If you have gel nails, builder gel or other professional nail treatments, you may have seen people talking about TPO and HEMA recently. With changes to cosmetic regulations and increasing awareness of the ingredients used in nail products, it’s understandable that clients are asking what these ingredients actually are and whether they should be concerned.
At Blackabey’s The Happy Skin Company in Collingham, West Yorkshire, we believe clients should be able to make informed choices about the treatments they receive.
What is TPO?
TPO stands for Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide. It is a photoinitiator that has historically been used in some UV and LED-cured nail products, helping the product cure when exposed to light.
TPO has been classified as a substance of concern under cosmetic regulations, which has led to restrictions and changes in its permitted use. The EU introduced a ban on TPO in cosmetic products from September 2025, while the UK has introduced its own regulatory changes and transition arrangements.
For UK consumers, this means it is particularly important to understand what products your salon or nail professional is using and whether they are compliant with current cosmetic regulations.
What is HEMA?
HEMA stands for 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate. It is a type of methacrylate used in some gel and acrylic nail systems.
HEMA has attracted attention because contact with uncured nail products can contribute to skin sensitisation in susceptible individuals. This is one reason why correct application, avoiding contact with the surrounding skin and following professional product instructions are so important.
It is also important not to assume that HEMA-free automatically means allergy-free. Other acrylates and methacrylates can still be present, so professional application and appropriate product selection remain essential.
What does this mean for your nails?
Cosmetic products in Great Britain are tightly regulated, and products must meet specific safety and legal requirements before being placed on the market. Businesses also have responsibilities around product information, ingredients and compliance.
At Blackabey’s, we take product safety seriously. We do not use TPO or HEMA products in our nail services. Our aim is to provide beautiful, professional nail treatments while giving our clients confidence in the products being used.
This is also why choosing an established salon and asking questions about the products used during your treatment is worthwhile.
Why product knowledge matters
The conversation around TPO and HEMA is a useful reminder that professional nail care is about more than how your finished nails look.
Understanding ingredients, following manufacturer guidance, maintaining good hygiene and ensuring products are applied correctly all form part of a responsible professional service.
At Blackabey’s The Happy Skin Company in Collingham, we combine expert beauty treatments with a strong focus on client care, product knowledge and professional standards.
Beautiful nails should come with confidence in what is being used on them. Book your next appointment with us here!
