If you’ve been following the latest nail industry news, you’ve probably seen a lot of conversation around TPO, gel polish and the latest EU cosmetic regulations.
With the TPO prohibition now in effect, nail technicians, salons and gel polish users are understandably asking questions about their favourite products. Are formulas changing? Do existing products need to be replaced? And what does the new regulation actually mean for the gel polish you already know and use?
For Bluesky customers, the answer is refreshingly simple:
Nothing is changing.
Our gel polish formulas have been developed without TPO and HEMA for years, so there’s no last-minute reformulation or sudden change to the products you already know and trust.
What is the TPO ban?
TPO, or Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide, is a photoinitiator that has historically been used in UV and LED-curable nail products to help the formula cure.
Under changes to EU cosmetics legislation, TPO was classified as a CMR substance and subsequently added to the list of prohibited substances for use in cosmetic products. The prohibition applies from 1 September 2025, meaning TPO-containing cosmetic products can no longer be placed or made available on the EU market from that date.
The change has understandably generated plenty of discussion across the nail industry.
But while some brands have had to review or reformulate their products, Bluesky has already been ahead of the change.
Bluesky has been TPO-free for years
The important thing for our customers is that the TPO regulation doesn't mean a new Bluesky formula is suddenly appearing on your shelf.
Our gel polish range has been formulated without TPO for years.
That means the formula you know, the colours you love and the performance you expect from Bluesky aren't changing because of the new regulation.
There’s no need to adjust to a completely different product or wonder whether your favourite shades have suddenly been reformulated.
Our formula was already designed with these requirements in mind.
And what about HEMA?
TPO isn't the only ingredient you've probably been hearing about.
HEMA (Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) has also become a major talking point in the nail industry. Unlike TPO, HEMA has not been universally banned from cosmetic products in the EU; its use in professional nail products is subject to specific restrictions.
HEMA has been widely used in gel systems because of its role in adhesion and formulation performance. However, because of its potential to cause skin sensitisation, correct application and avoiding unnecessary skin contact remain important considerations when working with gel products.
Bluesky has also chosen to formulate its gel polish range without HEMA, alongside being TPO-free.
So when regulations change, you don't need to wait for Bluesky to catch up.
We've already done the work.
So, is Bluesky gel polish changing?
No.
The TPO regulation doesn't mean that your Bluesky gel polish is suddenly being reformulated.
We've adhered to these ingredient requirements for years, which means our customers can continue using the Bluesky products they know and trust.
That means:
- No TPO
- No HEMA
- No last-minute formula change
- No compromise on the Bluesky colours and performance you've come to expect
- The same Bluesky gel polish range you've already chosen
A formula you already know
The biggest takeaway from all the recent TPO discussion is that you don't need to make a dramatic change to your Bluesky routine.
We've already been there.
Our TPO-free and HEMA-free formulas have been part of the Bluesky range for years, meaning the latest regulatory changes don't require us to make a last-minute switch.
You can continue to choose from the Bluesky gel polish collection and enjoy the same extensive range of colours, long-lasting wear and salon-quality finish that Bluesky customers have come to expect.
If you're new to gel polish, our Bluesky Gel Nail Starter Kit is also a great place to begin.
The TPO conversation may be new for some of the industry. For Bluesky, it's nothing new.
We've always believed that great gel polish should combine colour, performance and thoughtful formulation.
So while the regulations may be changing, your Bluesky gel polish isn't.