In the modern beauty and nail industry, Gel Polish have become one of the most popular choices thanks to their long-lasting shine, strong color retention, and luxurious finish. But starting September 1, 2025, the European Union officially banned all gel nail products containing TPO, a common photoinitiator used to harden gel under UV/LED light.

This decision stirred discussions across the beauty industry and raised a big question for many nail lovers: Are gel nails still safe? Why did the EU ban TPO in gel nail products? What’s the science behind it? Let’s explore this together with Mornington Spa in this blog.

1. What is TPO?

TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) is a photoinitiator. When exposed to UV or LED light, TPO decomposes to release free radicals, which then trigger polymerization (the chemical bonding of gel molecules). This reaction turns liquid gel into a solid, durable, and glossy nail coating.

In other words, without photoinitiators like TPO (or a substitute), gel polish would never fully cure but remain sticky, soft, and fail to deliver the shine and wear time users expect.

Before the ban, TPO was widely used in gel nail polishes, especially in top coats, base coats, and overlays. However, safety concerns pushed the EU to include TPO in its list of prohibited cosmetic ingredients.

2. Why Did the EU Ban Gel Nail Products Containing TPO?

This is the question most people ask, and it’s important to look at both the concerns and the facts.

2.1 New Regulations & Safety Concerns

From September 1, 2025, the EU officially prohibited the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of gel nail products containing TPO.

TPO has been classified in the EU as a CMR 1B substance (a chemical with suspected carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity properties) based on animal studies. Under EU cosmetics law, once a substance is categorized as CMR 1A or 1B, it is automatically placed under Annex II – the prohibited list.

While there is still limited direct evidence of harm to humans, the EU chose to apply the precautionary principle: when there’s reasonable concern, remove the risk before it can impact consumers.

This does not mean that if you’ve had gel nails with TPO you will face health issues immediately. Instead, the EU wants to minimize long-term risks for consumers.

2.2 Scientific Evidence & Real Risk Levels

It’s worth noting:

• The studies leading to the TPO ban were mostly conducted on animals, at very high oral doses, not via nail application.
• In cured gel (after UV/LED exposure), most TPO is no longer active or able to penetrate the nail bed.
• Typically, TPO makes up only 1–4% of a gel polish formula.
• If gel is applied properly (without skin contact and cured fully), the risk of absorption is considered very low.
   

In short, the EU ban does not imply proven harm in humans, it’s a “better safe than sorry” measure.

Sources: Shop Good

3. Safer Alternatives: TPO-L and TPO-Free Formulas

As soon as the TPO ban was announced, many leading nail brands reformulated their products. One of the most promising substitutes is TPO-L (Ethyl phenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphinate). This ingredient has a similar structure to TPO, but was designed to reduce toxicity risks while still providing strong polymerization under UV/LED light.

Several reputable brands have already shifted:

• CND has publicly committed to TPO-free formulas, using TPO-L instead. CNC International introduced UV/TPO-free gels, replacing TPO with TPO-L.
   
• The Gel Bottle (TGB) confirmed that 100% of their EU-sold products are now TPO-free and compliant with the September 2025 regulation. In the UK, TGB is gradually rolling out TPO-free versions across its entire range ahead of anticipated UK regulations in late 2026.
   

This marks a turning point for the gel nail industry, moving into a new generation of safer, transparent, and high-performance formulations that maintain shine and durability without the same potential risks.

What Does This Mean for Customers?

Even though TPO has not been proven harmful to humans, being aware of ingredients is key to making safer choices:

• Choose TPO-free or TPO-L gels whenever possible to minimize exposure.
• Check the ingredient label (INCI): if you see “Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide,” that’s TPO, so you can consider to avoid.
• People with sensitive skin, those who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, should especially prioritize TPO-free products.
• When selecting a salon, look for one that is transparent about its products and can explain the formulas they use.
   

Global trends are shifting toward safer nail care, and consumers are increasingly choosing salons that stay ahead of regulations.

Mornington Spa’s Commitment

At Mornington Spa, we believe your beauty should never come at the expense of your health. That’s why we’ve already moved to safer gel systems, offering TPO-free and TPO-L nail products from trusted international brands like The Gel Bottle, CND, and Bandi.

With us, you can enjoy long-lasting, glossy, and stunning gel nails while staying confident about safety and quality.

 If you’re a true gel nail lover, let Mornington Spa be your trusted place to refresh and elevate your nails: beautiful, safe, and empowering.