We Are TPO & HEMA Free | 14 Day Mani

Why We’re Proud To Be TPO, HEMA & TT-Free - Without Compromising on Quality

You may have seen recent news about the ban on TPO in gel nail products across both the EU and UK and wondered what it means for your at-home gel manicures.

The good news is that gel manicures themselves haven't been banned. The regulations apply only to products containing a specific ingredient called TPO.

At 14 Day Mani, we've been preparing for this change for a long time. Every one of our gel polish and builder gel formulas is already TPO-free, HEMA-free, and TT-free, so you can continue enjoying salon-quality results with confidence.

What Is TPO?

TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) is a photoinitiator.

Photoinitiators are ingredients used in many traditional gel polish and builder gel formulas that help the product cure and harden under an LED or UV lamp.

Without a photoinitiator, gel polish wouldn't set into the durable, glossy finish that makes gel manicures so popular.

Why Has the EU & UK Banned TPO?

TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) has been classified as a CMR Category 1B substance, meaning it has been identified as potentially carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction based on animal studies.

Following this classification, the ingredient was prohibited in cosmetic products across the European Union from 1 September 2025. The UK has since introduced equivalent regulations, with new TPO-containing cosmetic products no longer permitted to be placed on the market from 15 August 2026, followed by a phased withdrawal of remaining stock.

Does This Mean Gel Manicures Are Banned?

No.

The regulations don't ban gel manicures - they only affect gel products that contain TPO. Manufacturers have reformulated their products using alternative photoinitiators that comply with the latest regulations while still delivering the durability and shine customers expect.

Our Formulas Were Already Ahead of the Change

Long before the EU and UK introduced these regulations, we made the decision to reformulate every gel polish and builder gel in our collection.

That meant months of research, testing, and refinement to remove TPO while maintaining the salon-quality performance our customers love.

Today, every gel product we offer is:

• TPO-free
• HEMA-free
• TT-free
• Designed for at-home use
• Formulated for long-lasting, salon-quality wear

Because we reformulated early, our customers don't need to worry about changing products or adapting to the new regulations—we've already done the hard work for you

Why We're Also HEMA-Free

HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) is another ingredient commonly found in traditional gel systems.

While it helps improve adhesion, it's also one of the ingredients most commonly associated with allergic reactions to gel nail products.

Some people may experience:

• Skin irritation
• Redness
• Itching
• Increased sensitivity around the nail area

By formulating our products without HEMA, we've created a gentler gel system that's better suited to regular at-home use.

What This Means for You

Choosing TPO-free, HEMA-free, and TT-free products means you can enjoy:

• Gentler formulations
• Reduced exposure to common gel allergens
• Long-lasting salon-quality wear
• High-shine finishes
• Confidence that your products comply with the latest EU regulations

Most importantly, you don't have to compromise on the results you love.

Salon-Quality Results Without the Compromise

Removing ingredients like TPO and HEMA wasn't about lowering performance - it was about improving our formulas.

We've worked hard to ensure our gel polish still delivers the durability, shine, and wear you expect while using ingredients that align with our commitment to safer, more mindful nail care.

Our Promise

At 14 Day Mani, we're committed to creating products that put nail health first without sacrificing beautiful results.

As regulations evolve and new research becomes available, we'll continue investing in formulas that help you enjoy salon-quality manicures from home with confidence.

Because healthy nails should always be part of a beautiful manicure.

FAQs

What is TPO in gel polish?

TPO is a photoinitiator used in some traditional gel polish formulas to help the product cure under an LED or UV lamp.

Has the EU & UK banned gel polish?

No. The EU & UK have not banned gel polish. The regulation only affects cosmetic products that contain TPO.

Are 14 Day Mani gel products TPO-free?

Yes. All of our gel polish and builder gel formulas are TPO-free, HEMA-free, and TT-free.

Why is HEMA removed from your formulas?

HEMA is commonly associated with allergic reactions in some gel users. Our HEMA-free formulas are designed to provide a gentler alternative while maintaining excellent performance.

Will TPO-free gel polish still last as long?

Yes. Our reformulated products are designed to deliver the same long-lasting wear, glossy finish, and salon-quality results you've come to expect from 14 Day Mani.