Why Has NSI Acrylic Liquid Changed?
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HEMA, DMPT & the New Formula Explained
Why Has NSI Acrylic Liquid Changed?
If you've been using NSI for a long time, you'll know Attraction Nail Liquid as a trusted part of the NSI acrylic system.
So when a product that technicians have worked with for years changes its name, packaging and formulation, it's understandable to have questions.
Why has it changed? What is DMPT? Why has it been removed? And, most importantly, will the new acrylic liquid perform the same way?
We want to explain exactly what's changing.
Attraction Nail Liquid is becoming NSI Acrylic Liquid
The new NSI Acrylic Liquid replaces Attraction Nail Liquid and forms part of the next generation of the NSI acrylic system.
The formula has also been updated to meet changing regulatory requirements and the evolving needs of professional nail technicians.
The new formula is:
HEMA-free
DMPT-free
Made in the USA
But while the formulation has changed, maintaining the workability and performance technicians expect from NSI has remained fundamental to its development.
What is DMPT?
DMPT stands for N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine.
It is an ingredient that has historically been used within some acrylic nail systems as an accelerator.
When acrylic liquid and powder are combined, a chemical reaction called polymerisation begins. This is what causes the acrylic mixture to change from a workable bead into the solid nail enhancement.
DMPT has traditionally been used to help facilitate that reaction.
So it wasn't simply an unnecessary ingredient that could be removed from the existing formula. Removing it meant the acrylic liquid needed to be properly reformulated and tested so that technicians could continue to achieve the working properties and finished results they expect.
Why has DMPT been removed?
The regulations surrounding DMPT have changed following an updated chemical classification.
In Great Britain, N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine was added to the list of substances prohibited in cosmetic products under amendments to the Cosmetic Products Regulation. DMPT appears as reference 1740 in the legislation.
Within the EU, DMPT has also been prohibited in cosmetic products, with the prohibition applying from 1 September 2025.
That regulatory change meant that continuing with the previous Attraction Nail Liquid formulation was no longer an option, and a new formula was required.
Why did the regulations change?
DMPT was classified under European chemical legislation as a Category 1B carcinogenic substance, which led to its prohibition in cosmetics. The Great Britain legislation introducing the prohibition explains that the substances being added include materials classified as Category 1A, 1B or 2 CMR substances.
That wording can understandably sound concerning, so some context is important.
A chemical hazard classification is not the same thing as saying that every previous use of a product containing that ingredient caused harm. Hazard classifications identify the inherent properties of a substance and are then used by regulators to determine whether and how that substance may be used.
What has changed is the regulatory position surrounding DMPT. As a result, it can no longer be used as an ingredient in cosmetic products covered by these regulations.
This is why NSI has reformulated the system rather than continuing with the previous formula.
What about HEMA?
The new NSI Acrylic Liquid is also HEMA-free, but the situation surrounding HEMA is different from DMPT.
HEMA – 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate – is used within a wide range of professional nail products and can contribute to adhesion and product performance.
HEMA is a recognised sensitising ingredient, which is why avoiding skin contact and following correct professional application procedures is extremely important.
In the EU, HEMA has not been prohibited outright in nail products. It is restricted to professional-use nail products and products containing it must carry the warnings “For professional use only” and “Can cause an allergic reaction.”
While redeveloping the acrylic liquid, NSI took the opportunity to create the new formula without HEMA as well as without DMPT.
Does removing DMPT and HEMA affect the way NSI Acrylic Liquid works?
This was one of the most important considerations during development.
The liquid had to be reformulated as a complete system so it could continue to deliver the professional characteristics associated with NSI acrylics.
The new NSI Acrylic Liquid has been tested with NSI acrylic powders and prep products to provide:
- Familiar workability and control
- Excellent adhesion and retention
- Strength and flexibility
- Consistent bead pick-up
- Smooth application
- A non-yellowing formula
- Reliable professional performance
Do I need to change my application technique?
No.
The new NSI Acrylic Liquid has been designed to work with your existing NSI Acrylic Powders and NSI preparation products.
You can continue to use the system following your usual NSI application technique.
Naturally, experienced technicians can sometimes notice small differences whenever a formulation or manufacturing process changes, but the objective has been to retain the familiar control, working characteristics and results associated with NSI.
Why has the Attraction name disappeared?
Alongside the reformulation and move to European manufacturing, NSI is simplifying the acrylic system.
Rather than continuing with Attraction Nail Liquid, the product will now simply be called NSI Acrylic Liquid.
You'll also start to see the new black and white NSI packaging as products transition to the updated range.
For customers who have used Attraction for many years, the important thing to remember is:
NSI Acrylic Liquid is the new generation of Attraction Nail Liquid.
What if I still have Attraction Nail Liquid?
Manufacturers and wholesalers were banned from placing new products containing DMPT onto the Great Britain market from August 2026.
Wholesalers have a sell-through grace period until 14th February 2027 to sell existing supply.
According to the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CPTA) and Trading Standards, working nail technicians are legally allowed to use up their existing stock of DMPT-containing products on clients, even past the 2027 deadline. You simply won't be able to buy more of it once distributors run out.
Moving the NSI acrylic system forward
Attraction has been a significant part of the NSI range for many years, and we understand that technicians need confidence when a product they rely on changes.
This wasn't simply a packaging refresh; changes to the regulations surrounding DMPT meant the acrylic liquid had to evolve.
NSI has used that opportunity to develop a new HEMA-free and DMPT-free formula, manufactured in Europe and designed to retain the professional performance technicians expect from the brand.
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