Product Update/TPO

Dear professional!

Many of you will remember a time when we used to send ridiculously long emails giving extremely detailed updates on all things INK & nails in general. Times then changed and the world went into a more image/bullet point/less is more, no time to read phase.

Well…I'm here to inform you that going forward, we will be doing both! Regular, bible-length mails are back! We'll also begin posting regular updates on our much-neglected ‘INK BLOG’ (viewable at - www.inknails.com)

2025 brings a myriad, a plethora, a veritable smorgasbord (won’t lie, did have to google the spellings) of challenges and regulation based changes not just for INK but for every professional nail brand in Europe.

As I'm sure you've already noticed, we have many items at special prices in our ‘SALE’ & ‘CLEARANCE’ sections across the entire range. We realise that whilst most of you are extremely happy with this , it also leaves many of you wondering…WHY?

All UV/LED curable products contain ‘Photo-Initiators’. This is the powder (or liquid) added to a gel that enables curing under your UV/LED lamp. The most common being ‘TPO’ (short for Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide). This particular component cannot be sold in the EU from 01/09/2025. It is widely used in many cosmetics including creams, make-up and nails. TPO will be relabelled as ‘CMR’ (carcinogenic/mutagenic/reproductive toxin) making it immediately prohibited for sale in the EU (UK at some point in 2026, USA probably never…zero regulation there). It was banned initially in cosmetics approximately 7 years ago, the problem being that if applied in high concentrations directly to male genitalia it can prevent their reproductive pursuits. An exception was made for the nail sector as it is applied only on to the natural/extended nail. However, this time around the gargantuan chemical producers did not lodge an appeal to maintain the status quo hence it’s bye bye TPO and hello TPO-L (almost the same thing in a liquid form).

We are an international brand and we always adhere to the highest of regional standards. For this reason every UV/LED curable product is to be reformulated and replaced in the coming 5 months. At the same time we're also removing any trace of HEMA making everything ‘HEMA/TPO FREE’. HEMA is a whole other story, one that I feel has never been fully told! As informative as the social media experts are, the lack of real world/accurate explanations makes me question them. Scan our website blog towards the end of next week for a ‘HEMA UNCOVERED’ post and feel free to share it!

Now, let’s get you a product update and timeline!

SOBIAB: 5 NEW HEMA/TPO FREE COLOURS AVAILABLE NOW! Additional colours including never-before-seen creations to launch end of April!

FUSION: This relatively new formula was released HEMA FREE in only 2 colours. I am delighted to announce that FUSION will become our primary builder gel (largest range), available in a wide range of colours including glitters & special flake effects on April 18th! Demand for this ‘fusion’ of iJel & Jelly PRO has been startling so get ready for it to dominate in its HEMA/TPO FREE magnificence!

JELLY PRO & #*+%=? The reformulated JELLY PRO will be released on 09/05/25 alongside a mysterious hard gel…more to come regarding that one….ssssh!

iJel: Our original hard builder gel, our strongest, most resilient gel sees it’s HEMA/TPO release on 06/06/25!

FLUBBER: Our flagship, ‘every nail tech must have’ bases will be launched early July…more details to follow including some essential new colours! Change is scary, but don’t panic, the best bases just got better!

iLac Gel Polish: Our much-beloved polish is very much in the same boat as our other curable products. Over the years as trends have changed regarding durability, pigmentation, application etc. We have moved with the times meaning that we have various different textures and viscosities within 1 range. The packaging has also not been updated for 10 years. Additionally, to a certain extent we have many colours similar to each other and lack others. With work in progress behind the scenes to effect such changes, certain colours have been deleted once out of stock. If the product is visible on the site, but shows as not in stock then we are simply awaiting product. The only colours being delisted are those that have poor coverage or simply are not popular. When iLac is relaunched (estimate August) every colour will be perfect in every way. Every product represents us and we want every product to be adored! As they should be!

2025 will be a challenging yet thoroughly exciting year, this regulatory change was not requested, it certainly isn’t wanted, but you can be sure that we will be taking this opportunity to improve every aspect of our products and services. If you are still reading, well done you, don’t forget ‘HEMA UNCOVERED’ next week.

Bye for now,

Chrissy x
Director