Shocking gel nail polish ban explained.
Anyone heading to a nail salon today in Europe might be in for a big surprise.
The appeal of gel nails highlighted.
Gel nails, the shiny, chip-proof staples of modern beauty, have long been adored for their flawless finish.
Cured under UV or LED light, these manicures offer weeks of durable, glossy perfection.
Gel polish’s popularity took off in the early 2000s, starting in luxury salons.
Red carpet appearances fueled demand, with stars flaunting glossy, chip-proof nails.
By 2010, at-home gel kits became widely available, with influencers teaching fans the LED curing method.
Despite soaring popularity, research lagged, and TPO spread globally without extensive human safety testing.
Early users reported nail thinning, while reproductive concerns emerged later through lab studies.
The shocking ban confirmed.
Starting today, the EU has banned a chemical commonly found in gel polish.
TPO, or trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, creates that ultra-glossy sheen and quick drying effect.
Studies suggest TPO can disrupt reproductive health and fertility, raising red flags among regulators.
Unlike traditional nail polish, gel forms a hard, long-lasting layer resistant to chips and cracks.
Some brands are TPO-free, but many still rely on this banned ingredient.
Europe has a history of banning chemicals still legal in the U.S., including BHA, BHT, and other additives.
The risks disclosed.
The EU classifies TPO as “carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction.”
Evidence linking TPO to human health risks is mainly from animal studies.
“The EU is banning it out of caution,” dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman told Wellness Pulse.
“Even without large-scale human studies proving harm, potential risk justifies stricter regulation.”
TPO is also used in dental fillings, but the ban targets only cosmetic use.
Professional impact clarified.
Previously, TPO was limited to salon professionals at 5% max concentration.
Today, the sale, marketing, and use of TPO products are fully prohibited.
Salons must discard all existing stock with no grace period.
The EU first announced the ban in May 2024, but the September enforcement leaves little prep time.
Importers and salon owners claim the timeline is too short to replace TPO products.
Over 100 million American women use nail products, many exposed to TPO unknowingly.
Podiatrist Dr. Saylee Tulpule warns UV curing may raise skin cancer risk and weaken nails.
Waiting too long between gel manicures can foster Pseudomonas bacteria, turning nails green or blue.
This infection develops when gel lifts, especially in moist environments, posing health risks to vulnerable individuals.
Infections can spread to skin, blood, and even internal organs if untreated.
EU gel nail polish ban in effect.
It’s advisable to request TPO-free gels like OPI Intelli-Gel, Manicurist, Apres Nail, Nail Creation, and Aimeili.
You should also space out gel manicures, use a protective base coat, and work in well-ventilated areas.
Effective today, the EU ban on TPO-containing gel polish is live, forcing salons across Europe to purge products and rethink their nail routines.