If you've noticed a new version of some of your favourite Gelous products, or you've been hearing a lot about HEMA-free and TPO-free formulas in the nail world lately, here's everything you need to know about what we're doing, why we're doing it, and what it means for you.
Short version: nothing you love is going away overnight, your current products are completely fine to use, and the results you expect from us aren't changing.
Why Gelous Is Making the Change
Since we launched in 2018, we've continuously developed our products to make sure they stay aligned with where the nail industry is heading, and this is the next step in that journey. As ingredient innovation and industry standards continue to progress, we're taking a proactive approach by transitioning our gel range to a next-generation HEMA & TPO-Free formula.
HEMA is a common gel ingredient used for adhesion and has been widely used across gel systems. It’s considered safe when used correctly. Over time, some people may develop sensitivities, particularly if the product comes into contact with skin or isn’t fully cured. TPO is a photoinitiator that helps gel cure under UV/LED light and has also been widely used for years, with ongoing regulatory review in some regions as the industry continues to develop.
As the industry evolves, so do we.
Our HEMA & TPO-Free formula is simply a next-generation formulation, developed with the latest innovations, without ever compromising on the salon-quality results you know and love.
What's Actually Changing (And What Isn't)
The formula is evolving. Everything else you care about is staying the same.
Our HEMA & TPO-free formula has been developed to deliver:
- The same long-lasting wear
- The same colour payoff
- The same high-shine finish
- The same salon-quality results
We haven't launched it until it's met our standards. No compromises.
Will Performance Be the Same?
Yes. That was the non-negotiable.
When developing the HEMA & TPO-free formula, our number one priority was making sure it delivered the same salon-quality results our customers know and love. The ingredients used to bond and cure the gel have changed. The outcome hasn't.
As always, proper nail prep is the biggest factor in how long your manicure lasts, and that stays exactly the same regardless of which formula you're using. Thorough buffing, full dehydration with pH Bond and Nail Primer, and careful application in thin, even layers will always be the foundation of a long-lasting result.
Do You Need to Change How You Apply Gel?
No. Your routine stays the same. As always, what matters most is strong fundamentals in your prep and application, so these should be emphasised, especially if you’re prone to lifting or peeling.
Here's what really makes the difference:
- Thorough buffing. Buff the entire nail surface to remove shine and create texture for the Base Coat to grip onto. If your file is well-used, switch to a fresh one to ensure you’re creating texture, not smoothing the nail.
- Full dehydration. It's crucial to remove oils, dust, and moisture. You can use a Lint Free Wipe soaked with Remover, or our Pure Acetone Wipes are great for this.
- Using pH Bond & Nail Primer. These play an important role in adhesion, especially if you struggle with retention. Apply pH Bond first, then Nail Primer.
- Careful Base Coat application. Make sure the nail is fully covered. You can use a gentle back-and-forth motion to work the product into the nail plate, helping it grip into the texture.
- Applying thin, even layers. Never thick, always controlled.
- Full curing time. Every layer, every time.
- Using the full Gelous system. Products designed to work together always perform better together.
If you want a full walkthrough of best practices, our free online learning platform Gelous Academy covers everything.
Do You Need to Throw Out Your Current Products?
Absolutely not.
Your existing Gelous products meet all current safety standards and regulations when used as directed. They can be used with complete confidence. You can also use both our original and HEMA & TPO-free formulas together.
There is no reason to throw anything away or stop mid-system; continue as normal and use them up.
This transition is not a response to a safety issue. The HEMA & TPO-Free range is simply a next-generation formulation, one that reflects where the industry is heading, not a correction of anything that came before it.
Why You Might See Two Versions of the Same Product
During our transition, some products will exist in both formulations at the same time. So if you spot both a "Top Coat" and a "HEMA & TPO-Free Top Coat" listed on the site, that's intentional, not a glitch. This is a phased evolution, not a sudden swap.
Colours are being matched as closely as possible across both formulations, so your favourite shades will carry through.
Is the HEMA & TPO-Free Formula Good for Sensitive Nails?
If you've experienced any sensitivity with gel products in the past, or simply prefer to avoid certain ingredients, the HEMA & TPO-free formula is a great option for you.
That said, both formulas meet all current safety standards when used as directed.
What's Coming Next
This is the first stage of a full system transition. We're working through the range gradually, matching colours and making sure every product meets the same standard we hold ourselves to, and that you expect from us.
You can shop the HEMA & TPO-free range here as it grows.
This is the next step in our ongoing evolution as a brand, and we're so excited for what's ahead.
Ready to try the next generation of gel? Explore the Gelous HEMA & TPO-Free range now.
