Let’s Talk About TPO in Nail Gels

Today we want to talk about a topic that is becoming very important in the nail and beauty industry: TPO. You may have seen this abbreviation on ingredient lists or heard about new regulations coming soon. But what exactly is TPO, why is Europe banning it from nail products, and should clients or salons be worried? Let’s break it down clearly.

What Is TPO?

TPO stands for Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide. It is a photoinitiator — an ingredient that makes gel polish harden quickly under a UV or LED lamp. Without it, gels wouldn’t achieve that smooth, glossy, durable finish clients love.

• In gels: TPO is part of the gel polish formula.

• In lamps: Lamps themselves do not contain TPO — they simply emit light to activate the ingredient inside the gel.

So when we talk about TPO, we are really talking about the ingredients inside the gel product, not the equipment.

Why Is Europe Saying Stop?

Recently, the European Union reclassified TPO as a CMR category 1B substance, meaning there is scientific evidence (mainly from animal studies at high exposure levels) that it may affect reproduction.

Because of this, European cosmetics law requires its removal from all beauty products, regardless of whether the real-life risk is considered small.

• Ban date: From 1 September 2025, no nail gels containing TPO can be sold or used in the EU.

• UK position: The UK has not yet enforced the same ban.

  
  

Our Commitment in the UK

Even though the UK has not yet introduced the same regulation, we want our clients to feel completely safe and confident. That’s why we already use and will continue to use only TPO-free gels in all of our treatments.

This means our clients enjoy:

• Safer, cleaner formulas that meet the highest European standards.

• Peace of mind knowing their treatments are already future-proof.

• The same glossy, long-lasting results — without compromise.

  
  

Should We Be Concerned?

It’s important to keep perspective:

• For clients, the risk from occasional manicures is considered very low.

• For nail technicians, long-term exposure is more relevant, which is why this regulation mainly protects professionals.

• The ban is precautionary — European law removes ingredients with certain hazard classifications, even if everyday use doesn’t necessarily pose a clear health risk.

Because we only use TPO-free gels, our clients can enjoy their treatments with full confidence.

How to Know if a Gel Is TPO-Free

• Check the ingredient list: If you see “Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide,” the gel contains TPO.

• Look for clear labels: Many products now highlight “TPO-free.”

• Ask your supplier: They can confirm whether gels are already reformulated.

• After September 2025: All gels legally sold in the EU will be TPO-free.

Final Thoughts

TPO helped the nail industry achieve strong, glossy results, but with new evidence and regulations, it’s time to move toward safer alternatives. There’s no reason to panic — lamps don’t contain TPO, and high-quality TPO-free gels already exist.

Even before the UK introduces its own ban, we have taken action to protect our clients by using only TPO-free gels. That way, you can continue to enjoy beautiful, durable nails in complete confidence.