The TPO & Hema Free Era: Healthy Gels That Bring the Shine
Nail polishes have changed for the better, but not because of a viral trend or marketing trick. The rise of HEMA-free gels is a transition toward safer, smarter nail care. These new-generation formulas avoid one of the industry’s most troublesome ingredients without sacrificing staying power or a professional finish. Our store shelves are stocked with HEMA-free healthy gels to protect your well-being and provide you with beautiful manicures. Read on to learn why this change benefits you and discover which brands are leading the way.
What Is Hema and Why Is It Unsafe?
2‑Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA) appeared in nail polish and certain kinds of inks and dental products like fillings. Specifically, HEMA is a monomer that creates polymers that bind gel or acrylic coatings to nails.
There’s clear evidence that HEMA can cause allergic reactions for some wearers of gel nails as well as nail professionals who apply acrylic and gel products. Part of the problem is that HEMA is a tiny molecule that can sink through the nail plate and trigger contact dermatitis in the skin underneath and around the nail. Even worse, repetitive exposure to HEMA sensitizes the immune system to cause chronic inflammation beyond the fingertips. Plus, it's not just the uncured product that's hazardous, since the dust from filing the dried polish can cause harm.
How do you know if you have a HEMA allergy? If you wear or apply nail products and your skin blisters, nails peel, or you notice redness, swelling, itching, or what looks like bruises under the nail bed, get assessed by a medical professional like a dermatologist.
Protecting Nail Health by Going Hema-Free
When formulas are HEMA-free, they protect the wearers and especially the people who handle gel and acrylic products all day, without compromising performance. Let’s explore the top nail brands taking the healthy path.
Kiara Sky Gel Pro
If you hear talk about a “clean formula,” someone might be discussing the Kiara Sky Gel Pro collection. It includes over 150 gel colors that avoid three unwanted ingredients: HEMA, TMPTA, and TPO. As you’ve read, HEMA causes allergic reactions. Meanwhile, TPMTA is a carcinogen and TPO was just banned by the European Union for potential reproductive harm. Some may be skeptical that the new products won’t live up to the hype. However, this skin-friendly reformulation still contains “one-swipe pigment” that self-levels and cures to a glossy shine.
Apres Gel Colors
Not all Aprés gels are HEMA-free, but the ones that go the extra mile. They also avoid TPO, the ingredient outlawed in Europe. Aprés says the new polishes offer one-coat coverage and equally long wear time. Moreover, when you apply them on Gel-X soft gel tips, you don’t need to use a base coat.
OPI Gel Color Intelli
Are you searching for vegan and HEMA-free gels? Then browse the OPI Intelli-Gel collection with 140+ colors. These intensely pigmented polishes last up to three weeks. They are also packaged in recycled glass and plastic.
LDS Gel Colors
LDS has a gorgeous selection of 9-free nail lacquers, so it’s not surprising that this forward-thinking brand also has HEMA-free gels. The odorless, nail-safe formula is made in the USA and cures under either LED or UV light so there’s no need to change your setup to try it. What’s more, these colorful gels are easy for anyone to apply and last up to three weeks.
Lavis Builder Gel BIAB
This is the new generation of builder gel in a bottle. There are thirty-seven colors to suit every skin tone. Not only is it HEMA-free but also avoids TPO to follow EU regulations. What’s more, it’s peel and chip-resistant for up to twenty-one days no matter whether you cure it under LED or UV light. That makes it ideal for nail-strengthening overlays and so much more.
Lavis Builder Gel In The Jar
Nail artists never need to risk their health when they use LAVIS builder gel, molding gel, or sculpting gel. Each is free from TPO and HEMA, including the “non-sticky” and “sticky” styles. Furthermore, these unique products include bold colors plus metallic, pearl white, and glitter-infused shades.
LAVIS Poly Extension Gel New
Have you ever struggled with acrylic? Then take a deep breath and smile. Say ciao to unpleasant odors and frustration because LAVIS Poly Extension Gel makes the impossible possible. It’s ideal for crafting extensions and sculpting nail art even for beginners. Moreover, the non-toxic, vegan formula comes ready to use with no TPO or HEMA to harm your skin or nails. It only hardens when you cure it in a nail lamp, so you have plenty of time to perfect your masterpiece.
Lavis Gel Colors
If you love to browse polish colors, there are over two hundred LAVIS gels that are all HEMA-free. View the seasonal collections or scroll through the rainbow of shades. Although designed to professional standards, they are straightforward for beginners to apply, too.
LAVIS Reflective Gel
See the most stunning glitter shades in the LAVIS Reflective Gels Collection. Like finely cut diamonds, they sparkle differently under various lighting conditions. All are low-odor, HEMA-free polishes of course!
Lavis PS
Every nail artist needs a selection of nude polishes. Here are the most popular LAVIS sheer shades for every skin tone. They are flattering and trendy, but even more importantly, they are skin-safe and HEMA-free.
Lavis Deluxe Gel
Try something new in the HEMA-free LAVIS Deluxe Gel Collection. It features tempting jelly gels, pearl effect polishes, creamy opaques, and irresistible neon shine.
Lavis Cat Eye
LAVIS wins the cat eye craze. No other brand has this many magnetic shades in so many effects. Nude shimmers—check. Extra flash and vibrant colors—check. Not only do they shine up to twenty-one days, but they are also HEMA-free.
Line Art Gels
The LDS line art gel collection keeps adding new colors and effects, but no matter how stunning they are, they are all HEMA-free.
Conclusion
HEMA-free products are the future of healthy nail care. Join the HEMA-free era with safer, smarter polishes that shine brilliantly while protecting your well-being and your craft. Visit our store and see how beautiful and affordable HEMA-free can be.
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://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/f2d34117-bae2-4a1f-b659-f5fb193f58ea_en