Nail brand The Gel Bottle has issued a BIAB formula update for UK nail professionals
The Gel Bottle (TGB) has confirmed it began transitioning some BIAB shades to an updated TPO & HEMA-free formulation in 2025, as part of what it describes as its “longer-term regulatory planning and product development strategy”.
In an FAQ document issued for the UK market, the brand stated that original formula stock remains available in the UK “while supplies last” and is currently being replenished for the UK market only.
Product availability and replenishment timelines differ by region, with customers outside of the UK advised to refer to their local distributor or regional website.
TGB also acknowledged questions around how the reformulation was communicated to the professional nail community.
“The transition to the updated formula occurred gradually rather than as a formal relaunch,” the company said. “We recognise that clearer communication would have been helpful particularly given how widely BIAB is relied upon within the professional community. We have now updated our website to ensure greater clarity and transparency moving forward.”
Has BIAB been reformulated?
According to The Gel Bottle, “During 2025, we began transitioning some BIAB shades to an updated TPO & HEMA-free formulation as part of our longer-term regulatory planning and product development strategy.”
The company added that original formula stock remains available in the UK while supplies last and is currently being replenished for the UK market only.
For nail technicians asking how to check which BIAB formula they have, the brand has published guidance via its website.
Why did The Gel Bottle move to a TPO & HEMA-free formula?
Addressing the reason for the reformulation, The Gel Bottle said, “The removal of TPO was made in response to evolving regulatory requirements.”
The brand added, “The removal of HEMA formed part of our broader ingredient review and long-term strategy. As the transition began, we received strong feedback from professionals who rely on the Original BIAB performance and consistency. We have listened carefully and acted accordingly to replenish this for the UK market.”
Expanding on its decision to remove HEMA, the company said that when upcoming regulatory changes required it to remove TPO from its formulas, it “used that moment to review our system more broadly”.
“We chose to evolve certain formulas to be HEMA-free. HEMA remains a widely used, compliant and effective ingredient within professional nail systems. Our decision to evolve was driven by a commitment to choice, not a reaction to fear. Only following extensive and successful research and testing was this revised formula released.
“Whether you are using our Original or HEMA-Free BIAB, both are professionally validated, fully compliant, and held to the highest standards of nail health.
“We know that some professionals actively prefer HEMA-free systems whilst others prefer to continue working with the HEMA-based formulas they know and trust. In the UK, the Original BIAB formula remainspart of our range for those who prefer it.”
Is Original BIAB discontinued in the UK?
The brand confirmed: “No. In the UK market, the Original HEMA inclusive BIAB remains part of our range and is currently being replenished.”
Replenishment stock of the Original HEMA inclusive BIAB formula is expected in the UK within the coming weeks. For availability outside of the UK, professionals are advised to contact their local distributor directly.
Are both BIAB formulas safe and compliant?
The Gel Bottle stated, “Both the Original and TPO & HEMA-free formulas meet all relevant cosmetic compliance standards and are safe for professional use.”
The company added that due to UK regulatory changes coming into effect in January 2027, it is “continuing research and development to ensure long term compliance while maintaining professional performance standards”. It said any future updates will be clearly communicated.
Industry feedback
The reformulation and phased transition prompted backlash from some nail technicians on social media, with concerns raised about performance consistency and the way the change was communicated.
The brand said it had “received strong feedback from professionals who rely on the Original BIAB performance and consistency” and has since acted to replenish the Original formula for the UK market.
How to check which BIAB formula you’re buying
To help professionals identify which version they are purchasing, The Gel Bottle said each product page will clearly state whether the shade is:
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Original BIAB
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BIAB TPO & HEMA-Free
If technicians are uncertain about a recently purchased product, the brand has provided additional guidance online.
Ongoing research and product development
Addressing research and testing, The Gel Bottle said, “As a company, we are always working behind the scenes on formulation, testing, research and innovation to future-proof what we create.
“We are currently undertaking multiple research studies to ensure the performance and standard of our products is never compromised and remains industry leading.”
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