EU Bans Gel Nail Polish Ingredient

The European Union has banned Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a key ingredient in many gel nail polishes, effective September 1, 2025. This decision stems from studies on animals linking TPO to long-term fertility damage, leading the European Union to classify it as potentially carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction. While the ban is enforced across the European Union's 27 member states, requiring nail salons to dispose of existing TPO-containing products, the United States has not yet regulated the chemical. The United Kingdom is expected to introduce a similar ban by late 2026. Industry experts like Doug Schoon have criticized the ban as not scientifically justified, while dermatologists like Hannah Kopelman view it as a precautionary measure. Brands such as Intelli-Gel, Après Nail, and Aimeili already offer TPO-free alternatives.