What the EU’s TPO Ban Means for Your Gel Manicure

Starting September 1st, the European Union implemented a significant ban on all nail polishes containing the ingredient TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide). This change, which the UK is also expected to adopt by late 2026, has major implications for the gel manicure industry. The EU classified TPO as a CMR (carcinogen, mutagen, and reprotoxic) substance, leading to concerns about its potential to cause cancer, genetic changes, or affect reproductive health.

Here is a breakdown of what the TPO ban is, why it happened, and what it means for your next manicure, especially in the US.

What is TPO and Why Was It Banned?

TPO is a crucial photoinitiator found in many gel nail products, particularly top coats. As celebrity manicurist Michelle Class explains, TPO is the ingredient that reacts to UV or LED light, quickly transforming the soft, uncured gel into the hard, glossy, chip-resistant finish that gel manicures are known for. It is not found in traditional, air-dry nail polish.

The EU’s decision to ban TPO was based on studies (primarily conducted on rats) that found the ingested chemical could cause reproductive difficulties and negative effects on the endocrine (hormonal) system. While these issues arose only when the TPO was ingested, the EU’s strict regulatory body labeled it a “reprotoxic substance” and ruled that any chemical labeled as potentially harmful cannot be used in cosmetics.

Is TPO Dangerous for Humans in Nail Products?

Experts generally agree that the risk posed by TPO in gel manicures is very low because it is not ingested when used on the nails.

However, consultant dermatologist Dr. Nalia Dinani notes that “the actual risk from having your nails done is probably very low, but EU law says if a chemical is labeled as possibly harmful, it can’t be used in cosmetics.”

If you have specific concerns about your endocrine system, are trying to conceive, or are pregnant, choosing a brand that is already TPO-free may be a cautious approach to take.

What Does This Mean for the US Market?

Currently, the TPO ban is only in effect in the EU. It does not directly impact the sale or use of gel nail products in the United States.

However, you should expect to see global brands that sell in both the US and Europe to reformulate their products to comply with the EU ban. This means:

• No Drop in Quality (from top brands): Reputable global brands have had time to prepare and have likely already reformulated their products to use alternative photoinitiators. You should not see a change in the quality or performance of your favorite gel manicure.

• Temporary Product Shortages: Brands that are scrambling to comply with the new rules may temporarily pull certain polishes from the market while they complete the reformulation process.

Understanding the Safe Alternative: TPO-L

When checking ingredient labels, you might see a similar-sounding chemical: TPO-L.

• TPO-L is a modified version of TPO and is a legal photoinitiator for use in the USA, UK, and EU.

   

• Chemists replaced a risky benzene ring in the original TPO structure with a safer ethoxy group to create TPO-L.

   

If you see TPO-L listed on an ingredients label, you can consider that version safe to use.

Ultimately, while the EU ban is a significant regulatory move, it is driving the industry toward safer, reformulated products, which benefits all consumers globally.