TPO Just Got Banned in the EU—Here’s What Nail Techs Need to Know

11 days ago

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Written by Sam F.

TPO Just Got Banned in the EU—Here’s What Nail Techs Need to Know

11 days ago

·

Written by Sam F.

On September 1st, 2025, the European Union officially banned the use of TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) in nail products. For many in the nail industry, this decision might feel sudden—but the concerns behind it have been growing for years.

So what does this mean for nail techs?
Should you be worried?
And what should you be using now?

Let’s break it down in simple, real terms—because in 2025 and going into 2026, it’s not about quantity anymore. It’s about quality.

What Is TPO—and Why Is It a Problem?

TPO is a photoinitiator. That means it helps gel products harden under UV/LED light. It’s been widely used in some gel polishes and builders for years.

But recent studies have raised serious health concerns.

In multiple risk assessments conducted by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), TPO was flagged as potentially toxic to reproduction. Specifically, animal studies showed that high levels of exposure could impact fertility and fetal development. (Source: SCCS Opinion 2023 )

Because of these findings, as of September 1st, 2025, TPO is officially banned in nail and cosmetic products across all EU countries.

Why This Matters—Even if You're Not in the EU

You might be thinking, “Well, I’m not in Europe—so this doesn’t affect me.”

But here’s why it still matters:

The European Union doesn’t ban ingredients overnight. In fact, their decision to ban TPO came after over 5 years of toxicological investigation and safety reviews led by the SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety).

📚 In 2019, initial concerns were raised.
📚 By 2021, studies were underway.
📚 In March 2023, the SCCS published an official opinion that TPO is toxic to reproduction—and based on that, the EU enforced a full ban effective September 1st, 2025.
Source: SCCS Opinion No. 251, 2023

Now here’s the part that many don’t talk about:
These studies were based on oral exposure in animals, not nail application in humans. There’s no direct evidence that TPO causes harm when used in small amounts on nails. However, the EU follows the precautionary principle:

If there’s enough evidence of potential harm—especially for reproductive health—they don’t wait. They act.

And it’s not just Europe seeing warning signs.

Here in Houston, where our brand is based, we’ve seen the effects firsthand. Since the COVID-19 pandemic exploded the nail industry in 2020, we’ve also seen a massive rise in nail allergies—well over 100% increase in local reports.

What’s behind it?

🔹 A flood of cheap, unregulated nail products hitting the market.
🔹 No proper ingredient testing.
🔹 Low-quality monomers and photoinitiators like TPO, often from mass-produced sources.
🔹 Inexperienced techs unknowingly using high-risk formulas.

That’s why even though TPO and HEMA are still legal in the U.S., we believe they won’t be for long. And if you wait for the ban to come—it’ll already be too late for your clients’ trust.

What Countries Are Affected Right Now?

As of today, the TPO ban is in effect in all 27 EU member countries, including:

France
Germany
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Sweden
…and more.

Many manufacturers are now being forced to reformulate their gels—and salons across Europe are scrambling to find TPO-free alternatives that still perform well under LED lamps.

What Should Nail Techs Use Instead?

There are safer photoinitiators that still offer strong curing—but not all brands are making the switch.

If you're a nail tech looking to future-proof your kit, here's what to look for:

TPO-Free labeling (clearly shown on SDS or ingredient list)
Brands that already comply with EU standards, even if you're in the U.S.

Now more than ever, what you use matters. Clients are tired of reactions, allergies, and mystery formulas.

Hey Beautiful: Ahead of the Ban

At Hey Beautiful, our mission has always been to offer clean, high-performance products that respect both the nail tech and the client.

That’s why our gel products were TPO-free long before this ban happened.

✅ All of our gel polishes are 100% TPO-free
✅ Most of our gels are HEMA-free
✅ Our lines are made in Korea, Japan, and the USA—and pass EU safety standards

We believe in choosing formulas that are:

Safe to work with daily
Suitable for sensitive clients
Designed for long-term use without risk

It’s not about offering 500 colors or 20 different builder formulas.
In 2025 and 2026, it’s about offering smart, curated, high-quality systems that techs can count on and feel proud to use.