Millions of people around the world love gel manicures for their long-lasting shine and chip-resistant finish. But starting September 1, 2025, certain Gel Polish Banned in Europe that don’t exist in the United States.
The European Union has banned specific ingredients like TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) in gel nail products due to health concerns, while these same chemicals remain legal in American nail salons. This gel polish ingredient ban affects European consumers but leaves American nail enthusiasts wondering about their own safety.
The difference between European and American regulations creates confusion for consumers who travel between countries or purchase products online. Understanding why Europe bans certain gel nail ingredients while the US allows them helps people make informed choices about their nail care routines.
Key Takeaways – Gel Polish Banned
- Europe banned TPO and other gel polish ingredients starting September 2025 due to reproductive health risks
- American regulations allow these same chemicals in nail products despite European safety concerns
- Consumers can choose TPO-free gel polishes that meet European safety standards regardless of location
Why Gel Polish Is Banned in Europe But Not in the USA
The European Union banned specific gel nail polish ingredients starting September 1, 2025, while the United States continues to allow these same chemicals. The ban targets TPO, a photoinitiator linked to reproductive health risks through animal studies.
Overview of the Ban and Affected Products
The European Union enforced a ban on gel nail ingredients effective September 1, 2025. The ban affects gel nail polishes, artificial nail systems, and UV-cured nail products sold across EU member countries.
TPO is banned from nail products throughout the European Union, with Great Britain following suit in late 2026. The regulation applies to all cosmetics containing this ingredient.
Many nail salons and consumers use products with banned ingredients without knowing it. Gel polish brands are reformulating their products to meet EU cosmetics regulation standards.
The United States has not implemented similar restrictions. American nail salons continue using gel polishes with TPO and other ingredients that Europe considers unsafe.
Key Ingredient: TPO and Its Role in Gel Nail Polish
TPO stands for trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide. TPO helps gel products cure quickly under UV light and maintains color stability in nail products.
This photoinitiator appears in concentrations up to 5% in artificial nail systems. When exposed to LED light or UV lamps, TPO triggers the chemical reaction that hardens gel polish.
Common TPO Applications:
- Gel nail polish formulas
- Builder gels for nail extensions
- Base and top coat products
- UV-cured nail art materials
Manufacturers rely on TPO because it creates durable, long-lasting manicures. The ingredient helps gel polish adhere to nails and resist chipping for weeks.
Without TPO, nail product companies must find alternative photoinitiators. These replacements may change how products perform or require different curing times under LED lights.
Health Risks Linked to TPO
Animal studies show TPO poses fertility risks, though definitive conclusions about human health effects cannot be drawn. The European Commission classified TPO as toxic to reproduction based on laboratory research.
Studies indicate potential reproductive harm from repeated exposure to this photoinitiator. The ingredient may affect hormone function and fertility when absorbed through skin contact.
Potential Health Concerns:
- Reproductive system disruption
- Hormonal imbalances
- Fertility complications
- Developmental issues
Nail salon workers face higher exposure risks through daily product handling. Clients receive smaller doses during occasional manicure appointments.
The EU takes a precautionary approach to cosmetic safety. European cosmetics regulations ban ingredients when animal studies suggest potential harm, even without human data.
American regulators require stronger evidence before restricting cosmetic ingredients. This difference in regulatory philosophy explains why TPO remains legal in United States nail products.
Regulatory Differences and Industry Impact
The European Union’s ban on TPO creates a stark contrast with U.S. regulations, forcing manufacturers to develop safer alternatives while consumers and nail professionals navigate different safety standards across regions.
EU Cosmetics Regulation vs. US Approach
The European Union maintains significantly stricter cosmetic regulations compared to the United States. The EU has stricter cosmetic regulations than the US, which creates challenges for US manufacturers who want to sell products in European markets.
Under EU Cosmetics Regulation, TPO has been added to the EU list of ingredients prohibited in cosmetics. The ban took effect September 1, 2025, making it illegal to sell or distribute products containing this photoinitiator.
The United States follows a different approach. The FDA allows TPO in cosmetics, meaning gel polishes with this toxic ingredient remain legal for sale and use in American nail salons.
