UK regulators are banning the use of triphenyl phosphate, known as TPO, in gel nail polish products [1, 2].
The move aims to protect public health by removing a chemical linked to reproductive and fertility risks [1, 3]. While some consumers have expressed confusion, the ban targets a specific ingredient rather than the practice of gel manicures themselves [1, 3].
The phase-in process began in 2024 [1, 2]. Government and health authorities are overseeing the transition, requiring that existing stocks of products containing TPO be removed from the market over several months [1, 2].
This regulatory shift follows a similar move in Europe. The EU banned TPO in gel nail polish in 2023 [4]. The UK's decision aligns its cosmetic safety standards with those of its neighbors to mitigate long-term health concerns associated with the chemical's exposure.
Nail technicians and salon owners are responsible for auditing their current inventories. Products that list TPO as an ingredient must be phased out to comply with the new safety guidelines [1, 2].
Consumers are encouraged to check product labels or ask their technicians about the ingredients used during their appointments. Because the ban only applies to the specific chemical, the wider variety of gel polish options remains available for use in salons across the United Kingdom [1, 3].
“The ban targets a specific ingredient rather than the practice of gel manicures themselves.”
The UK's decision to remove TPO reflects a broader trend of tightening chemical regulations in cosmetics to prevent endocrine disruption and reproductive harm. By aligning with the EU's 2023 ban, the UK ensures that its beauty industry adheres to a higher safety threshold, forcing manufacturers to develop alternative photo-initiators that provide the same curing effects without the associated health risks.
