UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / November 05, 2026 / Do you know what goes into your gel manicure? Recent rule changes mean the answers matter more than ever. According to RAWR Beauty, there are two ingredients in particular that are worth knowing about.

The first is TPO. This is a photoinitiator, the ingredient that helps gel polish cure under a UV or LED lamp. It has been banned in cosmetics in the EU since 1 September 2025. Great Britain is following in stages: manufacturers could no longer place products containing TPO on the market from 15 August 2026, and from 14 February 2027 those products should not be made available for sale. Gel manicures aren’t going away but this ingredient will change.

Then there is HEMA, a product that helps gel bond to the nail. It can cause allergic reactions, particularly when uncured gel touches the skin. It is not banned, but its use is restricted. In the EU, for example, it is limited to professional use - and products must carry allergy warnings. Because TPO and HEMA do different jobs, a product can be free of one and still contain the other, so it is worth asking your technician what products they use.

RAWR Beauty's own brand gel polish and BIAB range are both TPO- and HEMA-free.

“We are seeing more and more customers asking about what is in their manicure, which we feel is a positive thing,” said Rakesh Dasani, Co-Founder of RAWR Beauty. “We have created our own gel polish and BIAB range to be TPO and HEMA free as we want more control over our products.

“Our range includes BIAB, Builder in a Bottle. This is a thick gel polish that is applied over the natural nail to build structure and will give a strong, shiny manicure without needing traditional extensions.”

However, HEMA-free doesn’t mean allergy free.

“It is important to apply carefully and ensure it is fully cured. We would always advise a qualified technician.”

Here are a few simple tips to help with any product:

• Choose a qualified nail technician.
• Ensure your gel is fully cured under the lamp.
• Don’t try to peel the gel off at home as this can damage your natural nail.
• If your skin becomes red, itchy or sore after your manicure speak to your technician and seek medical advice.

For more information, please visit www.Rawrbeauty.co.uk.