EU Bans Gel Polish TPO; Is Your U.S. Manicure Safe?

Tejal Somvanshi

EU Bans TPO in 100M Women's Favorite Manicure, US Salons Continue Use

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 Since September 1, 2025, the EU banned TPO in all nail products. This chemical helps gel polish harden under UV light. Keywords: gel manicure, nail salon, EU regulation

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Over 100 million American women still use nail products with TPO, as the US hasn't restricted it. Keywords: nail salon, American woman, manicure

Photo Source: Beauty Insider

When UV light hits TPO during your manicure, it splits into fragments that turn liquid gel into a chip-resistant coating. Keywords: UV nail lamp, gel curing, nail technician

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 Why the ban? EU classified TPO as a "reproductive toxicant" after studies showed fertility problems in rats exposed to high doses. Keywords: laboratory testing, warning label, cosmetic safety

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Are these animal studies relevant to humans? Industry expert Doug Schoon argues the exposure conditions "bear no resemblance to realistic cosmetic use." Keywords: cosmetic testing, nail products, laboratory

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The regulatory divide shows contrasting approaches: EU bans based on potential hazard while US considers both hazard and real-world exposure. Keywords: regulatory comparison, safety standards, cosmetic laws

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1. Industry couldn't defend TPO - British trade expert Francesca Rapolla admitted they "could not demonstrate there are no alternative ingredients." Keywords: cosmetic industry, beauty products manufacturing, alternatives

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Is TPO actually absorbed by your body? Most gets locked in the hardened gel structure or converts to harmless byproducts during curing. Keywords: nail cross-section, chemical structure, microscopic view

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Concerned about your gel manis? Several brands now offer TPO-free alternatives, including Manucurist, OPI, and Bio Seaweed Gel. Keywords: TPO-free nail polish, natural nail products, eco-friendly beauty

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European salons immediately had to trash all TPO products - no grace period to use existing stock. Keywords: salon waste, cosmetic disposal, product compliance

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Those UV lamps at your salon pose another risk - they emit UVA rays that "penetrate deeply into skin and may increase cancer risk." Keywords: UV lamp, skin damage, salon safety

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1. Protect yourself: Apply sunscreen before gel manicures and ask your salon if they use TPO-free products. Keywords: hand protection, sunscreen application, beauty safety

Photo Source:  Дарина Ритомска( Pexels)