Gel nails have gained immense popularity, but a recent development from the European Union has led to the prohibition of a particular ingredient typically found in the polish.
This type of nail varnish is favored for its resistance to chipping and peeling, and its rapid drying time.
The chemical in question, known as trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), which contributes to the shiny finish and quick curing under UV light, is now banned across the EU.
Although not every gel polish contains TPO, those that do will need to alter their formulas because the EU has classified this chemical as ‘carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction’.
Salons carrying products with this ingredient are required to discontinue their use.
Despite the ban taking effect from September 1, prompted by research indicating potential reproductive health risks, some professionals suggest that the measure is precautionary.
Dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman, in a discussion with Wellness Pulse, commented: “The European Union is banning it out of caution, since even though we don’t yet have large-scale human studies proving harm, the potential risks were enough to warrant stricter regulation.
“From a medical perspective, I view this as more of a precautionary move rather than a response to strong human evidence.”
In the United States, TPO has not been prohibited, and salons can use it in concentrations up to 5 percent.
Cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos informed TODAY.com that it’s unlikely the FDA will impose a ban, as the EU’s regulatory approach differs from the US.
The New York Post highlights that some consumers have the option of requesting products without TPO.
Meanwhile, in the UK, TPO is still in use, but a ban is under consideration for 2026.
The EU’s decision to ban TPO was announced in May 2024. In response, many manufacturers began phasing out the chemical to comply with the impending regulation.
The Gel Bottle released a statement: “The cosmetics industry frequently undergoes regulatory updates to protect consumer safety and wellbeing.
“These updates are proactive measures, ensuring products remain compliant with the latest scientific research and safety standards. This is not a product recall, current products remain safe to use.
“We are pleased to confirm that 100% of The Gel Bottle products sold in the EU are now fully TPO-free and compliant with the September 2025 regulation.
“We are actively transitioning all products to new TPO-free formulations, with reformulated versions already rolling out. We expect the entire range to be fully TPO-free ahead of the UK regulatory deadline (Sep 2026).”