Gel nails are quite popular, but did you know that the European Union just prohibited a component typically found in nail polish?

Gel nail varnish has become a popular staple among many people due to its anti-chipping and anti-peeling properties, as well as its short drying time.

However, a chemical included in certain gel nail varnishes called trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, or TPO, is now fully banned in the EU.

TPO gives the nails a glossy sheen and dries them quickly under a UV lamp.

Not all gel nail polishes include TPO; nevertheless, those who do must reconsider their contents after the EU classified the chemical as ‘carcinogenic, mutagenic, or hazardous to reproduction.’

Meanwhile, salons that store any items containing the chemical must remove them from their inventory.

While the prohibition went into effect on September 1 after research revealed it might ‘adversely damage reproductive health,’ other experts feel it was ‘banned out of prudence.’

Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist, told Wellness Pulse that the European Union is prohibiting it out of prudence because, while there are no large-scale human studies confirming damage, the potential hazards are significant enough to merit stronger regulation.

“From a medical perspective, I view this as more of a precautionary move rather than a response to strong human evidence.”

TPO has not been prohibited in the United States, and salons can still offer the product at a maximum concentration of 5%.

Cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos told TODAY.com that the US Food and Drug Administration is unlikely to prohibit them since the EU typically takes a different approach than the US.

However, the New York Post reports that some customers may request TPO-free items.

Meanwhile, it is still accessible in the UK, but the country is seeking a ban in 2026.

The EU announced its decision to abolish TPO in May 2024. Several manufacturers began removing the chemical from their goods as soon as it became clear that restrictions would apply.

The Gel Bottle claims that in order to protect the health and safety of its customers, the cosmetics industry is constantly revising its regulations.

“These upgrades are proactive actions to ensure that goods stay consistent with the most recent scientific findings and safety regulations. This is not a product recall; existing items are safe to use.

“We are thrilled to announce that 100% of The Gel Bottle products supplied in the EU are now TPO-free and comply with the September 2025 rule.

“We are currently transferring all goods to new TPO-free formulations, with reformulated versions already being released. We expect the complete spectrum to be TPO-free by the UK regulatory date (September 2026).”