The CTPA has stressed that the ban is precautionary
A new ban affecting gel nail products has come into force in the UK, with salons beginning a transition away from products containing TPO.
The restriction targets trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, commonly known as TPO, which is used in gel nail products to help them harden under UV or LED lamps.
As of August 15, 2026, manufacturers and importers can no longer place cosmetic products containing TPO on the UK market.
However, the change does not mean gel manicures themselves have been banned.
Salons can continue using existing TPO-containing products until February 14, 2027. After that date, professionals will no longer be able to purchase those products from distributors.
The distinction is important for customers who currently have regular gel manicures or BIAB treatments.
The European Union introduced its own ban on TPO in cosmetics from September 1, 2025, after the ingredient was classified as potentially harmful to reproduction under chemicals legislation.
TPO is a photoinitiator, meaning it helps gel products cure when exposed to UV or LED light. It has been widely used in gel nail systems because of its curing properties.
The regulatory decision is based on the chemical’s hazardous properties rather than evidence that normal salon use causes fertility problems.
Caroline Rainsford, director of science at the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), said:
“The reason why TPO has been banned in cosmetic products is based on its hazardous properties, meaning how a substance might behave under a ‘worst-case’ situation, when our bodies are exposed to a very large amount.”
The CTPA has stressed that the ban is precautionary and does not mean existing TPO-containing cosmetic products are considered unsafe when used as intended.
It says the amount of TPO used in nail products is extremely low and that the products are applied to the nail.
There is also a history of scientific assessment surrounding the ingredient.
In 2014, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety concluded that TPO was safe as a nail modelling product at concentrations of up to 5%.
However, the committee also classified TPO as a moderate skin sensitiser.
Alternatives including TPO-L and BAPO are already being used in gel nail formulations. These ingredients can provide similar curing properties without being the TPO named in the new prohibition.
Customers who want to check whether a product contains TPO can look at its ingredient list.
The ingredient may appear as trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide or under other chemical naming conventions referring to the same substance.
Margaret Dabbs OBE, podiatrist and founder of Margaret Dabbs London, has warned that the preparation and removal process can contribute to nail damage.
She said:
“To minimise damage, always have gels removed professionally, give your nails regular breaks and nourish them daily.”
Dabbs added that even a fortnight between appointments can make a difference, while keeping nails hydrated during breaks can help maintain the condition of the nails and surrounding skin.
She explained: “Gel and BIAB manicures can weaken nails because of the preparation and removal process.
“Over-buffing, acetone and scraping all strip the nail of natural oils and damage the keratin layers. This leaves nails thin, dry and prone to peeling.”
The Office for Product Safety and Standards says cosmetic products supplied in the UK must be safe and comply with strict requirements covering their ingredients, safety assessments and labelling.