This regulatory gap creates confusion for consumers. Products banned in Europe continue appearing on U.S. shelves, despite growing safety concerns about the photoinitiator’s potential health risks.
Alternatives to Banned Photoinitiators
Cosmetics manufacturers have developed new formulations to replace TPO in gel polish systems. Many manufacturers are positioning their new formulations as “TPO-free” in marketing materials.
However, TPO-free labels don’t guarantee safer products. Alternative photoinitiators may still pose health risks when exposed to LED light during curing processes.
Some companies have invested in completely reformulated gel systems. These new products aim to maintain performance while eliminating banned substances from their formulations.
The transition period has created market challenges. Manufacturers must reformulate products, update packaging, and educate distributors about compliant alternatives.
Implications for Consumers and Professionals
Nail professionals face uncertainty about product safety standards. Salons in the United States can legally continue using TPO-containing products, while European salons must switch to compliant alternatives.
Consumer awareness remains limited. Many clients don’t know their gel manicures may contain banned toxic ingredients that pose potential health risks.
The regulatory divide affects product availability. European consumers access reformulated, potentially safer gel polishes, while American consumers encounter mixed product safety standards.
Professional training needs updating. Nail technicians must understand which products comply with different regional regulations and how to identify safer alternatives for their clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
European regulators have banned specific toxic ingredients found in many gel polishes starting September 2025, while US authorities maintain different safety standards. The regulatory gap creates confusion about product safety and available alternatives.
What are the main reasons behind the ban of gel polishes in Europe?
Europe banned certain gel polish ingredients due to health and environmental safety concerns. The EU has banned over 1,300 substances in cosmetics compared to only 11 banned by the US FDA.
The European Union prioritizes consumer protection through strict cosmetic regulations. They evaluate ingredients based on potential long-term health risks.
Environmental impact also influences European decisions. Regulators consider how cosmetic ingredients affect both human health and environmental systems.
Are there any specific chemicals in gel polishes that prompted the European ban?
Starting September 2025, the EU is banning a toxic ingredient still found in many gel polishes. The specific ingredient causes safety concerns for regular users.
Parabens represent another banned category. Five specific parabens have been banned for use in cosmetics products in the EU since 2014.
Solvents commonly used in nail products also face restrictions. These chemicals can cause developmental and reproductive harm according to European safety assessments.
How does the US regulatory approach to gel polishes differ from Europe’s?
The United States takes a less restrictive approach to cosmetic ingredient regulation. The US FDA has banned only 11 substances while Europe restricts over 1,300.
US regulations often allow ingredients that Europe considers unsafe. Many chemicals banned in EU cosmetics are allowed in USA products.
American regulatory agencies typically wait for proven harm before restricting ingredients. European authorities take a more cautious approach by preventing potential risks.
What are the health concerns associated with the use of gel polishes?
Gel polishes contain chemicals that may cause developmental and reproductive harm. Regular exposure through nail salon visits increases potential health risks.
Some ingredients in gel polishes can trigger allergic reactions. Skin sensitivity and contact dermatitis represent common concerns among frequent users.
Long-term exposure to certain gel polish chemicals may affect hormone systems. These endocrine-disrupting effects concern health experts and regulators.
Have any major health organizations commented on the safety of gel polishes?
European health authorities have expressed concerns about gel polish safety. Their evaluations led to the upcoming September 2025 ingredient ban.
The European Union’s scientific committees regularly assess cosmetic ingredient safety. Their findings influence regulatory decisions across member countries.
US health organizations have provided less public commentary on gel polish risks. American regulatory agencies focus more on post-market surveillance than preventive measures.
What alternatives to gel polish are available in the European market post-ban?
European manufacturers have developed compliant gel polish formulations. Some brands like Elegelli are already 100% safe and EU-compliant.
Traditional nail polish remains a viable alternative. These products offer color and shine without the banned gel polish ingredients.
Non-toxic nail treatments provide safer options for consumers. These alternatives use ingredients that meet European safety standards.
Professional salons can offer compliant gel systems. Beauty professionals across Europe have access to approved formulations that maintain performance while meeting safety requirements.
