If you use gel nail products regularly, you may have heard some buzz about ingredient changes coming soon. Two ingredients in particular - TPO and HEMA - are in the spotlight. One of them, TPO, is about to be banned in Europe, and the UK is expected to follow in 2026. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and how we’re preparing to ensure your transition is as smooth and easy as possible.
What is TPO?
TPO stands for trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide – a bit of a mouthful! It’s a photoinitiator, which means it helps gel polish cure (harden) when exposed to UV or LED light. Without photoinitiators like TPO, gel would never fully set.
TPO has been popular in nail gels because it works well with LED lamps and helps create strong, long-lasting manicures. However, new research and safety reviews have raised concerns about its potential health and environmental effects.
Why is TPO Being Banned?
Regulators in the EU have decided to remove TPO from the market entirely, with the ban having already come into effect in Europe. While not confirmed, we expect the UK will follow suit in the next year or so.
The main reasons for the ban are:
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Toxicity concerns – Studies suggest that TPO may pose health risks with prolonged exposure, particularly for professionals who handle gels frequently.
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Environmental impact – Like many synthetic chemicals, TPO can persist in the environment, and regulators aim to minimise unnecessary pollutants.
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Availability of safer alternatives – Advances in gel technology mean brands can now create high-performance gels without relying on TPO.
The bottom line: from the EU’s perspective, the potential risks outweigh the benefits, especially when other curing agents are available.
What About HEMA?
HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) is another ingredient sometimes found in nail products. It’s not being banned outright, but it is of a concern due to its potential to cause allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals, especially if it’s not applied correctly or if the skin is exposed to uncured product.
In short, HEMA can still be used, but many brands are working to minimise its usage. As such we're making it even clearer which gels contain HEMA.
Our Transition Plan
We know ingredient changes can cause uncertainty, especially if you have favourite products. That’s why we’ve been preparing ahead of time to make sure your gel nail options remain wide-ranging and high-quality.
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Kokoist’s New Gel Range - Kokoist is developing at least two fully compliant gel collections. The first is an entirely new range with stunning colours and a TPO-free formula. We expect to have a small initial stock launching soon.
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Reformulated Classics - Kokoist is also working on reformulating their most popular existing ranges so you can continue to enjoy your favourites without TPO over the next year. There may be a transitional period where we will be unable to stock some of their products if the ban comes in sooner than the reformulation, but we know Kokoist are hard at work to ensure their gels are compliant as soon as possible.
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Bridging the Gap - Between now and the expected UK ban, we’ll continue to stock TPO-containing gels where allowed, but we’ll also expand our range of gels to add more choice for you. New brands and new exciting products to try.
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Discontinued Colours - While we hate limiting our range, some colours are less popular than others, as such we'll discount and discontinue these colours over the next year.
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Spring / Summer 2026 Discounts – We plan to offer special discounts on remaining non-compliant gels next spring and summer, giving you a chance to stock up before they’re gone.
Helping You Shop Smarter
We’ve already updated our website to make it clear on every product page whether a gel contains HEMA or TPO. This means you can see at a glance which products are future-proof and which ones are due to be phased out. We've also added filters, so you can browse only TPO free gels to help you shop smarter. Our aim is to keep you fully informed so you can shop with confidence and plan your purchases around the changes.
You'll start to see badges like this just above the add to cart button:
Giving You Options
Our goal is simple: to make this transition as smooth as possible. We’ll continue to work with trusted, innovative brands to bring you safe, high-performance gels without compromise.
As these changes roll out, we’ll keep you updated with launch dates, swatches, and product information so you can feel confident in every purchase.