A chemical commonly used in gel nail polishes has been banned across most of Europe due to potential health risks. Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a “photoinitiator” that helps gel polish harden under UV light and maintain colour, is no longer allowed in cosmetic products within the European Union.
The decision follows animal studies suggesting that TPO may affect fertility. While further research is ongoing, EU regulators have introduced the ban as a precautionary step.
The change affects nail salons and cosmetic suppliers across the EU’s 27 member states, as well as Norway and Switzerland, which align with EU rules. Salons must now remove TPO-based gels from their shelves and safely dispose of existing stock.
From 1 September 2025, both placing and making available on the market of cosmetic products containing TPO are prohibited. This means that
- new products containing TPO cannot be placed on the market from that date.
- products already placed on the market before that date cannot continue to be supplied, transferred, or otherwise made available to another person in the course of commercial activity. In other words, professionals in the cosmetic business may not sell these products in the EU, nor may they give these products away.
Meanwhile, manufacturers are working on reformulating products without the chemical.
In contrast, TPO remains unregulated in the United States. It joins other substances, such as BHA and BHT preservatives and certain food additives, that are banned in Europe but still widely used in the US. Industry experts say the EU ban could have ripple effects, especially for American brands that source or reformulate products in Europe, potentially leading to shortages or pressure on US regulators.
Not everyone in the industry supports the restriction. Some argue that there is no direct evidence of harm in humans and warn that the ban could create financial difficulties, particularly for smaller businesses.
08.09.2025.
