Gel nails aren’t going anywhere, but the European Union just made a big move that’s shaking up the beauty world. As of September 1, 2025, gel nail polishes containing a chemical called TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) are officially banned in all EU countries.
TPO is what helps gel polish harden quickly under UV or LED lamps, but European regulators flagged it as a potential reproductive and cancer risk based on animal studies. While the EU’s decision doesn’t outlaw gel manicures entirely, it does mean that brands must reformulate without TPO to stay on the shelves overseas.
This ruling has sparked concern and confusion across social media, especially since many assumed the EU banned gel nails altogether. That’s not true—it’s only the TPO ingredient that’s off-limits. If the polish doesn’t have TPO, it’s still safe for salons in Europe.
Meanwhile, here in the United States, gel polish with TPO is still legal and widely used. The FDA hasn’t moved to restrict it, saying there isn’t enough evidence of actual harm to humans. Experts also stress that once cured on the nail, the product is largely inert and unlikely to cause problems.
Still, the EU’s decision is prompting some beauty brands to get ahead of the curve by creating TPO-free gel formulas, which may soon become the global standard.
For anyone worried, dermatologists suggest simple precautions like asking your nail tech about the products they use, choosing TPO-free brands, and wearing sunscreen on your hands before curing under UV lamps.
