New regulations target trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide due to health concerns
Category: Health
New regulations in the United Kingdom have come into effect, banning a specific chemical used in gel nail products, raising concerns among beauty enthusiasts and professionals alike. The ban, which targets trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), has prompted questions about its implications for the nail salon industry and consumer safety.
Effective August 15, 2026, the UK government prohibited the use of TPO in new cosmetic products. This chemical, a photoinitiator, is commonly used in gel nail polishes to help them cure and harden when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) or LED light. With this ban, manufacturers and importers can no longer place TPO-containing products on the UK market. Nail salons, meanwhile, are permitted to use their existing stock until February 14, 2027, after which all products containing TPO must be removed from salons.
The decision to ban TPO stems from safety concerns related to its potential reproductive toxicity. The European Union had already classified TPO as a substance of concern due to studies linking high exposure levels to fertility issues. Caroline Rainsford, Director of Science at the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), explained, "The reason why TPO has been banned in cosmetic products in the EU is based on its hazardous properties, meaning how a substance might behave under a 'worst case' situation when our bodies are exposed to a very large amount." She emphasized that the amount of TPO used in nail products is over a thousand times less than the amount that could have any negative effect on fertility, and since these products are applied to the nails, the potential for absorption into the body is even smaller.
Richard Knight, Trading Standards Lead Officer for Cosmetics and Beauty, noted that anyone who suspects illegal cosmetic products, including nail gels, can report them through the Citizens’ Advice Consumer Helpline. This regulatory framework aims to protect consumers and promote safety within the beauty industry.
As the ban takes effect, nail technicians and consumers are left to adapt. Many manufacturers have already reformulated their gel nail products to exclude TPO, maintaining the high-gloss finish that customers expect. Alternatives such as TPO-L and BAPO are already being utilized, which can provide similar curing times without the associated risks. Importantly, gel manicures, builder-gel treatments, and BIAB (builder in a bottle) remain legal in the UK, provided that compliant formulations are used.
For consumers who regularly receive gel manicures, it’s wise to check the ingredients of the products being used. With the potential for imported products to still contain TPO, particularly from regions without similar restrictions, awareness is key. Experts have suggested that consumers can reduce UV exposure during treatments by applying sunscreen to their hands beforehand.
The UK ban on TPO may also have implications beyond its borders, particularly for countries like Kenya where the beauty and nail-care industry is growing. As salons and distributors in Kenya import gel polishes and other professional nail products from overseas, the new regulations could lead to increased demand for TPO-free alternatives. Kenyan consumers who frequent nail salons may want to inquire about the ingredients in the products being used, especially if they are sourced from markets that have implemented similar restrictions.
As the UK and EU tighten regulations around cosmetic safety, global manufacturers are likely to adapt their formulations to meet these new standards. This shift could lead to a wider availability of safer, compliant products in various markets.
The introduction of the TPO ban is part of a larger trend in the cosmetics industry, where safety and health concerns are increasingly influencing product formulations. The regulatory changes are not just about banning certain chemicals but are also about ensuring that consumers can enjoy nail treatments without risking their health.
As the beauty industry evolves, it will be important for consumers to stay informed about the products they use and the regulations that govern them. The CTPA has worked with organizations such as the National Hair & Beauty Federation and Trading Standards to develop guidance on TPO, ensuring that the transition to safer alternatives is as smooth as possible.
In the meantime, nail technicians and salon owners must navigate the new regulations carefully, balancing compliance with the expectations of their clients. The industry is already moving toward safer formulations, and with time, the focus will shift from what is being banned to what innovative alternatives can be introduced.
As the deadline for phasing out TPO-containing products approaches, salon owners and consumers alike must remain vigilant. The UK’s commitment to consumer safety is clear, but it also presents an opportunity for the beauty industry to innovate and adapt to changing regulations.
With the ban fully enforced by February 14, 2027, the future of gel manicures in the UK will depend heavily on the industry's ability to embrace safer alternatives without compromising on quality. The nail industry stands at a crossroads, and how it responds to these challenges will shape its future.
As this transition continues, the focus will remain on ensuring that beauty treatments are both safe and enjoyable for consumers. The new regulations might just be the beginning of a broader movement toward safer cosmetic products globally.