European Union bans key ingredient in gel nail polish

European Union bans chemical used in some gel nail polishes over safety concerns

The European Union has banned TPO, a key ingredient in gel nail polishes, due to reproductive toxicity concerns

Europe bans chemical used in some gel nail polishes, classifying it as a ‘reproductive toxicant’

By Jacqueline Howard, CNN (CNN) — The European Union is now prohibiting the use of a key chemical ingredient in some gel nail polishes and other cosmetic products. The ban, which went into effect this week, targets the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide or TPO, which was classified as a type of “reproductive toxicant” by European regulators, according to the European Commission. TPO works as a photoinitiator, meaning it responds to …

Why Has The EU Banned Some Gel Nail Polishes, And Will It Happen In The UK?

Here's what we know so far.

Is Your Gel Manicure Safe? The Debate Over Banned Nail Polish

Source: Kanawa_Studio / Getty In a landmark decision, the European Union has banned trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a chemical commonly used in gel nail polishes, effective September 1, 2025. This move stems from safety concerns highlighted by animal studies, which linked TPO to potential reproductive risks. However, experts argue that these studies involved high-dose exposures that differ significantly from real-world cosmetic u…

Gel Nail Polish banned in Europe

Gel Polish works differently than traditional polish. It’s applied in layers, and each coat is cured under a UV or LED lamp. The strength comes from chemicals that make the polish bond really well.