Nail polishes have different ingredients now, but it’s not a conspiracy to get you to spend more. The TPO & HEMA-free revolution is changing nail health for good. The new formulas skip two troublemakers but still offer the shine, strength, and staying power we crave. Our store’s lineup of these innovative gels is proof that you can ditch the harsh stuff and keep every bit of the glam. Scroll on to discover healthy polishes and sculpting gels.
Why Choose TPO and HEMA-free Gels?
TPO and HEMA were helpers that made gel polish cure faster and manicures last longer. Then experts realized they could be too risky for repeated exposure, especially for nail pros working with them every day. Think of the TPO & HEMA-free shift as self-care for your health, and your business if you’re a professional.
What Are TPO and HEMA?
Trimethyl benzoyl diphenyl phosphine oxide (TPO) and 2‑Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA) are ingredients in nail polish and certain kinds of inks and dental products like fillings.
- TPO is a photo-initiator that triggers the gel polish to harden into a solid film under UV light.
- HEMA is a monomer that helps form polymers so that gel or acrylic adheres well to the nail.
Why are TPO and HEMA Unsafe?
These chemicals were commonly used in gel polish and builder gel until studies confirmed the bad news.
TPO
In Europe, TPO was flagged for potential reproductive risks and other harm to health. The problem was discovered when researchers fed the chemical to rats. Rats are often used for laboratory tests because they are similar to humans in how they react to some things. The animals ended up with liver problems, fluid in their lungs, and the females were unable to get pregnant. Yes, that sounds horrible for the rats and risky for humans.
The only good news is that TPO has not yet been documented as directly harming persons who work with gel polish or who wear gel nails. Therefore, we bet your next question is why did nail brands reformulate to remove TPO? The answer is that the European Union decided to play it safe and banned cosmetics like nail polish from including the ingredient. Then, nail companies worldwide reformulated to keep up with the change.
HEMA
Unlike TPO, there is direct evidence that HEMA can be harmful. This monomer has unfortunately been shown to trigger allergic reactions in gel nails wearers and nail pros who apply acrylic and gel products. It's a small molecule that can penetrate the nail plate and skin and cause contact dermatitis. Worse, repeated exposure to HEMA can sensitize the immune system and cause chronic inflammation. And it's not just the wet product that's problematic, but even the dust from filing the cured product.
How can you tell if you're allergic to HEMA? A dermatologist can confirm it. If you see signs like blistering skin, peeling nails, redness, itching, swelling, water blisters, or what looks like bruises under the nail bed, get assessed by a medical professional.
Revolutionizing Nail Health by Reformulating without TPO and HEMA
Nail brands have changed gel formulas to eliminate the harsh ingredients and embrace solutions that perform just as well or even better. Let’s take a look.
OPI Intelli‑Gel GelColor
The new Intelli-Gel line provides intense color and durable wear of up to three weeks without TPO or HEMA. What’s more, it’s vegan and packaged in recycled materials.
Kiara Sky Gel Pro
The Kiara Sky Gel Pro line Includes over 150 shades that are all HEMA-free and TPO-free. Moreover, there’s an added benefit: Kiara Sky avoids the carcinogen TMPTA, too. The skin-friendly gels still offer “one-swipe pigment” that self-levels and cures to a mirror shine.
Aprés Gel Colors
There’s a collection of reformulated Aprés gels that also take a hard pass on HEMA and TPO. Like OPI and Kiara Sky, Aprés promises one-coat coverage and long wear, with the added plus of a better brush. The Brush-X shape is a hot favorite tool for nail pros.
LDS Gel Colors
LDS is known for 9-free nail lacquers, so it’s logical the brand also has TPO and HEMA-free gels. These are the true workhorses of the nail industry. Fair prices and no flashy claims, just 170+ colors that are beautiful and easy to use. The nail-safe formula is made in the USA. It’s odorless and safe for nails, plus the glossy finish lasts up to two weeks and cures wrinkle-free under either UV or LED light.
LAVIS Builder Gel BIAB
This new generation of builder gel in a bottle is HEMA and TPO-free. It comes in more than three dozen colors to flatter every skin tone. Furthermore, it stays peel and chip-resistant for up to three weeks no matter whether you cure it under LED or UV light.
LAVIS Builder Gel in the Jar
Beginners and pros take note: If you sculpt extensions and nail art, LAVIS Builder Gel in the Jar is free from TPO and HEMA. That includes both the non-sticky and “sticky” versions.
Moreover, LAVIS molding and sculpting gels are HEMA and TPO-free, and they come in exclusive colors like pearl white, purple, glitter-infused, and metallic shades.
LAVIS Poly Extension Gel
The ultimate solution for durable extensions and nail art is LAVIS Poly Extension Gel. It lasts up to four weeks! More importantly, the non-toxic formula avoids TPO and HMA yet still cures in just 60 seconds. Poly gel is beloved by beginners put off by the difficulty of sculpting acrylic and appreciated by pros for its lightweight versatility.
LAVIS Gel Colors
LAVIS gels are free of TPO & HEMA and can be cured under LED or UV light. They come in over 200 shades that are highly pigmented and effortless to apply. Fans appreciate the professional finish and durability.
LAVIS Reflective Gel
These aren't just any old glitter polishes. LAVIS Reflective Gels come in trendy shades that flash like diamonds. Various types of lighting bring out different sparkly effects. Of course, these TPO and HEMA-free polishes are low-odor and non-toxic.
LAVIS Deluxe Gel
The Deluxe Gel Collection encompasses colorful jelly gels, pearl effect gels, creamy polishes, and neon shades, and all are TPO and HEMA-free!
LAVIS Cat Eye
We’ve never seen a brand with this many cat eye colors. LAVIS offers everything from nude shimmers to brilliant shades that turn the dullest day beautiful. Not only are they loaded with sparkle but they shine up to 21 days. And yes, they are all free from TPO and HEMA.
LDS - Line Art Gel
Finally, nail artists can even enjoy safe and non-toxic LAVIS liner gels in addictive shades that are all TPO and HEMA-free.
Conclusion
So, here we are in the middle of a revolution. There are more and more nail brands with safer formulas. The TPO & HEMA-free reformulation is the fresh air your nail routine didn’t know it needed! Visit our store and meet the new generation of gels that care for your health.
Sources:
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/beauty/body/a63830725/hema-free-gel-polish
https://www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/feature/hema-what-is-it-why-is-it-used-in-nail-products-is-it-to-blame-for-allergies
https://pronails.com/naily-news/tpo
https://www.instyle.com/tpo-gel-ban-europe-11802245
https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/f2d34117-bae2-4a1f-b659-f5fb193f58ea_en