# UK ban on TPO-containing nail gel products

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-ban-on-tpo-containing-nail-gel-products
> Updated: 2026-08-18T08:25:29.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

The United Kingdom has initiated a phased ban on nail gel products containing the chemical trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO). This regulatory action follows the reclassification of TPO as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant, a decision driven by toxicology studies in rats that indicated potential links to reduced fertility and testicular damage.

The ban, which aligns the United Kingdom with regulations previously established by the European Union, entered its first phase on 15 August 2026. As of this date, authorities in England, Scotland, and Wales have prohibited manufacturers and importers from placing new batches of TPO-containing gel on the market. This restriction applies to both professional salon treatments and at-home kits.

Existing stock currently within the supply chain may continue to be used by nail salons and sold by retailers until 14 February 2027, at which point all such products must be withdrawn from retail, wholesale, and salon supply. Notably, TPO remains permitted for use in dentistry, where it is utilized in small quantities as a photostarter for dental fillings and whitening treatments. Industry experts suggest that TPO-free alternatives are already available and are expected to become the industry standard for manicures.

While the ban specifically targets TPO—a photoinitiator used to help products cure under ultraviolet light—health experts have noted that the overall safety of gel manicures also involves considerations regarding repeated exposure to UV or LED curing lamps.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: EU and UK ban TPO chemical in gel nail polishes

The EU and UK have banned the chemical TPO in gel nail polishes due to concerns regarding reproductive toxicity and potential fertility damage linked to the photoinitiator.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-and-uk-ban-tpo-chemical-in-gel-nail-polishes

### 2026-08-15: United Kingdom bans gel nail polish containing TPO

The UK has banned gel nail polishes containing the hormone disruptor TPO. Salons may use existing stock, but retailers must clear inventory by February 2027 as the industry shifts to safer alternatives.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/beauty-trends-highlight-efficient-drugstore-skincare-and-makeup

### 2026-07-23: UK to Ban TPO Nail Gel from August 2026

The UK will prohibit nail‑gel products containing the reproductive toxicant TPO from 15 Aug 2026, with a full market ban by 14 Feb 2027, affecting salons and home users.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-to-ban-tpo-nail-gel-from-august-2026

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Cite as: UK ban on TPO-containing nail gel products. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-ban-on-tpo-containing-nail-gel-products