Breaking News! 🚨Something’s buzzing in the nail world since September 1, but this time, it’s not about the latest nail trend. The global nail industry is shaken to its core with the EU’s recent ban on TPO, a key ingredient found in many gel polishes. You might be wondering, “Uh, wait, what is TPO? Should I be worried here in the US or in a non-EU country?”. Well, this major move could change what’s on your salon shelves and nail kit sooner than you think. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the EU TPO ban, from what it is, why it happened, to how to check TPO presence in your polishes and more. Even if we aren't directly affected, let's work together to understand why this prohibition could influence the future of our favorite nail products. What is TPO? TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) is a photoinitiator allowing your gel polish to harden and become durable. Photoinitiators act like a "switch" to initiate a chemical reaction when exposed to light. When UV/LED lights hit the photoinitiator, it becomes energized, creating highly reactive molecules that cause liquid coatings, inks, or resins to harden almost instantly. To put it simply, TPO provides your polishes with fast curing, high shine, and durability, making it a popular and valuable ingredient in the nail industry for decades. Why did the EU ban TPO in cosmetics? The European Union banned TPO for cosmetic use as it has been identified as a CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction) substance, effective September 1. According to an NBC News interview with two board-certified dermatologists, the EU prohibited TPO due to animal studies conducted on male rats linking it to adverse reproductive effects. It's important to note that the rats received consistently high doses of TPO, significantly more than what someone would encounter through a gel manicure. While there is no conclusive human health link yet, the EU's hazard-based safety assessment led to the ban, prompting brands to develop TPO-free alternatives. What are the effects of the TPO ban on nail brands and salons? In Europe, the sale, supply, and professional use of TPO-containing products must be discontinued by September 1, 2025. The EU Commission also specifically stated that businesses must withdraw remaining stock from professional premises and seek compliant alternatives from suppliers. European nail businesses, salons, and technicians must manage their nail supply inventory as soon as they can to comply with regulations. If you are based in the United States, you can still use items containing TPO since it is NOT illegal in the country as of this date. However, with ingredient safety becoming a global concern, nail brands (including American brands) are starting to phase out non-compliant items and replace them with new TPO-free formulations. Users of gel polishes are now protecting themselves by opting for brands that are transparent with their ingredients. These measures are being done to meet the ever-changing consumer preferences and international standards. How can I check if my gel polish has TPO? Easily verify if your gel polish contains TPO by checking its complete list of ingredients, which is usually found on the label, packaging, or brand website. Remember that it will most likely appear as “Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide” and not TPO. For more detailed and specific information regarding your preferred gel polish, we strongly recommend reviewing the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), a document outlining the potential dangers of a chemical or substance and guidelines for safe handling. It indicates hazards related to health, fire, and reactivity, along with emergency protocols and recommendations for proper storage and disposal. Do iGel Beauty products contain TPO? As a nail brand, we are glad to see that customers are now being cautious about ensuring their iGel Beauty products are good to use. We’re happy to inform you that iGel Beauty is proudly TPO-free across most of its product lines. All of our gel polish collections are formulated without TPO, aligning with current ingredient safety standards. You can check out these trusted nail salons that use iGel Beauty products for a worry-free nail experience. However, it’s worth noting that two of our product categories still contain TPO: the iGel Chrome Base - 0.5 oz and the Painting Gels. These formulas use TPO to achieve specific curing and maximum performance. Should you wish to explore further, you can find all iGel Beauty MSDS here or contact our Customer Service representatives. Are there any alternatives to gel polishes? Yes, there are! Now that you have all the information you need about the TPO ban, it’s completely understandable that you’d rather not risk it. We suggest you explore the world of iGel Beauty Dip & Dap Powders! Unlike gel polishes, dip powders don’t require UV or LED curing, so there’s no need for photoinitiators like TPO. Learn everything you need to know about dip powder nails in this complete guide. How can I provide extra care for my nails? Regardless of the type of manicure or pedicure you choose, small habits can make a big difference in keeping your nails healthy and strong. Start with good sanitation practices, such as cleaning your tools and maintaining good hygiene for each customer. You can also consider applying sunscreen or wearing manicure gloves to protect your hands from UV exposure during curing sessions. Every process will become second nature to you if you are consistent in building such habits. The beauty industry never stops evolving, and this EU TPO ban reminds us of the importance of staying informed about what’s in the products we use and love. This move has inspired the entire nail community to make mindful choices and support cosmetic standards. How about you? Will you be making the switch to TPO-free products soon? Share the changes you will make in your nail routine! We can’t wait to hear your thoughts in our Facebook Community. Here at iGel Beauty, we believe that beauty and safety go hand in hand. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Written by Alyssa Bueno on October 15, 2025 Alyssa Bueno, a true beauty enthusiast, brings her passion for writing and beauty to life as a writer for iGel Beauty. With a diverse editorial background and industry expertise, Alyssa shares the latest trends and curates tutorials and tips to inspire nail lovers worldwide.
