EU Bans Gel Polish Ingredient TPO

5 Sept

EU Bans Gel Polish Ingredient TPO: What Consumers and Salons Need to Know

On September 1, 2025, the European Union officially banned the use of TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) in cosmetics, including gel nail polish. The UK will follow in late 2026. This ban is a direct result of scientific findings that TPO is a Category 1B substance—classified as potentially toxic to reproduction under EU chemical safety laws.

What Is TPO?

TPO is a photo-initiator, a chemical that helps gel polish harden under UV light. While effective in creating durable manicures, research shows it may pose serious health risks when absorbed through the skin or inhaled during application.

Consumer Safety: Long-term exposure is linked to reproductive toxicity.
Equity Concerns: Women and salon workers—many from immigrant and minority communities—are disproportionately exposed to nail product chemicals.
Global Impact: While the EU has taken bold action, the US and many other countries have not yet implemented restrictions.

Although no immediate ban is in place, the UK has confirmed plans to prohibit TPO in cosmetics by late 2026. This gives salons and consumers time to transition to safer alternatives.

At the Clean Beauty Coalition, we believe no one should have to choose between beauty and safety. We urge:

Salons to begin sourcing TPO-free gel polishes.
Consumers to ask questions and seek transparency.
Policymakers to align with science-backed bans that prioritize health.

This ban is not just about nails—it’s about justice. Eliminating toxic chemicals protects women, workers, and communities from preventable harm. Together, we can demand a future where beauty is safe for everyone.

Clean Beauty Coalition

The Clean Beauty Coalition led by Amber Makupson, is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that aims to eliminate toxic chemicals from beauty and personal care products, particularly those that disproportionately affect women and children of color. The organization advocates for ingredient transparency, policy reform, and health equity.

Mission and goals

Driven by research highlighting toxic ingredients in products marketed to Black women, the coalition works to create a safer, more equitable, and sustainable beauty industry through several initiatives. These include advocating for regulatory changes, educating consumers about harmful ingredients, holding brands and retailers accountable for providing clean products, offering a certification program to help brands comply with regulations like MOCRA, and partnering with brands focused on sustainability.

http://cleanbeautycoalition.org