Gel Nail Polish: Why Europe Banned It (and What You Should Know)

Gel manicures have been a beauty staple for years — durable, glossy, and convenient. But in September 2025, the European Union banned gel nail polishes containing TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide), citing health risks.

Why the Ban?
• TPO is a photoinitiator that hardens gel polish under UV/LED light.
• The European Chemicals Agency classified it as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic to reproduction.
• Under EU regulations, substances with this classification cannot be used in cosmetics.

Other Documented Risks

Even beyond TPO, dermatology literature highlights:
• UV exposure from curing lamps → DNA damage & possible cancer risk.
• Allergic contact dermatitis → rising cases in salon staff and consumers.
• Nail damage → thinning, brittleness, onycholysis.
• Infections → gels can trap bacteria like Pseudomonas.
• Hidden dirt & hygiene risks → artificial nails can harbor microbes, raising infection risks in healthcare, food service, and yachting.

Is Shellac Any Safer?

Not necessarily. If it contains TPO or similar chemicals, the risks remain. Without full ingredient transparency, “safer” is a marketing term — not a guarantee.

Safer Alternatives
• TPO-free gels (brands reformulating with different photoinitiators).
• “Free-from” traditional polish (3-free, 7-free, 10-free).
• Dip powders or press-on nails (no UV exposure).
• Protective steps: sunscreen on hands before curing, good salon ventilation, spacing out treatments.

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The EU’s ban reflects the precautionary principle — protecting health even when human evidence is limited. Gel nails may look effortless, but the chemical and biological risks are real.

For those working in high-stakes or hygiene-sensitive industries like healthcare, food service, and yachting, the infection risks alone are worth serious consideration.

Beauty should never come at the expense of health