TPO-Free UV Gel Nail Polish Brands and Products

Based on expert recommendations and industry sources, the following brands offer TPO-free gel polish options:

Major Brands with TPO-Free Lines:

• OPI - Newly reformulated products like Intelli-Gel
• Essie - Reformulated gel collections
• CND Shellac - Most of CND Shellac colors are TPO free even old ones
• Gelish - Updated formulations
• Sally Hansen - Miracle Gel and select gel lines

Specialty TPO-Free Brands:

• Zoya - Natural and safer formulations
• Tenoverten - 10-free formulations
• Ella+Mila - Clean beauty focus
• JINsoon - Professional quality, safer ingredients
• Smith & Cult - Premium TPO-free options

Alternative Gel Systems

HEMA-Free and TPO-Free Combined

Many brands now offer products free from both TPO and HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), another concerning ingredient:

• Bio Seaweed Gel - Natural and eco-friendly formulations
• Light Elegance - Professional TPO and HEMA-free systems
• Young Nails - Clean formulation focus
• Akzentz - Professional salon systems

Regional Availability

European Market (Post-September 2025)

• All gel polish products sold must be TPO-free by regulation
• Major international brands have reformulated European lines
• Local European brands leading innovation in safe alternatives

North American Market

• TPO still permitted but many brands proactively reformulating
• Consumer demand driving TPO-free product development
• Professional salons increasingly offering TPO-free options

Professional vs. Consumer Products

Professional Salon Lines:

• Higher concentration of TPO alternatives like TPO-L
• More extensive reformulation efforts
• Professional-grade curing and durability

Consumer Retail Lines:

• Often use benzoin derivatives or α-hydroxyketones
• Focus on ease of home application
• Balance of safety and performance

What to Look For

Product Labels and Marketing Claims

• "TPO-Free" explicitly stated on packaging
• "10-Free" or "12-Free" formulations (typically exclude TPO)
• "Clean beauty" or "safer ingredients" positioning
• European-compliant formulations

Ingredient Lists

Avoid these TPO names:

• Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide
• TPO
• CAS Number: 75980-60-8

Look for these safer alternatives like:

• TPO-L (Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate)
• Bis-Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphine Oxide
• Bis Trimethylbenzoyl Butylphosphine Oxide
• Bis Butylbenzoyl Phenylphosphine Oxide
• Bis Dimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphine Oxide
• Phenyl Trimethylbenzoyl Methylphosphinate
• MAPO (Methylaminopropiophenone-based Phosphine Oxide Derivatives)
• Trimethylbenzoyl Bis Methoxybenzoyl Phosphine Oxide
• Hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone
• Benzoin derivatives
• α-Hydroxyketone photoinitiators

And some others

Professional Recommendations

Salon Selection Criteria

Celebrity nail artist Erica De Los Santos recommends looking "for a manicurist and a salon that takes pride in using top-quality products" and notes "I use TPO- and HEMA-free formulas, and make it a priority to educate both staff and guests"

BYOP (Bring Your Own Polish)

The safest option is to "BYOP (bring your own polish)" to ensure you know exactly what ingredients are being used.

Industry Response Timeline

Proactive Brands (Pre-Ban)

• Manucurist: Always TPO-free
• CNC International: Early TPO-L adoption
• Various clean beauty brands: Formulated without TPO from inception

Reactive Reformulation (2024-2025)

• Major international brands: Reformulating for EU compliance
• Professional salon brands: Updating product lines
• Retail brands: Developing TPO-free alternatives

Market Transition (2025-2026)

• European market: 100% TPO-free by regulation
• Global brands: Standardizing on safer formulations
• Consumer education: Increased awareness of ingredient safety

This comprehensive list provides consumers and professionals with extensive options for enjoying gel manicures while avoiding TPO exposure, whether through reformulated traditional brands or innovative TPO-free alternatives.