EU Gel Polish Compliance in 2026: TPO, HEMA and What Brands Must Check
Selling nail gel into Europe? A plain-language guide to the photoinitiator and monomer rules buyers and private-label brands keep asking about.
European buyers increasingly ask suppliers for formulas and documentation before they place an order. Two ingredients come up in almost every conversation: TPO (a photoinitiator) and HEMA (a monomer).
Why TPO gets attention
TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) is an efficient curing agent, but its regulatory classification in the EU has changed how brands formulate. Buyers now commonly request TPO-free options, especially for products marketed as safer or salon-friendly.
Why HEMA-free matters
HEMA helps adhesion, but repeated skin contact can cause sensitization and allergy. HEMA-free and di-HEMA-free formulas reduce that risk and appeal to allergy-prone clients — they are now a frequent line on salon menus.
What to ask your manufacturer
- Full ingredient list (INCI) for every shade
- Whether TPO-free and HEMA-free options are available
- Safety data sheet (SDS) and product information file support
- Batch consistency and shade-control records
- Label review against your target market’s requirements
INFCOLORS develops HEMA-free and TPO-free options on request and supplies the documentation brands need to build their compliance file. Send us your target market and we’ll match the right formula.
Building your own nail brand?
Tell us your market and target price — we’ll send the matching shade card, MOQ and compliance support.
Talk to our team