The UK gel nail polish ingredient ban took effect on August 15th, targeting TPO in manicure products. Brands can no longer manufacture products with the ingredient from this week, but nail technicians can keep using pre-ban stock until 14 February 2027.
Mohammed Kanadil, a cosmetic safety assessor, toxicologist and pharmacist, said: "Consumers shouldn't be worried if they are exposed to TPO-containing products during a salon visit". He added: "The risk of systemic exposure is extremely low due to the fact that TPO's mechanism of action requires the breaking of the molecule itself when exposed to curing light."
Mohammed Kanadil on salon exposure
TPO helps manicure products cure quickly under UV light, and the ban applies to trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, the ingredient’s full name. The change leaves the supply chain on two tracks at once: no new TPO products can be made now, but existing stock remains usable in salons until it runs out, with sales of pre-ban stock allowed until 14 February 2027.
Helena Biggs, Editorial Director at Scratch, said: "It's important for nail enthusiasts not to panic about the TPO ban – it's highly unlikely that nail products containing TPO will cause harm when used correctly." The article says there are already TPO-free gel polishes available, so gel manicures can continue without the ingredient.
Helena Biggs on TPO-free products
The concern comes from animal studies, not from the way TPO is used in cosmetics. The article says trials on rats were carried out orally in high doses and found to affect fertility, and that the ban was introduced firstly in the EU and now in GB in stages.
For readers, the practical step is straightforward: if a salon is still using older stock, the ingredient can remain in circulation until that stock is finished, but new manufacturing has already stopped. The ban changes what brands can produce now, while salons and consumers can still switch to TPO-free products without ending gel manicures.
