Europe bans chemical used in some gel nail polishes, classifying it as a ‘reproductive toxicant’

The European Union is now prohibiting the use of a key chemical ingredient in some gel nail polishes and other cosmetic products.

The ban, which went into effect this week, targets the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide or TPO, which was classified as a type of “reproductive toxicant” by European regulators, according to the European Commission .

TPO works as a photoinitiator, meaning it responds to light. In gel nail polish, it helps the polish set under ultraviolet or UV light.

“It starts that reaction that gets it to cure,” said Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist and adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati’s James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, who has been following the European regulation.

Some people may prefer gel nail polishes over regular nail polishes b