The EU’s Prohibition on a Pivotal Gel Nail Polish Ingredient
The European Union has officially banned a major chemical used in most gel nail polishes. This move, effective September 1, 2025, bans the use, sale, and import of Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide, or TPO.
Consequently, the ban has raised safety concerns and uncertainty for salons, which have to end the use of products containing TPO immediately, even if they have a huge stock in hand.
Actually, this prohibition may also impact the American cosmetics industry, as a result of potential supply chain disruptions and global reformulation strategies by producers.
Why Was TPO Banned?
TPO is a chemical that serves to harden gel polish more rapidly and provide it with a glassy finish under UV or LED illumination. The ingredient has been classified as a Category 1B CMR substance, which means that it may be carcinogenic or reproductively toxic, the regulators have stated.
This classification is based on a number of studies connecting TPO exposure with reproductive problems in animals. The EU tends to take a stringent “better safe than sorry” line, prohibiting theoretically unsafe substances, although the link is not yet well supported by human trials.
Some experts suggest that dangerous effects are only found in rare cases when products are used improperly by inexperienced persons.
The Global Impact of the Ban
This ban is specific to the EU; TPO remains unregulated and widely available in the United States. Nevertheless, most American brands are going cleaner, and the UK is likely to impose a comparable ban in late 2026.
As such, even though gel nail polish remains a beauty essential among millions, consumers are urged to ask their salons about the products being utilized. There is also another concern regarding UV lamps, which have been associated with skin cancer, yet studies on the link are deemed poor or inconclusive.
A U.S. dermatologist, Dr. Jerome Obed, warned that TPO affects the endocrine system, with the potential to cause endometriosis and infertility in women.
The Industry is Already Adapting
According to industry reports, gel nails are not going away. Safer alternatives, such as benzoyl peroxide (BPO), TPO-L, BAPO, and methyl benzoylformate, are already being developed and marketed as TPO-free options. The industry did not contest the ban because these alternatives can perform the same job.
Many brands have already begun the process of reformulating their products, and you can expect “TPO-free” to become a new selling point on product labels as a result.
TPO-free brands that are currently available include OPI’s Intelli-Gel, Aprés Nail, Manucurist, and Aimeili. One Massachusetts spa has already been offering TPO-free gels for several months, with clients being very happy with the results.
Conclusion
The EU TPO ban is a huge move towards tighter cosmetic regulations. Although the possible health consequences are being studied, the action spurs a healthier, more open beauty world worldwide and inspires consumers and brands alike to choose healthier options.
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