News | November 2025
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Don’t Get Caught Off Guard by the TPO Ban: Tips for Nail Professionals

If you’ve heard about recent changes regarding TPO and wondered how they might affect your nail business, you’re not alone. The nail industry thrives on innovation and trust, and professionals rely on safe, high‑performing products to deliver flawless results for clients.

The good news: this is a chance to prepare your salon for the future with services that are safer and have compliant formulas.

In this article, we explain what TPO is, what the regulatory changes mean for the products you use, and how to stay ahead with proven TPO‑free solutions.

Table of Contents

What Is TPO for Nails?

Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, or TPO, is a photoinitiator that is utilized in gel nails to harden them when exposed to UV or LED light. 

A photoinitiator is a chemical compound that creates a chemical reaction when exposed to light. It absorbs the light, and the chemical reaction triggers a chain reaction to form a solid. 

When used in gel nails, TPO is an ingredient that creates a manicure that is: 

  • Durable 
  • Glossy 
  • Long-lasting 

TPO allows the nails to become chip-resistant and have a high gloss finish. It also cures faster than other photoinitiators because it is less affected by oxygen. However, recent regulations have phased out TPO in cosmetics. 

The GelBottle Inc. can help you navigate TPO alternatives with confidence. As an industry leader and innovator, we offer professional products trusted by nail professionals around the world. These include: 

View our full list of TPO-Free products here.

Why Was TPO Banned in the EU?

On September 1, 2025, the European Union determined that TPO could no longer be manufactured, sold, or used commercially. 

After studying the effects of TPO in animals, European regulators discovered that TPO had reproductive toxicity effects. 

Although exposure to TPO when used in gel nail polish is minimal, nail technicians are now required to switch to alternatives without TPO and to dispose of polishes that contain it. 

When used in nail polish, humans are not ingesting TPO, which is where most of the risk came from in the studies conducted with rats. Although gel nail polish is applied topically, regulators classified TPO as a hazard due to exposure to the ingredient in isolation being harmful. The chemical is banned as a precaution due to possible reproductive harm. 

Companies in the EU that use nail products with TPO must: 

  • Discontinue the sale, supply, and use of the products
  • Remove the stock from the premises of the business
  • Seek alternatives from suppliers

What the TPO Ban Means for Nail Technicians and Salons

Salons in the EU and UK must switch to TPO-free products by September 1, 2025. 

These salons must: 

  • Audit inventory
  • Stop the use of TPO products
  • Withdraw stock of TPO-containing products

The recent TPO ban impacts salons because it results in: 

  • Lost inventory
  • Cost burden
  • The need for reformulated products 

Currently, TPO has not been banned in the United States. U.S. regulators generally take a risk‑based approach, and because exposure is low and TPO is chemically altered during the curing process, products are currently permitted. While there’s no U.S. ban at this time, planning a gradual transition can help you adapt smoothly if guidance changes.

Will the United States and Other Regions Eventually Join the TPO Ban?

There is no U.S. ban on TPO in nail products at this time. However, the European decision influences global supply chains.

Many U.S. nail product companies are beginning to voluntarily reformulate their products to be TPO-free, and: 

  • Align with international standards
  • Meet growing consumer demands 
  • Remain competitive in the market

Even without a ban, U.S nail professionals should begin planning for a transition, or begin transitioning to TPO-free products early. By doing so, they can avoid disruption to services as they search for new alternatives and can prevent being left behind in the industry as it changes. Contact us today for more information on switching your current product line over to The GelBottle Inc.

What You Should Know About TPO-Free Reformulations for Gel Nail Manicures

New formulas for gel nail manicures are replacing TPO with TPO-L or BAPO.

TPO-L, or Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate, is also a photoinitiator, but it has a different chemical structure than TPO. TPO-L meets new regulations and is considered a safe alternative. It functions the same way by hardening the polish when exposed to UV or LED light. 

BAPO, or Bisacylphosphine Oxide, is another photoinitiator that is used to cure protective coatings and inks. Both TPO-L and BAPO are known for their quick curing and strong absorption, as well as being safe for use in cosmetics such as gel nail polish. 

At The GelBottle Inc., many of our current products are already TPO‑free. For EU salons, the products available are 100% TPO‑free. For UK and U.S. salons, we are transitioning all products to be TPO‑free by September 2026. We’re here to help you maintain performance and client satisfaction throughout the process.

Practical Steps for Nail Professionals Regarding the TPO Ban

For nail professionals ready to make the transition to TPO-free products, these are steps that will help make the transition smoother: 

  • Audit your inventory: Check the labels for all of your products to determine which products contain TPO.
  • Sort inventory: Set aside the products that will need to be replaced and the products that are already TPO-free and able to be used. 
  • Contact vendors: Your vendors and suppliers can provide safety data sheets (SDS) to confirm if your products contain TPO. 
  • Test products: Test products that are TPO-free to find the product alternatives that will work best for you and to practice using them before you fully transition. 
  • Communicate with staff and clients: Reassure your clients and staff about changes that will be taking place and ensure that your staff is educated about the reasons for the change. 
  • Other considerations: When trying new products, it is a good idea to cross-compare curing times and check formulas that are already TPO-free. You should also plan for turning over stock and new marketing messages as a TPO-free salon when planning your budget. 

Commonly Asked Questions About the TPO Ban From Nail Technicians

Do TPO-Free Gels Cure as Well?

While a direct comparison of TPO-free gel polish and TPO gel polish isn’t possible because they have different chemical compositions, it has been found that TPO-free nails: 

  • Cure quickly and deeply
  • They are stable and durable
  • Give high-performance results 

New formulas have been designed that are comparable in adhesion and curing to gel polishes containing TPO, without the possible safety risk. 

Is TPO Truly Dangerous?

The European Union determined that TPO is a Class 1B chemical that is considered a reproductive toxin. Animal studies conducted with TPO led regulators to believe that the chemical could be harmful to humans and their reproductive systems. 

However, the ban does not take into consideration that during the studies, the chemical was administered in ways that are not relevant to receiving manicures and a much larger amount was used. 

While using gel polish is a much less direct form of exposure, the European Union is cautious about chemical regulations to protect its citizens. 

Can I Finish Using My Old Stock Containing TPO?

In the U.S., nail professionals are currently permitted to use products containing TPO; there has not been a recall. If you operate in a region transitioning away from TPO or you want to align with the latest standards, begin planning a gradual move to TPO‑free formulas. Early planning helps ensure continuity of services and a smooth changeover. 

How The GelBottle Inc. Supports You With Compliant, High‑Performing Products

The GelBottle Inc. has been preparing for these changes since 2023, and many of our products are already globally TPO‑free. Our aim is to combine innovation with responsibility so you can maintain both client trust and service quality. 

Don’t get left behind, become a distributor with The GelBottle Inc. today!

  • Painted over 2 Billion Nails
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