Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) is a type of acrylic monomer (liquid) that is used in most acrylic systems.

According to Peter DeSantis of chemical manufacturer DeEnterprises, EMA is considered a methacrylic acid ethyl ester. It is the main ingredient in most nail acrylic monomers. Most legal acrylic monomers consist of EMA in the range of 70%-90%. By blending other components into the EMA, a manufacturer can control curing time, flexibility, adhesion, yellowing, clarity, color and odor.