What Gel Polish Users Need to Know About the EU TPO Ban

On 1st September 2025, the European Union banned the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) in cosmetic products, including popular gel polishes—raising questions for nail technicians and consumers worldwide.

Cosmetic regulators in the EU now classify TPO as a CMR 1B substance, meaning it is possibly carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction based on animal studies. As a result, all gel polishes containing TPO must be withdrawn from use and sale in the EU—not only that, but even existing stock must be safely disposed of, with no allowance for a sell-through period.

Why the EU Banned TPO

The decision reflects the EU’s hazard-based regulatory approach, which prioritises a chemical’s inherent properties, regardless of real-world exposure levels. Despite the lack of evidence for harm from typical gel polish use, the EU adopted a precautionary stance based on high-dose animal studies.

Cosmetic scientists argue the actual risk from TPO in gel nails is minimal. As one chemist explained, only about 1% of TPO remains after properly curing, and its application is limited to the surface of keratin nails—making systemic absorption extremely unlikely.
The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) also emphasises that TPO-use levels in polishes are far below what posed risks in animal studies.

What Gel Polish Users Should Know

Safety for most users remains documented as high. Experts widely agree that properly cured gel polish does not pose measurable fertility or cancer risks.
TPO is still legal and in use outside the EU, especially where regulators follow a more risk-based approach.
TPO-free alternatives already exist and are becoming more common—brands like Manucurist, Aprés Nails, and OPI’s Intelli-Gel system offer safe replacements.

What to Do If You’re Concerned

If you prefer to avoid TPO entirely, here’s what you can do:

Request TPO-free gel polishes at your salon.
Check product labels for alternative photoinitiators such as ethyl trimethylbenzoyl phenylphosphinate or hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone.
If unavailable, you may choose regular nail polish as a TPO-free option.

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