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Rachel V Thomas

UK Gel Nail Ban: Why the Key Chemical Was Banned And What It Means For Salons

UK Gel Nail Ban: Why the Key Chemical Was Banned and What It Means for Salons

A key chemical used in many <span>gel nail polish</span> products has been banned in England, Wales and Scotland.

The “gel nail ban” applies to one ingredient — Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide, commonly known as <span>TPO</span>. It is used in some gel manicures to help the polish achieve a glossy finish and cure properly.

TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) is a photoinitiator commonly used in UV- and LED-cured nail products. It makes the varnish more durable and helps it hold its color for longer.

<h2>When Did the Gel Nail Ban Start?</h2>

The European Union banned TPO in cosmetic products from September 1, 2025. In the UK, the ban came into effect on August 15.

The ban means manufacturers can no longer sell new products containing TPO. However, salons can continue to offer gel manicures using existing TPO-containing products until February 14, 2027, or until their stocks run out.

Nail technicians will not be able to purchase new stock containing TPO. TPO-containing products continue to be used in the US, Australia and Asia.

<h2>Why Has TPO Been Banned in the UK?</h2>

The ban follows several animal studies that linked TPO to long-term fertility damage and reproductive issues.

Caroline Rainsford, Director of Science at The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), said the EU ban was based on the chemical's hazardous properties and how a substance might behave in a “worst-case” situation when the body is exposed to a very large amount.

“This is not how TPO is used in <span>cosmetics</span>. The amount of this ingredient used in nail products is over a thousand times less than the amount which could have any negative effect on fertility, and these products are applied to the nail, so the potential for the ingredient to be absorbed into our bodies is even smaller,” Rainsford was quoted as saying in media reports.

TPO is used only in some gel polishes and is not found in traditional air-dried nail polishes. There are already TPO-free gels on the market, and many salons use these products. While some alternatives may belong to the same chemical family, different compounds have different safety ratings.

TPO-free gel systems now use alternative photoinitiators that meet regulatory standards while still delivering similar results.

<ul><li>Gel polish</li><li>Builder gels</li><li>BIAB-style systems</li><li>Extension and overlay products</li></ul>

<h2><strong>How to Maintain Healthy Nails</strong></h2>To keep your nails strong and healthy, follow these essential tips:

<ul><li>Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lean proteins, and iron.</li><li>Hydrate your nails with regular moisturizing to keep them from becoming brittle.</li><li>Trim nails when they are soft and don't cut too far down.</li><li>Select non-toxic polishes and minimize use of harsh removers.</li><li>Replace stress-relief activities with stress balls to break nail-biting habits.</li><li>Smoking stains nails with nicotine and damages overall nail condition.</li></ul>

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A key chemical used in many gel nail polish products has been banned in England, Wales and Scotland.The “gel nail ban” applies to one ingredient — Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide, commonly known as TPO. It is used in some gel manicures to help the polish achieve a glossy finish and cure properly. What Is TPO?TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) is a photoinitiator commonly used in UV- and LED-cured nail products. It makes the varnish more durable and helps it hold its color for longer.When Did the Gel Nail Ban Start?The European Union banned TPO in cosmetic products from September 1, 2025. In the UK, the ban came into effect on August 15.The ban means manufacturers can no longer sell new products containing TPO. However, salons can continue to offer gel manicures using existing TPO-containing products until February 14, 2027, or until their stocks run out.Nail technicians will not be able to purchase new stock containing TPO. TPO-containing products continue to be used in the US, Australia and Asia.Why Has TPO Been Banned in the UK?The ban follows several animal studies that linked TPO to long-term fertility damage and reproductive issues.Caroline Rainsford, Director of Science at The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), said the EU ban was based on the chemical's hazardous properties and how a substance might behave in a “worst-case” situation when the body is exposed to a very large amount.“This is not how TPO is used in cosmetics. The amount of this ingredient used in nail products is over a thousand times less than the amount which could have any negative effect on fertility, and these products are applied to the nail, so the potential for the ingredient to be absorbed into our bodies is even smaller,” Rainsford was quoted as saying in media reports.What Will Salons Use Instead?TPO is used only in some gel polishes and is not found in traditional air-dried nail polishes. There are already TPO-free gels on the market, and many salons use these products. While some alternatives may belong to the same chemical family, different compounds have different safety ratings.TPO-free gel systems now use alternative photoinitiators that meet regulatory standards while still delivering similar results.TPO-free options are available across:Gel polishBuilder gelsBIAB-style systemsExtension and overlay productsHow to Maintain Healthy NailsTo keep your nails strong and healthy, follow these essential tips:Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lean proteins, and iron.Hydrate your nails with regular moisturizing to keep them from becoming brittle.Trim nails when they are soft and don't cut too far down.Select non-toxic polishes and minimize use of harsh removers.Replace stress-relief activities with stress balls to break nail-biting habits.Smoking stains nails with nicotine and damages overall nail condition.

uk gel nail ban: why the key chemical was banned and what it means for salons

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