The European Union has banned a chemical used in many popular gel nail polish brands, citing studies that link it to fertility issues.

Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO)

Dig deeper:

TPO is a compound that reacts under UV light to make the polish harden quickly and results in a glass-like finish.

The studies that prompted the EU to ban certain gel polishes that contain TPO often focused on animal subjects, not humans. But the EU uses a strict "better safe than sorry" approach when it comes to cosmetics.

Regulators reclassified TPO as a Category 1B CMR substance, meaning it may cause cancer or reproductive harm. Under EU law, that triggered an automatic ban.

As a result, both the marketing and use of cosmetic products containing TPO — including in professional setti

See Full Page