The United Kingdom has officially banned the sale of new gel nail products containing trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a chemical used to cure gel polish under UV or LED lights, effective August 15, 2026. The decision, based on scientific assessments linking TPO to potential reproductive health risks, allows salons to continue using existing stock until February 14, 2027, after which the products must be fully phased out.
What Is TPO and Why Was It Banned?
TPO acts as a photoinitiator in gel polishes, reacting to UV or LED light to harden the polish into a durable, glossy finish. It has been widely used by nail brands globally for its effectiveness. However, the UK government concluded that the chemical may pose risks, particularly concerning reproductive health. Some studies suggest that prolonged exposure to large amounts of TPO could affect fertility, prompting regulators to remove it from new cosmetic products.
Industry experts, however, emphasize that the actual amount of TPO in nail products is extremely small. Caroline Rainsford, director of science at The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association, 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 added: "The amount of this ingredient used in nail products is over a thousand times less than the amount which could have any negative effect on fertility and these products are applied to the nail, so the potential for the ingredient to be absorbed into our bodies is even smaller."
Transition Period for Salons and Manufacturers
The new rules do not require salons to discard existing products immediately. Businesses can continue using TPO-containing stock until February 14, 2027, after which these products are expected to disappear from UK salons. Many beauty manufacturers have already begun reformulating their gel nail products to remove TPO while maintaining the same glossy finish customers expect. The European Union has also adopted a similar approach, with TPO set to be banned in cosmetic products under updated safety regulations.
Implications for Nigeria
As of now, Nigeria has not announced any ban on TPO in cosmetic or nail products. The country's beauty industry is regulated by NAFDAC, and there has been no public directive removing TPO-based gel polishes from the Nigerian market. This means salons across Nigeria can still legally use these products unless regulators introduce new safety rules. However, Nigeria has previously updated cosmetic regulations after changes in major markets like the UK, EU, and the United States, especially when ingredients are linked to potential health risks.
If international evidence continues to grow, experts say it is possible Nigerian regulators could review the ingredient in the future. Until then, consumers concerned about TPO can ask their nail technician whether the salon uses newer TPO-free gel products, many of which are already available from leading beauty brands.
