What is the Difference Between EMA and MMA Monomer?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚EMA (Ethyl Methacrylate) and MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) are two types of monomer liquids used in the production of acrylic nails. They have different properties and safety implications:
MMA:
- Banned by the FDA in the 1970s due to numerous complaints of personal injuries associated with its use, including nail damage, contact dermatitis, and infections.
- Cheaper than EMA, with prices at only a third of the price for the same amount.
- Can cause permanent loss and damage to the natural nail, numbness in the fingers, and rapid infections.
- Nail enhancements made with MMA are very hard, have a yellow tinge, and produce a grainy texture.
EMA:
- Approved by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review in 1999 as a safer alternative to MMA.
- Does not damage the nail plate with proper usage, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
- Nail enhancements made with EMA adhere better to the natural nail, so there is no need to rough up the surface of the nail and thin out the nail plate.
- EMA acrylics are more flexible and prone to lifting compared to MMA acrylics.
- A full set of EMA acrylic nails lasts two to four weeks, compared to four to six weeks with MMA.
To differentiate between EMA and MMA acrylics, you can look for certain characteristics, such as the nail enhancement's hardness, color, and texture. Additionally, you can ask the salon for the ingredients list of their monomer bottles, which should display "ethyl methacrylate" as the main ingredient for EMA.
Comparative Table: EMA vs MMA Monomer
The main differences between EMA (Ethyl Methacrylate) and MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) monomers are their safety, flexibility, and usage. Here is a table comparing the two:
| Feature | EMA Monomer | MMA Monomer |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C2H5O2CC(CH3) | CH2=C(CH3) |
| Safety | Safer, less likely to cause nail damage with proper usage | Can cause serious nail damage, loss, contact dermatitis, soreness, and infection |
| Flexibility | Creates a more flexible polymer acrylic | Creates a harder, more rigid acrylic |
| Usage | Widely used in the cosmetic industry, particularly for acrylic nails | Banned from use in acrylic nails by the FDA, but still used in dental and medical products |
| Appearance | No yellow tinge, non-toxic, and smoother surface | Yellow tinge, "fishy" odor, and grainy texture |
EMA monomer is considered safer and more flexible than MMA monomer, making it a preferred choice in the cosmetic industry, particularly for acrylic nails. On the other hand, MMA monomer has been banned from use in acrylic nails by the FDA due to its potential to cause serious nail damage and other health risks. However, MMA monomer can still be used in dental and medical products, such as teeth fillings and bone reconstruction.
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