The professional nail industry is evolving.
In recent months, many nail technicians across the UK have raised questions around gel polish formulation changes, ingredient transparency and regulatory compliance. When the products you rely on daily change without clear communication, it understandably creates uncertainty.
For professionals, this is a complex problem, and affects everything from performance and safety, to client trust and business reputation.
If you’re currently reviewing your gel system or considering switching nail brands, here’s what you need to know.
Why Are Nail Brands Changing Their Formulations?
There are several factors influencing gel polish and builder gel reformulations in 2025–2026:
1. Regulatory Pressure
Ingredient regulations are tightening globally. Certain photo-initiators and monomers — including TPO and HEMA — are under increased scrutiny in some regions. While timelines differ between the UK and EU, many brands are reformulating to remain compliant.
2. Consumer Awareness
Clients are more ingredient-conscious than ever. Nail technicians are being asked informed questions about HEMA-free and TPO-free products, and professionals need clear answers.
3. Supply Chain & Manufacturing Adjustments
Global supply shifts and ingredient availability have also contributed to formulation updates.
Reformulation itself is not inherently negative. Innovation and compliance are necessary. The issue arises when transparency is lacking.
Why Transparency Matters More Than Ever
Professional nail technicians build their businesses on trust. That trust extends to the brands they use.
When a gel polish or builder gel formula changes, professionals deserve:
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Clear communication
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Updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
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Accurate ingredient disclosure
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Guidance on performance differences
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Support if adjustments are required
Transparency isn’t a marketing message — it’s a responsibility.
Nail techs should never feel uncertain about what is inside the products they apply daily.
What to Look for When Switching Gel Brands
If you are considering moving to a new system, here are key factors to evaluate:
✔ Clearly labelled HEMA-free and TPO-free formulas
✔ UK manufacturing transparency
✔ Accessible and updated SDS documentation
✔ Verified cure times and lamp compatibility
✔ Professional-only positioning
✔ Established industry reputation
✔ Ongoing education and support
Switching gel brands is a business decision. It should be informed, not reactive.
Roxi's Break-Up Bundle is perfect for any professional nail technician looking to trial an alternative brand before switching to a complete new system.
To make your transition even easier, anyone purchasing the Break Up Bundle will be invited to attend a complimentary ROXI Conversion Course at Roxi HQ.
Our educators will guide you through the system step-by-step, so you can start your new professional relationship with ROXI confidently.
Stability, Experience & Forward Planning
At NSI UK, we have supplied professional nail systems to the UK industry for over 30 years. Throughout regulatory changes and evolving trends, our focus has remained consistent: compliance, performance and professional support.
Our sister brand, ROXI Nails Ltd, was developed with future regulatory shifts in mind. Every ROXI formula is:
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UK-manufactured
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HEMA-free
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TPO-free
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Developed alongside expert chemists
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Tested within our professional nail community
We believe reformulation should be proactive, not reactive.
And communication should always come first.
Considering Switching Your Gel System?
If you are currently reassessing your brand alignment, ask yourself:
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Do I feel informed about ingredient changes?
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Does the brand communicate openly?
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Are SDS documents easy to access?
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Has the formula been thoroughly tested?
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Do I trust their long-term stability?
Changing systems is significant. Your clients notice. Your reputation matters. Read our Roxi Builder Gel Guide here.
For technicians wanting to experience a compliant, professionally developed system, we offer trial kits and education resources designed to support a smooth transition.
Switching systems is a business decision, so it should be tested properly. Our ROXI Trial Kit is designed for professional nail technicians who want to assess adhesion, viscosity, cure time and wear before committing to a full system.
The Future of Professional Gel Systems
The nail industry will continue to evolve. Ingredient regulations will shift. Formulations will improve.
But the foundation of any professional relationship remains the same:
Transparency.
Integrity.
Reliability.
Nail technicians deserve products that are not only compliant and high-performing, but developed with clarity and long-term stability in mind.
If you are reviewing your gel system in 2026, choose a brand built for where the industry is going, not one reacting to where it has been.