If a dinner party were held for the world of beauty, gel nail polish would be the controversial seat at the table. The certified brat of the cosmetic space, it knows how to make a statement.
With its glossy veneer and impenetrable surface, one quick glance at the vaguely ominous ingredient list online can bring up some questions. Now it seems enough questions have been raised, with one central ingredient recently embargoed in the EU. So with the gavel thrown down, and gel nail polish being banned in Europe, will Australia be next?
The Lowdown:
- As of September 1 2025, a common ingredient in gel nail polish will be banned in the European Union
- The ban will effect all nail care ranges, prompting brand and salons to make changes.
- Countries in the European Union will be effected, with the UK following suit in 2026
- Australia and the US at present will not be implementing a ban.
Why Is Gel Nail Polish Being Banned In Europe?
Getting ahead of the cosmetic safety curve, It seems the European Union is wasting no time in implementing a ban for the widely popular cosmetic. As of September 1, a ban will take effect disallowing the use of TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide).
The first of what could be an onslaught of fresh bans for gel nail companies. The Commission’s forthcoming regulations are set to reshape the world of the nail industry by prohibiting certain substances classified as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction).
What Is TPO ?
Among these, the prohibition of Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) (also known as diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide) a chemical developed in nail gel formulas, used widely by nail technicians.
TPO is widely used for several reasons:
- Absorption Spectrum: It has a broad absorption spectrum in the ultraviolet (UV) region, particularly in the near-UV range (around 350-400 nm). This allows it to be activated by a wider range of UV light sources, including LED UV lights.
- High Reactivity: TPO is highly reactive, meaning it can efficiently initiate the molecule binding process when exposed to UV light, this leads to faster drying times.
- Reduced Oxygen Inhibition: TPO is less susceptible to oxygen inhibition compared to other molecule binding agents, which helps ensure a complete and even dry, despite the environment.
In short this is the ingredient that makes your manicure, durable, shiny and very fast drying, essentially the main drawcard for fitting yourself in for that last minute appointment.
How Does TPO Effect Your Health?
You might be wondering why the sudden panic over TPO? European regulators have labelled it “carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction.” That in itself sounds very scary, but before freaking out, the research is still in the early stages of development. Most of the concern comes from the early studies linking TPO to fertility issues and potential harm to reproductive organs.
According to Francesca Rapolla (Scientific Affairs Manager, CTPA), CMR substances pose viable health risks and are classified into three categories based on the severity and evidence of their effects. This upcoming Act that will be coming into effect from September 1, aims to eliminate these risks in cosmetic products, including all nail products.
Will The Gel Nail Polish Ban Come To Australia?
At present, there is no plan to put a ban on gel nail polish on our shores. The general consensus for experts at the moment is it is more of a precautionary measure by the EU. As the research is still in its infancy, the idea is that it will remain a watching brief. Most of the studies have been tested on animals with results that warrant close monitoring.
When all is said and done, it is a chemical, and just like the recent changes over sunscreen, the advice by CTPA’s Scientific Team is to take mindful precaution. If avoiding gel polish is a bridge too far perhaps considering space between salon visits is a good start for now.
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