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Gel manicure is Beauty staple food Millions of time, lasting weeks without chips and keeping a shiny till in between.
But as of September 1, 2025 European Union According to the press release, a chemical that has been banned in many gel polishes has raised safety issues and uncertainty in nail salons.
The ingredient in question is trimethylbenzoyl diphenyl oxide (TPO). The compound reacts under ultraviolet light, causing the polish to harden rapidly and make it like glass.
As of September 1, 2025, the EU has banned a chemical used in many gel polishes, raising safety issues and uncertainty in nail salons. (iStock)
The decision appears to stem from several studies linking TPO exposure to fertility issues.
These studies are often focused on animal subjects, not humans, but the EU uses a strict “safety is better than regret” approach in cosmetics.
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Regulators reclassify TPO as a Class 1B CMR substance, meaning it may Cause cancer or reproductive injury. Under EU law, this triggers an automatic ban.
As a result, the marketing and use of cosmetics containing TPOs (including in professional environments such as nail salons) is strictly prohibited.
Gels and conventional polishes
The Cleveland Clinic says the key difference between gel and conventional polish is the application process—not just the compounds that people need to watch.
“These two products usually look the same, but while you’re just waiting for the regular nail polish to dry on your own… The gel nail polish is done in 60 to 90 seconds under specialized UV light or in 60 seconds LED lights,” the website reads.
The ingredient trimethylbenzoyl diphenyl oxide (TPO) reacts under ultraviolet light, causing the polish to harden rapidly and impart a glass-like finish. (iStock)
During the manicure process, these lights help set up gel manicure and dry polish. However, they also radiate the Skin cancer The above source said.
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These lights penetrate deep into the skin and damage collagen. However, studies have shown that the link between nail salon lamps and cancer seems weak or inconclusive.
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Release notes that EU salons must immediately stop using TPO products, even if TPO products are stored before the deadline.
Studies show that the link between nail salon lamps and cancer seems weak or inconclusive. (iStock)
Technically, even after September 1, even old bottles containing TPOs are not legal. The ban currently only applies to the EU.
But, the good news for customers is that the gel nails won’t go away.
According to industry reports, alternative ingredients such as TPO-L, BAPO and methylbenzoylmethylmethylmethylformate have been rebranded.
