Beetles Gel Polish Lawsuit? The Viral Allergy Outbreak Fueling Calls for Action — The Truth Behind TikTok’s Explosive Reactions
Here’s what’s really happening: No consumer lawsuit exists against Beetles Gel Polish. But thousands of TikTok users are reporting severe allergic reactions—swollen fingers, blistering skin, peeling nails—sparking massive online controversy. One viral video got 250,000 views. Another TikTok asked “Raise your hand if you’ve been personally victimized by Beetles nail glue” and received 1.4 million likes.
Latest Development (November 2025): Beetles quietly updated their Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on November 5, 2025, removing previous versions that had raised red flags among nail professionals. No company statement explains which products were affected or why the documents changed.
What Users Are Reporting on TikTok and Reddit
Alexandria Robles experienced reactions around her cuticles that became bumpy, red, then blistered with pus after using Beetles products for about a month. Her TikTok slideshow went viral with over 250,000 views.
Users describe severe symptoms: swelling, itching, red fingertips, skin peeling and cracking, and nails lifting off the nail bed. Many report they carefully avoided skin contact but still developed reactions.
Common complaints across platforms:
- Severe contact dermatitis developing weeks after initial use
- Permanent HEMA allergies requiring expensive HEMA-free products
- Loss of ability to get professional manicures
- Emotional distress from losing nail care as self-care therapy
The HEMA Controversy: What You Need to Know
HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) is the chemical at the center of controversy. In one study, 65 out of 67 participants tested positive for HEMA allergy in patch tests.
The Problem with Beetles: Multiple sources confirm Beetles Gel Polish contains high amounts of HEMA compared to professional-grade products. When asked if products are HEMA-free, Beetles Gel Polish officially responded: “Dear, No, sorry”.
Why This Matters: Once you develop a HEMA allergy, it’s permanent. Victims report they can no longer visit nail salons or use most gel products, forcing them to spend significantly more on HEMA-free alternatives.
The User Error vs. Product Quality Debate
Two camps have emerged online:
Licensed Cosmetologists’ View: Some professionals believe reactions result from improper application where untrained users get gel on skin and cuticles, creating contact dermatitis through repeated exposure.
Users’ Response: Many affected users insist they followed proper application techniques, always cleaned up polish, and never left uncured or cured gel on their skin. They argue the high HEMA content makes the product inherently risky.
Professional Nail Techs Weigh In: Some nail professionals warn against cheap gel polish due to low-quality ingredients that never cure properly, even with adequate UV lamps. They recommend investing in professional-grade products designed for trained technicians, not general consumers.
The Missing Safety Data Sheet Mystery
In November 2025, controversy erupted when nail professionals discovered Beetles’ Safety Data Sheets had vanished from their website, replaced with new versions dated November 5, 2025. The company provided no statement explaining which products had concerning ingredients or why documentation changed.
Critical questions remain unanswered:
- Which Beetles products contained the problematic formulations?
- Are those products still being sold?
- What changed in the November 2025 update?
What Beetles Sells (And What They Don’t Say)
Beetles Gel Polish is sold primarily on Amazon as a budget-friendly alternative to professional gel systems. The brand markets to DIY users and beginners with starter kits.
What They Don’t Advertise: Their products contain high HEMA chemical content, and HEMA-free alternatives are significantly more expensive because brands must invest in premium formulations.
The Allergy Warning: Beetles includes warnings on products stating they may cause allergic reactions through skin contact, advising users to stop immediately if discomfort occurs.
Are Beetles Products Actually Safe?
The answer is complicated:
Technically Legal: Beetles products are non-toxic and free from formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP—meeting basic safety standards.
The Real Risk: The high HEMA content combined with longer cure times (90 seconds vs. faster professional polishes) means under-curing is more likely, which can cause contact dermatitis.
Professional Opinion: Some experts argue that when used correctly with proper application and adequate UV/LED lamps, Beetles gel polish is as safe as other brands, but improper application is the real villain.
Alternatives: HEMA-Free Options
Users who developed allergies report switching to:
- Aimeili: HEMA/HPMA/TPO free
- Light Elegance: Professional-grade HEMA-free builder gel
- Glitterbels: HEMA-free range
- Apres Sensitive Extend Gel: Designed for sensitive users
Important Note: HEMA-free doesn’t automatically mean safer—some replacements can be equally or more allergenic. Safety depends on formula quality, proper curing, avoiding skin contact, and individual sensitivity.
What Consumers Should Know Right Now
No Lawsuit Filed: Despite widespread complaints, no class action or consumer protection lawsuit has been filed against Beetles Gel Polish or GeLab Cosmetics (the parent company).
Consumer Protection Options: If you experienced severe reactions, you may have individual legal claims for:
- Product liability (if proper warnings weren’t provided)
- Consumer fraud (if safety risks weren’t disclosed)
- Breach of implied warranty of merchantability
Document Everything: Save packaging, take photos of reactions, get medical documentation, and keep purchase receipts.
How to Protect Yourself
Whether using Beetles or any gel polish:
- Invest in proper equipment: Use a 48-watt UV lamp minimum, not flash cure lamps
- Avoid skin contact completely: Clean up gel immediately before curing
- Proper cure times: Follow manufacturer instructions exactly
- Start with HEMA-free: If you’re new to gel nails, consider starting with HEMA-free products to avoid sensitization
- Watch for early signs: Stop immediately if you notice itching, redness, or swelling
Critical Warning: Recent reports show a surge in gel nail polish allergies on platforms like TikTok, with dermatologists cautioning that methacrylate chemicals in gel products are causing “life-changing” allergic reactions.
What Happens Next?
The controversy continues growing as more users share experiences online. Key developments to watch:
- Whether Beetles will issue official statements about SDS changes
- If consumer protection agencies investigate HEMA content disclosures
- Whether affected users organize a class action lawsuit
- Industry-wide movement toward HEMA-free formulations
FAQ: Beetles Gel Polish Controversy
Q: Is there actually a Beetles Gel Polish lawsuit?
No. Despite viral TikTok videos and widespread complaints, no class action or consumer lawsuit has been filed as of November 2025.
Q: Does Beetles Gel Polish contain HEMA?
Yes. Beetles officially confirmed their products are not HEMA-free and contain high amounts of this allergen compared to professional brands.
Q: Can I sue Beetles if I had an allergic reaction?
Potentially. Individual product liability or consumer fraud claims may be possible if you have medical documentation and proof the company failed to provide adequate warnings. Consult a consumer protection attorney.
Q: Why are so many people suddenly allergic to Beetles?
Theories include: high HEMA content, inadequate curing by untrained users, longer cure times increasing under-curing risk, and increased DIY nail popularity exposing more people to sensitizing chemicals.
Q: Are cheaper gel polishes always more dangerous?
Not automatically, but budget brands may use lower-quality ingredients or higher concentrations of allergens. Professional-grade products typically have better formulations and clearer safety data.
Q: What should I do if I develop a gel allergy?
Stop using gel products immediately, see a dermatologist for patch testing to identify specific allergens, switch to HEMA-free alternatives, and document everything if considering legal action.
Q: Is Beetles Gel Polish safe if I’m careful?
The debate continues. Some professionals say proper application makes it safe; affected users argue the high HEMA content creates inherent risk regardless of technique.
Disclaimer: This article provides legal and consumer safety information about Beetles Gel Polish based on verified social media reports, consumer reviews, and publicly available product information current as of November 2025. It is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For specific legal advice regarding product liability claims, consult a qualified attorney. For medical concerns about allergic reactions, consult a dermatologist. Always verify current product formulations and safety information through official sources and your healthcare provider.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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