HEMA-free gel is made without HEMA, a monomer often linked to gel allergies; TPO-free gel also leaves out TPO, a photoinitiator that helps gel cure. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks gel colours, base and top coats and tip adhesive whose own labels say HEMA-free or HEMA & TPO-free, from Aprés, ONME, DND, Notpolish and Cre8tion.
HEMA-free and TPO-free products
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| HEMA & TPO-free gel colour | Colour services for clients who have reacted to gel before. | DND Duo HEMA & TPO free 001-099, DND Duo HEMA & TPO free 101-199, DND Duo HEMA & TPO free 201-290, Cre8tion Super Black, NotPolish SOLO Gel (HEMA free) |
| Aprés Gel Couleur, HEMA & TPO free | Aprés shades for a fully HEMA-free Aprés service. | Prismatic Collection 10ml, 253 Plum Out Of Luck, 252 Blood Moon, 254 Vampire Drunk, 298 Never Bordeaux You, 311 Deja Brew |
| Base and builder top | The layers that sit closest to the nail and the skin. | ONME Bolding Base 15ml, ONME Bolding Base 16oz, Aprés Base Gelcoat X 30ml, Aprés Builder Top Gelcoat 15ml |
| Top coat | Finishing a HEMA-free set without switching back to a regular top. | ONME Diamond Top 15ml, ONME Diamond Top 16oz, ONME Chrome Top 15ml, Aprés Non Wipe Top Gelcoat 30ml, Aprés Non Wipe Top Gelcoat X 30ml |
| Tip adhesive | Soft gel tip extensions for sensitive clients. | Aprés Extend Gel Sensitive (HEMA-free), ONME Non-Wipe Tips Adhesive |
How to go HEMA-free
- Read the label. HEMA-free and TPO-free are separate claims: most products here say both, Notpolish SOLO and Aprés Extend Gel Sensitive say HEMA-free.
- Change the whole set. Base, colour, top and tip adhesive all touch the nail; a HEMA-free colour over a regular base still puts HEMA on the nail.
- Keep gel off the skin. Uncured gel on the skin and under-cured layers are the usual route to a reaction, HEMA-free or not.
- Builder gel: check each bottle, as most builders are not HEMA-free.
Related: Gel colours, Gel base coat, Gel top coat, Adhesive gel, All top, base & preps
HEMA-free gel FAQ
What is HEMA in gel polish?
HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) is a small monomer used in many gels because it helps them bond and cure. It is also one of the ingredients most often linked to gel allergies, which usually build up after uncured gel touches the skin again and again.
What is TPO and is it banned in Canada?
TPO is a photoinitiator: it reacts to lamp light and starts the cure. The EU banned it in cosmetics from 1 September 2025. Canada has no such ban, but many brands now sell TPO-free versions, and the products above say so on their own labels.
Will HEMA-free gel stop a client reacting?
Not always. It removes one common trigger, but other acrylates can still cause a reaction. A client with a known gel allergy should see a doctor before booking. For everyone, keep gel off the skin and cure each layer fully.
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