On September 1, 2025, the European Union officially banned an ingredient commonly found in gel nail polish. Gel nail polish has been popular since the early 2000s and has rapidly increased in use over the last few years.
The banned substance, trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), allows nails to cure quickly under UV or LED light. However, the EU has deemed TPO toxic after studies linked it to fertility issues and reproductive health risks. UV lights used in nail salons have also been associated with rare cases of skin cancer. Officials labeled the substance “carcinogenic and mutagenic.”
Many scientists argue that the ban is precautionary rather than preventative, since the evidence linking TPO to fertility issues comes from animal studies, not human ones.
“There are still many good brands of gel polish that do not have TPO in them,” said Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist. “Gel polishes like OPI and Aprés Nails provide a variety of colors without being harmful to humans and animals.”
Some professionals have spoken out against the ban, arguing that the only supporting evidence is not human-based. They also worry they won’t have enough time to discard TPO-based products and replace them with safer alternatives without hurting their businesses.
Experts question whether this ban will remain limited to Europe or eventually spread worldwide, including to the United States. For now, the prohibition applies only within the EU.
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