EU Ban on Gel Nail Polish and what you need to know?

History of Gel Nail Polish

Gel manicures rose to prominence in the early 2000s, following the introduction of UV curing lamps in salons. These lamps enabled nail technicians to deliver a shiny, chip-resistant finish in just minutes, quickly establishing gel services as a client favorite. By 2024, the global gel nail market had grown to almost $6 billion, underscoring strong consumer demand. Today, many brands offer at-home gel kits with compact curing lamps, making it easy for consumers to achieve salon-quality results at home.

EU Ban on Gel Nail Polish: TPO Restriction Explained

The lasting shine and durability of gel manicures are thanks to the photoinitiator TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide). However, from September 1, 2025, the EU has banned all gel nail polish formulas containing TPO due to concerns over reproductive toxicity. Brands, salons, and suppliers must now shift to TPO-free formulas to stay compliant and maintain customer confidence.

What Is TPO and Why Was It Banned?

TPO gives gel polish its rapid curing and glossy finish. Toxicological research has highlighted concerns about reproductive toxicity, as well as the potential for skin or respiratory irritation with repeated exposure. The EU Cosmetics Regulation follows a hazard-based approach: any substance classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR) is prohibited, regardless of anticipated exposure. Animal studies linking high doses of TPO to reproductive harm led regulators to designate it as a Category Reprotoxicant, resulting in its ban from all gel polishes sold in the EU. This precautionary stance contrasts with the US FDA’s risk-based approach, which takes practical exposure into account. In the EU, intrinsic hazard determines a chemical’s acceptability, prompting the removal of TPO from the market.

Real-World Exposure Is Low, but Compliance Is Essential

Lab analyses indicate that after curing with UV or LED light, over 99% of TPO molecules are locked into the polymer, greatly reducing direct skin exposure. Nevertheless, gel brands and salons must discontinue any TPO-containing products and transition to approved alternatives. Many manufacturers have already reformulated, and high-quality, TPO-free options are widely available.

Impact on Brands, Salons & Consumers:

• Consumers should look for “TPO-free” labels and consider alternatives like non-UV gels or press-on nails.
• Salon owners need to source compliant gel systems, retrain staff on updated procedures, and keep clients informed about these changes.
• Manufacturers and suppliers must reformulate products, update Safety Data Sheets, and revise marketing materials to showcase safety improvements.

Next Steps for Your Gel Polish Business

- Review your raw material inventory and supplier records to confirm complete removal of TPO.

- Reformulate products with EU-approved photoinitiators (such as BAPO or Ivocerin) and verify curing quality.

- Revise customer communications—product labels, marketing content, and salon signage—to emphasize the transition to safer, TPO-free systems.

- Train staff on using new gel products and updated removal methods to uphold service standards.

How Olalla Consulting Can Help

- Regulatory strategy and CPSR compliance reviews to ensure your products meet the latest EU requirements

- Ingredient evaluation and support for reformulating without TPO, using safe and effective alternatives

- Updates to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and documentation for robust supply chain communication

- Technical training for scientists and salon staff on TPO-free formulations and procedures

- Risk assessments for skin, respiratory, and workplace exposures

Ready to navigate the TPO ban and safeguard your gel polish business? Contact Olalla Consulting for expert regulatory and technical support. Visit us at https://www.olallaconsulting.com