Compliance Update

Whilst not yet prohibited, HEMA is becoming commercially frowned upon due to some brands exceeding legal limits/listing HEMA as an ingredient when they really use the uber toxic HEA (this really was the culprit behind the issue). As you may have seen, we have already begun reformulating products from zero/low HEMA to zero HEMA.

The latest component for discussion in the EU is ‘TPO’, a photoinitiator used in ALL UV/LED curable products. This is due to be banned in the EU (NOT in the UK) in September 2025. Plans are well underway already to replace this well before with all major new lines set to be both HEMA & TPO FREE. Some brands may employ fear based marketing and scream about such changes (anything to be the main character, promote and profit from our anxieties). It is prudent to keep in mind that this photoinitiator has been used for more than 20 years without issue, that it is not scheduled to be banned in the UK yet and it is not really a problem in the nail world. It can be used in many cosmetics such as lotions and the main risk is for males should they apply it to their genitalia! The EU tried to ban it in 2020 but an appeal was upheld by the SCCS. This time around no major TPO producer appealed hence the ban. The law however, is the law and we simply comply as we have always done…As always, we got you x