TPO in Nail Products – Facts & Guidance

Let's get things straight

TPO is not banned in the UK, only in EU. The rest of world remains unaffected.

Whilst there have been discussions about a possible ban, there is no official plan, date and nothing confirmed.

If a ban was to happen in the UK, we would expect at least 12 months notice just like the EU.

What is TPO?

TPO is a photoinitiator: the chemical that starts the hardening process.

• super reactive
• minimises yellowing of the colour
• works with lots of different monomers
• strong enough to cure even thicker layers with ease

Nothing quite matches the effectiveness of TPO, which is why you'll find it in so many gel products

In the UK, its approved for use in cosmetic products at concentrates of up to 5%.

Do our products contain TPO?

Yes, we can confirm that some of our products do contain TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide), a commonly used ingredient in nail systems. Please be assured that:

• TPO is not banned or illegal in the UK.
• All of our products are responsibly sourced and fully compliant with current UK cosmetic regulations.
• They are safe for professional use when applied correctly.

Why is TPO being banned in the EU?

The EU has chosen to ban TPO from September 1, 2025 because of concerns about its potential as a reproductive toxicant when ingested in very high doses in studies on rats.

Importantly:

• The ban is not linked to its use in nail products at the low levels found in gels (typically 1–3%).
• Concerns were originally raised around UV-cured food packaging, not cosmetics.

To put this clearer, you would need to eat 514 pots of gel everyday for ten whole days straight to be exposed to the same quantities as the rats were, but please remember that nail gels were not ingested.

Doug Schoon’s expert view

Doug Schoon, a leading scientist in the nail industry, has explained:

• TPO is safe when used as intended in nail products and when skin contact is avoided.
• The ban results from poorly written regulations, not new safety concerns.
• Reformulation will be required, but performance of products should not be affected.
• He advocates for science-based cosmetic regulations rather than relying on outdated hazard rules.

What this means for UK nail professionals

• The EU ban applies from September 2025, but the UK will not enforce the restriction until Late 2026 (Date not yet confirmed).
• Until then, nail professionals in the UK can continue to buy, sell, and use products containing TPO lawfully.

Can TPO products still be sold in the UK?

Yes – until the ban comes into force.

• TPO products may be sold and used without restriction.

What happens after the ban?

• Products containing TPO can no longer be used or sold in the UK (We will do our best to keep you updated)
• Any remaining stock must be disposed of according to local waste regulations.
• Manufacturers are already reformulating with approved alternatives such as TPO-L, TPO-R, BAPO, and HCPK, which are safe and effective replacements.
• We are committed to providing TPO-free alternatives ahead of the ban so you can continue using our products with full confidence, please be patient as it will be slowly transitioning over in the up and coming months

Why are UK brands removing TPO now if its not banned in the UK?

It's all about future proofing. Brands are staying one step ahead if the ban happens in the UK.

Please Note: Our Blooming Gel, Peelable Base Coat, Velvet Matte Top Coat, Transfer Foil Gel, Gel Paints, 3D Gels do not contain TPO.