Ethylene glycol methacrylate, Glycol monomethacrylate, 2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethanol, 2-Hydroxyethylmethacrylate, Mhoromer, Monomer MG-1
Synthetic
Not Clean
2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate is a hydroxyester compound and a resin monomer used in desensitizing dentin. By applying 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate locally to sensitive teeth, sensitive areas in the teeth get sealed and block the dentinal tubules at the dentin surface from stimuli that cause pain. This prevents excitation of the tooth nerve and relieves pain caused by tooth hypersensitivity.
Effective at 63.8%
Solubility Miscible with water and soluble in common org solvents
Formula
C6H10O3
Mol. Weight
130.14
CAS #
868-77-9
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Functions
Nail Sculpting
Moisturizing
Antioxidant
Strengthens Barrier
Builds nail structure
Traditional Use
HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) was developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic monomer. It is used in cosmetics as a film-forming and conditioning agent, and was instrumental in developing soft contact lens technology.
EWG
5
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
35.8%
91.8%
0%100%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 35.8-91.8
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR