The EU has banned a key ingredient in gel nail polish. Here's why experts say it’s still safe

The EU has banned a key ingredient in gel nail polish. Here’s why experts say it’s still safe Health Sep 5, 2025 6:21 PM EDT

Many people love gel nail polish for its durability and shiny gloss, but a new ban in Europe may have left mani-pedi devotees with some not-so-pretty concerns.

On Sept. 1, the European Union banned one of the key ingredients from being manufactured, sold or commercially used. Nail technicians in salons across the continent need to dispose of polishes containing trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, or TPO, and switch to alternatives.

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The chemical was classified as “ carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction ” by European regulators after it was found to have reprod