For Immediate Release
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — September 3, 2025 — The Nail Manufacturer Council on Safety (NMC), part of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), is addressing recent reports that have sparked confusion about the status of gel nail polish in Europe. Contrary to alarming headlines, gel polish is not banned in the EU.
The European Commission has restricted the use of TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide), an ingredient previously used in some gel polish products. This regulatory action applies only to TPO, not to gel polish as a product category. Safe and effective alternatives are already available, and manufacturers have reformulated to ensure compliance without compromising performance or safety.
“Some headlines have caused unnecessary worry by calling this a ‘ban on gel polish,’ but that’s simply not true, consumers and professionals can be reassured: gel polish products remain fully available and legally marketable in the EU, provided they are formulated with approved alternatives,” said Doug Schoon, Chair of the Nail Manufacturer Council on Safety. “This is a regulatory restriction on a single ingredient, not a ban on an entire product category.”
Clarifying the Science
The reclassification of TPO was based on oral animal studies in rats, where extremely high, repeated doses showed reproductive effects. Importantly:
- These findings were limited to animal studies under oral ingestion conditions.
- No human studies exist to support these findings.
- The conditions of exposure in nail services bear no resemblance to these studies, as TPO typically represents just 1–3% of a cured gel system and is immobilized in the polymer network, preventing systemic bioavailability.
NMC emphasizes that the EU Cosmetics Regulation operates under a hazard-only framework, meaning that once a substance is classified as a Category 1 reproductive toxicant under the CLP Regulation, its use in cosmetics is automatically prohibited in the European Union. This approach does not account for real-world exposure, concentration, or the safety of the finished product.
Industry’s Call to Regulators
While manufacturers are prepared with alternatives and reformulation is underway, the NMC urges EU regulators to:
- Consider risk-based assessments that reflect actual exposure conditions in cosmetic applications.
- Avoid unnecessary alarm by ensuring regulatory decisions are communicated with clarity and proportionality.
Commitment to Transparency and Safety
The nail and beauty industry has long been committed to delivering safe, high-quality products while maintaining regulatory compliance. The NMC stands as the trusted, impartial authority for professionals, consumers, and regulators, dedicated to evidence-based information and combating misinformation. Professionals and consumers can explore additional resources on the NMC webpage or contact Myra Reddy at myra@probeauty.org for inquiries about nail safety.
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About The Professional Beauty Association
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is the leading membership organization uniting beauty professionals to shape the future of the industry. We keep professional beauty professional—championing policies that protect the industry, providing trusted resources, and fostering a powerful community built on connection, creativity, and growth. When beauty thrives, we all do.
Media Contact:
Myra Reddy
Director of Government Affairs
myra@probeauty.org
