September 15, 2025

How to Read a Nail Brand’s SDS Sheet

When you’re working with professional nail products, safety isn’t just about great results it’s about protecting yourself, your clients, and your business. Knowing exactly what’s in the products you use helps you avoid allergens, handle them correctly, and stay compliant with industry standards. That’s where an SDS comes in. At HONA we regularly get questions on how to read SDS sheets, which is why we have put together a blog to break down all you need to know.

What is an SDS?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a legally required document that explains the safety, handling, and ingredient information for professional products like gel polish, builder gels, and removers. Every nail brand should provide these for their products.

The 16 Sections of an SDS

1. Identification

What it is: The product’s “passport.” This section clearly identifies the product and the company that makes it.
What it tells you: Product name, brand, intended use (e.g., “for professional nail use”), and supplier/manufacturer contact info.
Why it matters: Confirms you’ve got the correct SDS for the product you’re using and shows how to contact the supplier if needed.

2. Hazards Identification

What it is: The warning label of the product.
What it tells you: GHS hazard symbols/ hazard statements (“May cause skin sensitisation”).
Why it matters: Quickly shows if the product is flammable, irritating, or allergenic.

3. Composition / Ingredients

What it is: The recipe list.
What it tells you: All ingredients and their concentrations.
Why it matters: Lets you spot allergens (HEMA, HPMA, IBOA, TPO) and confirm whether a product is hypoallergenic.

4. First Aid Measures

What it is: Emergency instructions.
What it tells you: What to do if the product touches skin, eyes, is inhaled, or swallowed.
Why it matters: Helps you act quickly and correctly if an accident happens in the salon.

5. Firefighting Measures

What it is: Fire safety advice.
What it tells you: Flammability risks and which extinguishers to use.
Why it matters: Many nail liquids are flammable. Knowing this protects your salon.

6. Accidental Release Measures

What it is: Spill control guidance.
What it tells you: How to safely clean up product spills and what PPE to wear.
Why it matters: Prevents skin contact, inhalation, and damage to surfaces.

7. Handling & Storage

What it is: The safe-use guide.
What it tells you: Conditions for safe use and storage (e.g., cool, dry place, sealed container).
Why it matters: Prevents products from going off, curing in bottles, or becoming hazardous.

8. Exposure Controls / Personal Protection

What it is: Your PPE checklist.
What it tells you: Protective equipment recommendations – gloves, masks, eye protection, ventilation.
Why it matters: Protects both you and clients from long-term health risks.

9. Physical & Chemical Properties

What it is: The product’s physical profile.
What it tells you: Colour, smell, viscosity, boiling/flash point.
Why it matters: Confirms flammability and helps you understand the product’s behaviour.

10. Stability & Reactivity

What it is: Conditions to avoid.
What it tells you: What makes the product unstable (heat, sunlight, contamination).
Why it matters: Ensures products remain safe and effective.

11. Toxicological Information

What it is: Health impact details.
What it tells you: How the product can affect skin, eyes, lungs, or overall health.
Why it matters: Confirms allergy and irritation risks so you can protect yourself and clients.

12. Ecological Information

What it is: Environmental impact info.
What it tells you: Whether the product harms water, soil, or wildlife.
Why it matters: Guides safe disposal and eco-friendly salon practices.

13. Disposal Considerations

What it is: Waste disposal rules.
What it tells you: How to safely get rid of unused product and empty containers.
Why it matters: Protects the environment and keeps your salon compliant.

14. Transport Information

What it is: Shipping details.
What it tells you: Whether the product is classed as hazardous for transport.
Why it matters: Essential for ordering, courier compliance, and salon deliveries.

15. Regulatory Information

What it is: Legal framework.
What it tells you: Which regulations the product complies with (EU Cosmetics Regulation, UK REACH, etc.).
Why it matters: Ensures the product is safe and legal where you operate.

16. Other Information

What it is: Final notes.
What it tells you: Training needs, revision history, disclaimers.
Why it matters: Shows how recent and reliable the SDS is.