The European Union has banned a key ingredient in gel nail polish.
As of September 1, 2025, the sale and use of new products containing Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide, known as TPO, is prohibited across all 27 EU member states, and salons cannot use up their old stock.
But what is TPO? And why has it been banned in the EU?
What is TPO and why has the EU banned it in gel nail polish?
TPO helps nail polish harden and dry instantly under UV or LED light.
The EU has banned TPO in products because it’s classified it as a CMR 1B substance, a category for chemicals considered potentially harmful to fertility.
While the amounts of the chemical used in animal tests were far higher than what you'd get from a manicure, experts stress that this is a better safe than sorry precautionary decision.
Will gel nail polish be banned in the UK?
The UK, however, is on a separate timeline, with its own ban not expected until late 2026. This gives British companies and nail professionals more time to adapt to the new regulations.
Francesca Rapolla from the UK's Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association clarified that the industry couldn't argue for keeping TPO, as other ingredients can perform the same job. She told Scratch Magazine: "Taking TPO out of nail products doesn't mean they'll perform worse, but the formulas will have to be changed."
Many brands have already begun reformulating their products, and you can expect ‘TPO-free’ to become a new selling point on product labels.
If you are concerned, you can ask your salon if their products are TPO-free or check the ingredient list on the bottle for the full name.
