Written by GlossaryLive.com
On September 1, 2025, the European Union officially banned the use of TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) in all nail products. For decades, this ingredient has been safely used in gels to help them cure under UV and LED light. Now, nail professionals across Europe are being forced to throw away bottles of product, many half full, that they’ve relied on daily. This ban has left technicians frustrated, heartbroken, and financially strained, as they must not only dispose of stock but also learn to work with new formulas that may behave differently.
Cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos has pointed out that the studies leading to this decision don’t reflect how TPO is actually used in the nail industry. The research was based on animals ingesting very large amounts of TPO, an unrealistic comparison to the way this ingredient is used in UV/LED gel nail products to activate the curing process in nail coatings. In her view, the risks under salon use are minimal.
Doug Schoon, nail industry scientist and educator, has also expressed concerns, warning that this is another example of regulation focused more on hazard labels than real-world risks. He believes the decision will lead to unnecessary waste of safe, trusted products and force professionals into abrupt changes without proper support.
As Alisha Rimando of GlossaryLive, I believe this transition should have been handled with fairness and foresight. Nail technicians are dedicated professionals who invest deeply in their craft and their tools. To suddenly strip them of products they’ve built their businesses on is damaging not only to their artistry but also to their livelihoods.
That said, there are already brands in the market offering 100% TPO-free options. More manufacturers are working quickly to reformulate, so technicians will have choices as this new reality sets in. It will take testing and retraining, but solutions are coming.
For those technicians in Europe, the industry is mourning with you and still fighting for fairness. For techs around the world who are concerned and feel they should get ahead of this, now is the time to audit your inventory, explore new TPO-free products, and begin preparing for change. By transitioning early, you’ll be ready for whatever comes next, instead of reacting under pressure.
