Popular Gel Nail Polishes Banned in Europe but Still Sold in the U.S.
Popular gel nail polishes containing TPO have been banned across Europe due to health concerns, but remain legal in the U.S. The European Union cited studies linking the chemical to fertility risks, forcing salons and brands to reformulate products, while the U.S. has yet to regulate its use.
The Ingredient at the Center of the Ban
A key ingredient used in many brands of gel nail polish, Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), has been officially banned across the European Union (E.U.) as of September 1. TPO, commonly used as a photoinitiator, allows gel polishes to harden quickly under ultraviolet (UV) light and maintain long-lasting color.
However, scientific studies have raised concerns about its potential impact on human health. Research on animals has linked prolonged exposure to fertility damage, prompting the E.U. to take preventive action.
Europe’s Precautionary Approach
Under the new ruling, nail salons and retailers in all 27 E.U. member states—along with countries that follow the bloc’s regulations such as Norway and Switzerland—must stop selling gel nail polishes containing TPO. Any remaining stock must be safely disposed of, and manufacturers will now be required to reformulate their products without the ingredient.
Industry representatives, including Francesca Rapolla of the British trade association CPTA, explained that exemptions are sometimes granted if risks can be shown to be manageable. But in the case of TPO, the cosmetics industry could not prove safe alternatives or defend its continued use.
The U.S. Has Not Followed Suit
In contrast, the United States has not regulated TPO, meaning the ingredient is still permitted in cosmetic products sold nationwide. This reflects a broader pattern where the U.S. has been slower to act on potentially harmful chemicals and food additives compared to European regulators.
For now, U.S. consumers continue to have access to popular gel nail polishes containing TPO, while European markets push manufacturers toward safer formulations.
