EU and UK ban TPO chemical in gel nail polishes

Regulators in the European Union and the United Kingdom have banned the use of Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO), a photoinitiator commonly used in gel nail polishes to help the product cure under ultraviolet light.

The ban follows the classification of TPO as a Category 1B substance, meaning it is considered potentially carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic. This classification is based on toxicological evidence and animal studies that have linked the chemical to potential reproductive toxicity and long-term fertility damage.

In the EU, the ban has been in effect since September 1, 2025. In the UK, the regulation prevents manufacturers from selling new products containing TPO, though salons have until Valentine’s Day 2027 to exhaust existing stocks. While the ban targets a specific ingredient, health experts note that the safety of gel manicures also involves considerations regarding repeated exposure to UV or LED curing lamps.