Gel & acrylic nails
MMA (acrylic nails)
Banned in Canada, Australia and New Zealand; not specifically regulated in Nigeria.
Why it matters
MMA monomer has been linked to nail damage and deformity and to contact dermatitis.
What to look for on the label
Methyl methacrylate, MMA (liquid monomer). Strong smell and very hard nails are clues.
Full name: MMA (methyl methacrylate liquid monomer, nails)
Country by country
Around the worldBanned in Canada, Australia and New Zealand; not specifically regulated in Nigeria.
Why: MMA monomer has been linked to nail damage and deformity and to contact dermatitis.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | no specific ruleNot named in NAFDAC labelling, bleaching-agent or registration rules. |
| European Union | no specific ruleNo annex restriction; listed in CosIng inventory only. |
| United Kingdom | not confirmed |
| United States | no specific ruleNo regulation prohibits it; FDA removed 100% MMA monomer products after injury reports. |
| Canada | bannedMethyl methacrylate monomer is on the Hotlist prohibited list. |
| Australia | bannedSchedule 10 for cosmetic use, except 1% or less residual monomer in a polymer. |
| New Zealand | bannedProhibited under Cosmetic Products Group Standard, Schedule 4. |
More about MMA (acrylic nails)
Sources: NAFDAC cosmetics registration guidelines · CosIng via CosIng Checker (secondary) · FDA: Nail Care Products · Health Canada Hotlist (2025-08-13) via CosIng Checker (secondary) · Poisons Standard June 2026 via CosIng Checker (secondary) · NZ EPA Cosmetic Group Standard via CosIng Checker (secondary). Checked 2026-10-19; rules change, so check the regulator before relying on it.
Is it in your product?
Paste the ingredient list, scan the barcode or read it from a photo. The check flags mma (acrylic nails) and anything else worth knowing.
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Education, not legal advice. Rules change: check with your country's regulator before relying on this.