As regulations surrounding TPO in cosmetic products continue to change, we've evolved our iconic Original Builder In A Bottle™ to create a new TPO-free builder gel. Developed by our chemists and guided by feedback from our community, this next generation formula retains the strength, durability and performance you know and love, with innovations where it matters most. 

But what exactly is TPO? Why are regulations changing? And what does this mean for your BIAB™ services? 

Here's everything you need to know. 

Before we get into the details, there's one really important distinction we want to make clear. 

New Gen BIAB™ is TPO-free and CONTAINS HEMA. 

It is not HEMA-free and should not be confused with our dedicated TPO & HEMA-free BIAB™ formulas. 

TPO and HEMA are two different ingredients, so a product being described as TPO-free does not automatically mean it is also HEMA-free. 

Always check the individual product information and ingredient list when choosing the right formula for you or your client. 

TPO — Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide — is a photoinitiator that has historically been used in some UV/LED-curable nail products.

Photoinitiators play an important role within gel systems by initiating the chemical reaction that allows the product to polymerise and cure when exposed to the correct wavelength of light. 

Changes to the regulatory classification of TPO have resulted in new restrictions on its use in cosmetic products across Europe and Great Britain. 

Within the EU, TPO was classified as a Category 1B CMR substance under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation. This classification resulted in TPO being added to the list of substances prohibited in cosmetic products. 

The EU prohibition came into effect on 1 September 2025. From this date, TPO-containing cosmetic products could no longer be placed or made available on the EU market, including for professional use. 

In Great Britain, the regulatory timeline is different. 

From 15 August 2026, new cosmetic products containing TPO can no longer be placed on the GB market. 

The GB making available/off-shelf deadline is 14 February 2027, after which TPO-containing cosmetic products can no longer be supplied or purchased through the GB market. You can still purchase Original BIAB™ up until this date.

Professionals should always follow the regulations and guidance applicable to the market in which they operate. 

No. The regulatory change should not be interpreted as meaning that previously compliant cosmetic products containing TPO were determined to be unsafe when used as intended.

The regulatory change followed the hazard classification of TPO as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant and the regulatory requirements associated with that classification.

Prior to this change, TPO was permitted for professional use in artificial nail systems within specified concentration limits.

The regulatory landscape has now changed, and our formulas are changing with it.

We've reformulated Original BIAB™ to remove TPO and create the next generation of one of our most iconic products.

But this isn't simply about removing one ingredient. The reformulation process gave us the opportunity to optimise the overall application experience, too.
Introducing New Gen BIAB™.

The new formula offers:

• A TPO-free formulation
• The strength and durability expected from BIAB™
• A slightly thinner viscosity
• Built-in base (client dependent*)
• Improved self-levelling
• A smooth, controlled user experience
• Our new C-Curve brush for precision application
• An upgraded bottle design for easy formula identification (with the same dimensions to slot seamlessly into your existing setup)

*We recommend using a compatible base coat and top coat for clients with weak or damaged natural nails, those who are prone to lifting or breakages, or clients with naturally oilier hair and skin, as these factors may impact product retention. New Gen BIAB™ is compatible with Rubber Base and works beautifully with Rubber Top Coat 2.0. Do not use with Bond Base or 2-In-1 Base.

Remember, New Gen BIAB™ CONTAINS HEMA.

If you're looking for a BIAB™ gel made without both TPO and HEMA, choose from our dedicated TPO & HEMA-free BIAB™ formulas — Fibre BIAB™, Hard BIAB™, and TPO & HEMA-Free BIAB™.

A little — and that's completely normal.

This is a new formulation, so experienced Original BIAB™ users may notice some differences in how the product behaves.

New Gen BIAB™ has a slightly thinner viscosity and improved self-levelling, so you may find that the product moves and settles more quickly during application.

You'll also notice our new C-Curve brush and a tackier inhibition layer after curing.

None of these differences mean there's anything wrong with your product — they're expected characteristics of the new formulation.

Our recommended BIAB™ application method remains the same for this soft BIAB™ formulation.

As always, we recommend fully curing your base layer before building your BIAB™ overlay.

This is particularly important with New Gen BIAB™. Because of its improved self-levelling properties, applying your builder layer over an uncured slip layer may increase product movement and the risk of flooding into the surrounding skin.

Reformulating an icon isn't something we take lightly.

New Gen BIAB™ has been developed to take Original BIAB™ into its next chapter while maintaining the performance professionals expect, and adapting to the changing regulatory landscape.

TPO-free. Contains HEMA. Improved self-levelling. New C-Curve brush. The next generation of Original BIAB™ is here.

Ready to get to know the new formula?

Plus, we’ve uploaded new videos to our Video Library, covering everything you need to know to master New Gen and get the best from your new formula.