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Milford Nail Salon Weighs Pros and Cons of Gel Polish After Europe Ban
The EU's precautionary ban on TPO affects thousands of nail salons, requiring immediate disposal of products due to animal studies linking TPO to reproductive and carcinogenic risks.
- On Sept. 1, 2025, the European Commission prohibited Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide, banning its sale, import, use, and requiring immediate disposal of existing stock across the EU.
- Toxicologists noted the rat studies showed animal studies linked high-dose TPO exposure to fertility harms, prompting its classification as a CMR category 1B reproductive toxicant under CLP regulations by the European Commission.
- Across EU salons, technicians must discard TPO-containing stock immediately, disrupting businesses; Tati Nails in Milford said all gel products contain TPO and will try TPO-free alternatives, with safety practices like masks.
- In the United States, regulators have not banned TPO, leaving consumers exposed while some cosmetic brands consider reformulation and calls grow for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reevaluate it.
- Experts describe the EU action as precautionary, noting limited human evidence but prioritising women's health, while industry representatives argue data insufficiency and warn the ban may strain small businesses and retailers.
12 Articles
12 Articles
A Gel Nail Polish Ingredient Was Just Banned — These 5 Others May Harm Your Reproductive Health
Getty Images By Keyaira Boone ·Updated September 5, 2025 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… Across the pond in the UK, the European Union announced a total ban on one of the key ingredients in gel nail polish recently. Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, or TPO, enables the hardening of gel and hybrid polishes when placed under UV light. Their choice reflected concerns about its impact on reproductive healthcare, and they labeled it …
Why has the EU banned some gel nail polish?
The European Union has banned a common chemical used in many gel nail polishes. It says more research is needed to examine a possible link between the chemical and damage to the reproductive system. The product is not currently banned in the UK and the US.
Since 1 September 2025, the European Union has immediately banned two common compounds in nail polishes and gels: trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) and dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMPT). Both chemicals, present in many professional and domestic products, have been classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction. The measure seeks to protect both customers and professionals in the beauty sector, who are constantly exposed to …
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