A Historic Beauty Industry Decision
On September 1, 2025, the European Union (EU) officially banned gel nail polishes containing trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a chemical widely used to harden gel nails under UV and LED lamps. This regulation is a landmark move, reshaping the beauty industry across Europe and sending ripples through global markets.
The EU is known for applying a “precautionary principle” in consumer safety. This means that even if there is limited direct human evidence, any chemical showing strong toxicity signals in lab studies is treated as high risk. That principle is at the heart of this ban.
Why Gel Nail Polish Came Under Scrutiny
Gel manicures became popular worldwide for their chip-free shine, durability, and salon-fresh finish. What makes them so resilient is the ingredient TPO, a photoinitiator that helps gel formulas cure quickly when exposed to UV or LED light.
But behind the glossy finish, research showed troubling signs.
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Animal studies on rats revealed that high exposure to TPO caused:
- Reduced fertility rates
- Irregular reproductive cycles in females
- Shrinking of the testes in males
- Overall reproductive toxicity
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The EU’s European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) therefore classified TPO as a Category 1B CMR substance—carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction.
This classification legally obligated the EU to restrict the substance, leading to the 2025 ban.
The Timeline of the Ban
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May 2024 – The EU announced that products containing TPO would be phased out.
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September 1, 2025 – The deadline came into effect, and all gel polishes with TPO were immediately prohibited. Salons and shops were ordered to dispose of stock—they cannot sell, discount, or even give away old supplies.
This zero-grace enforcement caught some distributors and salons off guard, with complaints that there wasn’t enough transition time for manufacturers to reformulate. But regulators stood firm, prioritizing consumer safety over industry challenges.
Health Risks Linked to TPO in Gel Nail Polish
While human evidence is still emerging, the EU based its decision on toxicological red flags:
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Reproductive Health Risks: Evidence of impaired fertility and reproductive organ damage in animal studies.
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Possible Cancer Risk: Although no direct link to cancer in humans has been established, the chemical is flagged as a CMR category substance, meaning it has strong potential for harm.
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Hormonal Disruption Concerns: Experts suspect prolonged exposure could interfere with hormonal balance, though more studies are needed.
In short, while risks in everyday salon use remain theoretical, the EU decided it’s not worth gambling with public health.
What This Means for Salons and Consumers in Europe
The ban has major consequences:
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Salons must stop using all TPO-based products immediately. Inspections are expected, and penalties may apply to those who continue offering them.
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Distributors and beauty retailers must recall products from shelves and warehouses.
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Consumers will notice changes—favorite gel brands may disappear, but new TPO-free formulations are being launched rapidly to fill the gap.
For everyday users, the change is designed to minimize hidden long-term risks while ensuring the beauty industry continues innovating safely.
Global Response: Why the U.S. Hasn’t Banned It Yet
Interestingly, the United States has not banned TPO. The FDA tends to rely on direct human data rather than precautionary lab findings before imposing restrictions. This creates a divergence:
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EU Approach: Hazard-based, proactive bans when animal studies show red flags.
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U.S. Approach: Risk-based, acting only when human exposure clearly shows danger.
As a result, American salons continue using TPO-based gels, though growing consumer awareness may pressure brands to follow Europe’s lead. In fact, many nail polish companies are already reformulating their products globally to maintain consistency across markets.
Practical Safety Tips for Nail Lovers
Even if you’re outside the EU, here’s how you can stay safe:
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Check product labels – Look for “TPO-free” or review ingredient lists.
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Ask your salon technician – Confirm whether their gels contain TPO.
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Protect your nails and skin – Apply sunscreen or wear UV-blocking gloves during curing sessions.
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Moderate use – Alternate gel manicures with regular polish or natural nails to reduce cumulative exposure.
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Prioritize well-ventilated salons – This reduces the inhalation risk from polish chemicals.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Ban Matters
This ban isn’t just about nail polish it’s about how societies strike a balance between beauty and health. The EU’s move reflects a broader shift toward cleaner cosmetics and stricter chemical safety standards. It could pave the way for:
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More global harmonization in cosmetic safety laws.
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Increased pressure on beauty brands to go “clean” worldwide.
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Rising consumer demand for ingredient transparency.
Safer Alternatives: What You Can Use Instead
At Calyx Nails, we believe beauty should never come at the cost of your health. The good news is that you don’t have to give up gel manicures to stay safe—there are better, cleaner choices available.
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TPO-Free Gel Systems: Our gel polishes are thoughtfully formulated without harmful ingredients like TPO, giving you the same glossy, long-lasting finish with greater peace of mind.
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Safe & Non-Toxic Formula: Every Calyx Nails gel polish is crafted to be HEMA-free and TPO-free, ensuring a safer, non-toxic nail art experience for both salon professionals and everyday users.
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Regular Nail Polishes with Gel Finish: For those who prefer a simpler routine, we also recommend hybrid lacquers that mimic the gel-like shine but are made with safer ingredients.
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Natural Nail Care: We always encourage alternating between gel manicures and natural nails to keep your nail beds strong, healthy, and balanced.
At Calyx, safety and style go hand in hand—so you can enjoy flawless nails without hidden health risks.
Closing Insights
The ban on gel nail polish in Europe marks a turning point in beauty regulations. While it may feel disruptive for salons and consumers, it reinforces a vital message: health and safety come first.
For nail enthusiasts, this means being informed, choosing safer alternatives, and asking the right questions at salons. For the beauty industry, it means innovating toward a future where gorgeous nails don’t come at a hidden cost to health.