Banned from the Bottle: Why TPO Is Getting the Boot from Your Gel Mani

News | November 2025

Banned from the Bottle: Why TPO Is Getting the Boot from Your Gel Mani

Women have been using nail polish for millennia. It has evolved from the early Chinese mixture of egg whites, beeswax, and gelatin to nail enamels offered in numberless color options to the now-popular gel variety. Many women prefer the gel option because of its long-lasting, chip-resistant, and professional finish.

Recently, certain gel polish ingredients such as TPO have been in the news as updated regulations in Europe raise concerns over safety. Rest assured: this guide explains the TPO ban clearly, what it means for your manicures, and how safe, high-quality alternatives are readily available so you can enjoy your gel nails with confidence.

What is TPO in Gel Polish?

Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) is a go-to photoinitiator for many gel polish formulas because it helps the polish harden quickly and resist yellowing.

Photoinitiators respond to light. As an ingredient in gel polish, TPO begins the polymerisation, or hardening, process when exposed to UV or LED light.

In gel nail formulations, TPO plays a key role in producing manicures that are durable, glossy, and long-lasting. It helps the polish resist chipping and achieve a high-shine finish while curing more quickly than other photoinitiators, thanks to its lower sensitivity to oxygen. However, new cosmetic regulations have led to a ban on the use of TPO in beauty products in Europe.

Though a ban is not currently in effect in the US, The GelBottle Inc. is here to help you transition smoothly to TPO-free alternatives if you’re concerned about potential dangers. As a pioneer in nail technology, we remain at the forefront of innovation, providing professional-grade products trusted by nail technicians and salons across the globe.

Why Is TPO Banned?

The EU has adopted a precaution-first policy for cosmetics. While typical salon exposure is far below levels tested in animal studies, regulators chose to phase out TPO to further enhance consumer safety. On September 1st, 2025, the European Union officially banned the manufacture, sale, and commercial use of TPO in cosmetics due to its reclassification as a CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic) Category 1B substance under EU CLP regulations.

Past reviews by the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded that TPO was safe for professional nail applications at concentrations up to 5%, noting that very little TPO remains unreacted after curing and that nails are far less permeable than skin. Although the United States uses a risk-based approach and the UK is still transitioning (expected between 2026–2027), Europe’s ban reflects an extra margin of safety rather than evidence of harm from typical manicure use.

To support professionals and consumers alike during this transition, The GelBottle Inc. has been proactive in developing TPO-free, high-performance gel polish formulas that maintain the durability, gloss, and longevity clients love. Our current line of TPO-Free products include:

5 Potential Health Risks of Using TPO Gel Nail Polish

When gel products are used as directed, potential risks are considered low. Below are some of the common health concerns associated with TPO, along with tips and guidelines to keep in mind:

Reproductive Toxicity

This concern comes from very high-dose animal studies that do not reflect real-world manicure exposure. For typical salon use, the risk is considered low, particularly because most TPO is consumed during curing and the nail plate is less permeable than skin.

Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions

When uncured gel polish that contains TPO makes contact with the skin, there is the potential for irritation and other reactions, including:

Redness
Swelling
Itching
Dermatitis

However, Irritation is largely preventable with careful application that avoids skin contact, a standard practice for trained technicians. If you’re using at-home kits, take extra care to keep uncured gel off the skin and follow curing instructions precisely. If you’ve had sensitivities in the past, choosing TPO-free products is a simple way to add peace of mind. You can find a full list of our TPO-free products here.

Carcinogenic Potential

Because TPO has been classified as a CMR Category 1B substance, it has been flagged for potential mutagenicity or carcinogenicity. Current human data is limited though, and using TPO-free alternatives removes this concern while maintaining performance.

UV Exposure Risks

UVA exposure from curing lamps is moderate and significantly lower than tanning beds, for example. Easy protections, such as applying broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen 20 minutes before your appointment or wearing fingertip-less gloves, further minimize health risks. Many salons already follow these best practices.

Nail Damage

Nail strength can be maintained with proper removal and routine breaks. Have gels professionally removed, and avoid picking or peeling polish. Your technician can recommend intervals and care tips to keep nails healthy between sets.

Safe Gel Manicure Consumer Checklist

To minimize potential risks associated with TPO, follow this safety checklist each time you visit your nail technician:

Before your appointment:
- Check ingredients in polish, looking for TPO, or ask if they offer TPO-free options
- Research the brand of polish- look for ones labeled as "9-free," "toxin-free," or "TPO-free."
During the appointment:
- Avoid the gel touching your skin and cuticles
- Protect your hands from the UV/LED lights by wearing fingertip-less gloves or applying broad-spectrum SPF 30+ beforehand.
- Ensure the salon has good airflow to reduce inhalation of vapors
During removal:
- Don't peel or force gel off.
- Ask your technician to lightly buff the top layer and soak in acetone for 20+ minutes.
- Avoid aggressive scraping to keep nails strong.
In between appointments:
- Moistruize nails and cuticles, and use nail strengtheners as needed.
- Take short breaks between applications to support nail resililence.

FAQs Regarding the TPO Ban in Gel Nail Polish

Is TPO in Gel Polish Safe?

While the EU has chosen a precautionary path by banning TPO outright, many experts consider consumer risk from properly applied gel manicures to be low. This is because absorption through the nail plate is unlikely and exposure is minimal. Ultimately, choosing whether to use TPO-containing gel polishes comes down to personal preference.

How Can I Tell If a Product Contains TPO?

Look for Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide in the list of ingredients. If it’s not listed, you can ask your nail technician or check the brand’s website. Some newer TPO-free products may be marked with a special label or listed as "TPO-Free" on the packaging.

The GelBottle Inc. will begin using TPO-L, a photoinitiator that provides fast, effective curing and is compliant with the new EU regulations. This will be fully rolled out in our product line by September 2026.

Are TPO-Free Products Just as Effective?

Yes! TPO-L is a photoinitiator similar to TPO and is legal in the US, UK, and the EU. A benzene ring in the banned TPO structure is replaced by an ethoxy group to create TPO-L, which provides fast, reliable curing.

The GelBottle Inc. Offers TPO-Free Products for the Safety and Peace of Mind of Our Consumers

Whether you’re in Europe, the U.K., or the United States, you can take advantage of The GelBottle Inc.’s TPO-free nail products, knowing they are safe to use and meet all regulatory standards.

We began preparing for this transition in 2023, and our entire EU product range has already been reformulated to remove TPO. These updated formulas have undergone extensive testing and continue to deliver the same high-quality performance professionals and consumers expect.

For our US customers, we’re proactively introducing TPO-free formulas over the coming year to ensure a smooth transition. Many of our products are already globally TPO-free, including our gel colors and selected BIAB™ ranges (All In One, HEMA-Free, and newer collections). Our goal is to make every product worldwide completely TPO-free.

Shop our online store today to get the colors and gel products delivered to your door!