EU Bans Common Ingredient in Gel Nail Polishes

Gel nails have become a popular choice for many due to their durability, resistance to chipping, and quick drying time. However, a common ingredient found in some gel nail polishes has now been banned in the European Union.

The chemical in question, trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), is responsible for giving gel nails their glossy finish and enabling them to dry rapidly under UV light.

Though not all gel nail polishes contain TPO, those that do will now need to adjust their formulas. The EU has classified TPO as "carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction," prompting the ban.

As part of the ban, salons carrying products with this chemical will need to remove them from their shelves. The ban, which went into effect on September 1, comes after studies suggested TPO could have harmful effects on reproductive health. Some experts believe the ban was implemented as a precautionary measure.

Dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman explained to Wellness Pulse: “The EU's ban is a cautious step, as we don't yet have large-scale human studies proving harm, but the potential risks were enough to justify stricter regulation. From a medical standpoint, this is more about taking precautions than responding to strong evidence of harm.”

In contrast, TPO has not been banned in the United States, where it can still be used in concentrations of up to 5 percent in nail products. Cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos told TODAY.com that the US Food and Drug Administration is unlikely to follow the EU's lead, as regulatory approaches between the two regions differ.

However, The New York Post reports that customers in the US can request TPO-free products. In the UK, TPO is still permitted, though a potential ban is under consideration for 2026. The EU announced its decision to prohibit TPO in May 2024, and since then, many manufacturers have begun removing the chemical from their products.

One company, The Gel Bottle, issued a statement saying, “The cosmetics industry frequently updates regulations to ensure consumer safety and well-being. These updates are proactive steps, ensuring products stay in line with the latest scientific research and safety standards. This is not a product recall, and 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 formulas, with reformulated versions already available. We expect the entire range to be TPO-free by the UK's regulatory deadline in September 2026.”