The TPO Ban in Nail Products – What Nail Techs Need to Know

The TPO Ban in Nail Products – What Nail Techs Need to Know

If you’re a nail tech, you’ve probably seen the word TPO pop up recently. But what is it, why is it banned in Europe, and what does this mean for those of us in the UK? Let’s break it all down.

What is TPO?

TPO stands for trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide. It’s a photoinitiator, which means it’s the ingredient in gels that reacts with UV or LED light to harden and cure the product.

Without photoinitiators, your gels simply wouldn’t cure properly. TPO has been one of the most effective ones out there, which is why it’s been widely used in:

• Gel polish

• Hard gels

• Builder gels (BIAB)

• Acrygel and other hybrid systems

It works fast, cures strongly, and gives clients that long-lasting finish we love.

Why was TPO banned?

As of 1st September 2025, the European Union banned TPO in nail products. But why?

The decision comes from safety concerns, mostly around under-curing. Here’s what we know:

In animal testing, rats were given uncured TPO to digest. Large doses caused fertility issues. Obviously, this isn’t the same as how we use it in nails — we don’t eat gels! But it raised questions about potential long-term effects if the chemical was left uncured on nails or skin.

In cosmetics, TPO has only ever been allowed up to 5% concentration, and once cured, it’s considered safe.

However, curing depends heavily on using the right lamp for the right gel. Not every nail tech does this, and under-cured products can leave traces of TPO on the skin or nail, which increases the risk of irritation and allergic reactions over time.

So while TPO is safe when fully cured, the EU decided to remove it as a precautionary measure.

Why is it still allowed in dentistry?

You might be surprised to hear that dentists are still allowed to use TPO — it’s in some white dental fillings.

The reason? Dentistry uses special curing lamps with different wavelengths, which are powerful enough to fully cure the chemical. In nails, curing can be inconsistent depending on the brand, product, or lamp used. That higher risk of under-curing is what made the EU pull the plug on TPO in nail products.

What does this mean for EU nail techs?

Products with TPO can no longer be bought or used in professional salons.

This applies to anyone charging for nail services, whether in a salon, at home, or mobile.

It does not apply if you’re only doing your own nails at home.

There was some speculation that the ban only applied to sales, but multiple EU countries have confirmed it’s also a ban on use for professionals.

If you’re a tech in Europe and still using old bottles with TPO, you’re technically breaking the law.

What does this mean for UK nail techs?

For us in the UK, the ban hasn’t hit yet. Current guidance suggests it will come into effect in September 2026 (though this date still needs official confirmation).

So, what should we do in the meantime?

✅ Check your stock – anything older than 2 years is less likely to be reformulated.

✅ Read labels – brands are required to list TPO in ingredients if it’s present.

✅ Ask your brand – most reputable brands will tell you if their products are TPO-free or in the process of being reformulated.

✅ Plan ahead – phase in compliant alternatives gradually so you’re ready when the ban lands.

✅ Communicate – reassure your clients you’re ahead of the curve.

What chemicals are allowed instead of TPO?

The good news is that there are legal alternatives to TPO that brands are already using. According to Gellifique and other compliant manufacturers, the following photoinitiators are safe and approved for use in the EU and UK:

BAPO (Bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphine oxide)

TPO-L (Ethyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phenylphosphinate)

Ivocerin (a newer, highly effective initiator often used in dentistry and premium gels)

These alternatives have been tested, are legally compliant, and give the same strong cure we need in nail products — without the risks associated with TPO.

So if you see these names on your gel bottles, you know you’re using a compliant product.

My approach as a UK nail tech

Although the UK ban isn’t due until 2026, I made the choice to go TPO-free from 1st September 2025.

I went through my entire stock, checked every bottle, and cleared out anything that wasn’t compliant. Yes, I lost a fair few colours — but many were older anyway, and it gave me the perfect reason to refresh my collection.

For me, being prepared matters. I don’t see any point in waiting until the last minute. My

clients trust me to keep them safe, and they’re happy to know I’m ahead of the changes.

Luckily my main brand Gellifique only had 1-2% of their stock with TPO in their bottles and they phased all that product out since they heard about ban. I have lost about 20 colours to one brand, who is based in USA. There is no any sign at the moment talking about banning the ingredient, they didn't phase it out. And there is more brands like it, not everyone ships to EU.

How to explain this to clients

Clients don’t need the full chemistry lesson — but they do want reassurance that what you’re using on them is safe. If the topic ever comes up, here’s a simple way to explain it:

“The EU has banned a chemical called TPO in gels because of safety concerns with curing. It’s safe when cured properly, but as a precaution, brands are reformulating with safer alternatives. I’ve already switched to TPO-free products so I can keep offering you the best-quality nails.”

This keeps the message professional and positive without worrying them.

Final Thoughts

The TPO ban might sound dramatic at first, but in reality, it’s about precaution and client safety. Many brands have already moved away from it, and for UK techs, there’s still time to prepare.

At the end of the day, being a nail tech isn’t just about creating beautiful nails — it’s about making sure we’re using the best, safest products available. Stay informed, check your bottles, and be ready for when the UK ban comes into force.

I’m already TPO-free and ready — and my clients appreciate that proactive approach. Trust is everything in this business, and keeping ahead of legislation is just one more way to show professionalism.

Maya xx