Mythbuster: Has the EU really banned gel manicures?

Nail polish options were limited in the EU at the start of September, when European regulators officially banned the sale and use of the chemical called Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, known as TPO.

The chemical has several uses, but one of the most common is in gel nail polish, most commonly used in nail salons to create a gel manicure.

TPO is a photoinitiator, meaning it helps gel nail polish to dry faster under UV light, allowing the polish to look glossy and avoid chipping easily. Part of the appeal of gel nail polish is that it can stay in good condition for several weeks at a time.

The ban does not affect standard nail polish, which does not contain TPO.

Does this mean all gel nail polish has been banned?

No, some gel brands do not use TPO as an ingredient. Many advertise themselves as 'TPO-free'.

But nail salons in all EU countries will have to review their existing supply to ensure they are not using TPO-based polishes - which means that you may notice a change in the products available, or the disappearance of certain brands.

What does the ban mean?

The EU statement says that "from September 1, 2025, both placing and making available on the market of cosmetic products containing TPO are prohibited. This means that new products containing TPO cannot be placed on the market from that date.

It also means that "products already placed on the market before that date cannot continue to be supplied, transferred, or otherwise made available to another person in the course of commercial activity.

"In other words, professionals in the cosmetic businesses may not sell these products in the EU, nor may they give these products away."

Why is the EU banning TPO?

TPO is being prohibited due to its status as a CMR (Carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic chemical).

There has been some evidence based on animal tests that TPO could be harmful to fertility.

The UK newspaper, The Independent, reported that the ban was done as a precaution while further studies are conducted.

What about other places?

So far, regulators in the US and Australia have not banned TPO. Great Britain will be prohibiting its use from 2026, according to Scratch Magazine.