Understanding the TPO Ban in Europe: What It Really Means for Gel Polish Users

As part of my commitment to transparency and your safety, I want to provide some clarity on the recent changes in European cosmetic regulations — specifically regarding the ban of TPO (Triphenyl Phosphate) in nail products.

There has been a lot of talk online and within the industry about the European Union’s decision to ban TPO, and unfortunately, a lot of this has led to unnecessary fear.

The UK is not part of the EU and is not affected by this ruling at the moment.

🔍 What is TPO and Why is it Being Banned?

TPO is a photoinitiator — a chemical that helps cure (or harden) gel nail products under UV/LED light. It has been used in small, safe quantities in many gel polishes and builder gels to ensure strong, long-lasting results.

Recently, the European Commission added TPO to its list of banned substances under cosmetic regulation (Annex II). This decision comes after a toxicology study indicated that extremely high doses of TPO — far above what’s found in nail products — could potentially be harmful to male infertility with long-term exposure.

📍 Key Points You Should Know:

• The ban currently only applies to EU member countries. The UK is not part of the EU and is not affected by this ruling at the moment.

• The study prompting the ban was based on concentrations of TPO far greater than those used in cosmetic products. The levels used in professional gel polishes are extremely low and have been deemed safe for use up until now.

• There is no evidence that normal use of TPO-containing gel products — especially when applied correctly by trained professionals — poses a health risk to clients.

• Much of the current alarm in the beauty community is based on misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the facts. While it’s important to stay informed, there’s no need to panic.

  
  

🧪 What Did the Study Show?

The study that prompted the TPO ban was based on animal testing, where male rats were given very high oral doses of TPO — up to 600 mg per kg of body weight per day. This is hundreds or even thousands of times higher than any exposure humans would typically experience through gel nail use.

The results showed reproductive toxicity, including testicular damage and infertility in the male rats. However, it’s important to highlight a few key points about this study:

• The exposure levels used in the study were far greater than what is found in any nail products, and they were administered orally — not through normal skin absorption or nail application.

• There is no evidence that typical use of gel nail products containing TPO could lead to these same harmful effects in humans. The study involved a much different context than the controlled environment of a salon manicure.

  
  

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) reclassified TPO as a Category 1B CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction) substance, which led to its automatic ban in cosmetics. This classification is based on hazard, rather than risk, meaning that even though the study raised potential concerns, it was not necessarily about actual real-world exposure scenarios.

🧴 What Are Brands and Professionals Doing About It?

Many reputable UK-based professional brands have already anticipated a potential TPO ban and have taken proactive steps by reformulating their products without TPO. These newer formulas are designed to maintain performance while complying with both current and upcoming regulations.

I only use high-quality, professional-only brands that stay ahead of regulatory changes and prioritize client safety. I'm also constantly reviewing product ingredients and formulations to ensure they meet the highest standards.

Most professional brands in the UK have been reformulating their products without TPO since the first news of the upcoming ban in the EU.

💅 What Does This Mean for You?

As a client, you can rest assured:

✅ I'm not using any products banned under UK regulations.

✅ I work with trusted brands that are transparent about ingredients and proactive in reformulating.

✅ Your health and safety are always my top priority.

✅ I stay up to date on all regulatory changes to keep my services safe and compliant.

🧘‍♀️ Don’t Fall for the Fear

Unfortunately, social media can amplify misinformation, especially when it comes to beauty and health. While it's always good to ask questions, there's no need to be alarmed by the headlines or fear-mongering going on in the industry right now.

Have more questions?

Pop us a message or speak to me at your next appointment — I'm here to keep you informed, safe, and beautiful 💕