From August 15 2026, brands can no longer sell or supply new products containing Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) to retailers or distributors in the UK, and by February 14 2027, all products containing TPO must be removed from store shelves in the UK.
This follows the banning of TPO for use in nail products made and sold within the EU market on September 1, 2025.
A key ingredient found in many gel nail polish formulations, Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) has been banned in cosmetic products across the EU since September 1 2025.
This meant that nail technicians in the EU could no longer use products containing TPO – even if they were purchased before the ban was put in place. Additionally, any products containing TPO could not be transferred or given away to another person within the EU. This applied to both nail brands and nail technicians.
How does the TPO ban affect the UK?
TPO is being prohibited under the UK Cosmetics Regulation, with a two-stage transition.
From August 15 2026, products containing TPO can no longer be newly placed on the GB market.
From February 14 2027, they can no longer be made available on the market.
According to the latest guidance from the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), developed in consultation with Trading Standards, its interpretation of the UK Cosmetics Regulation is that professional users may continue to use existing TPO-containing products on clients after February 14 2027.
However, they will not be able to purchase those products from distributors after the February deadline.
Discussing what the TPO ban means for nail salons and technicians within the UK, Lesley Blair MBE, chief executive and chair of The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (Babtac) comments: “Regulators have banned TPO as a precaution only - while further research is conducted.
“It is important to reassure professionals and clients that many brands already operate well below the previous guideline of 5%, or without TPO altogether, and those that have used it are reformulating to ensure full compliance.
“This is naturally a concerning time for gel brands and salons, but safety must remain paramount.”
What is Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide?
Many brands use TPO as a photoinitiator – a molecule which absorbs light (in this instance, UV or LED) to create a reaction. This reaction then leads to a photocuring process that solidifies, or cures, the gel polish, in addition to enabling greater colour stability.
One reason TPO was a popular choice as a photoinitiator in gel polish formulations is because it is capable of absorbing light across a wide range of wavelengths, making it compatible with various light sources.
TPO is also considered as highly efficient, because it generates two types of reactive free radicals (benzoyl and phosphorus acyl), which efficiently initiate the polymerization reaction, leading to high conversion rates.
Why was the TPO ban introduced?
TPO was banned as a result of European Union officials deeming the ingredient as potentially toxic to humans.
This follows studies which have highlighted a link between the chemical and long-term fertility damage in animals.
As a result, TPO has received a classification as a CMR (carcinogen, mutagen, reprotoxic), under the EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation.
Caroline Rainsford, Director of Science at the CTPA, explains: “The reason why TPO has been banned in cosmetic products in the EU is based on its hazardous properties, meaning how a substance might behave under a "worst case" situation when our bodies are exposed to a very large amount.
"This is not how TPO is used in cosmetics. The amount of this ingredient used in nail products is over a thousand times less than the amount which could have any negative effect on fertility and these products are applied to the nail, so the potential for the ingredient to be absorbed into our bodies is even smaller.”
While industries are able to defend the use of cosmetic ingredients that are classified as CMRs, in this case the defence has been unsuccessful – largely because there are alternative ingredients available.
TPO ban FAQs
What is TPO?
Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) is a photoinitiator used in some gel nail products. It reacts when exposed to UV or LED light, helping the product cure and harden.
Why has TPO been banned?
TPO has been classified as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant under chemicals legislation, meaning it may damage fertility or the unborn child. This classification led to its prohibition in cosmetic products in the EU and its inclusion in the UK Cosmetics Regulation.
When is TPO banned in the UK?
In Great Britain, TPO-containing cosmetic products cannot be newly placed on the market from 15 August 2026. From 14 February 2027, they can no longer be made available on the GB market through commercial supply.
Can UK nail techs still use TPO products?
In Great Britain, professional nail technicians can continue to use existing TPO-containing stock on clients after 14 February 2027, according to CTPA guidance developed in consultation with Trading Standards. However, they will no longer be able to purchase TPO-containing products from distributors after this date.
Can I buy TPO products after 15 August 2026?
Products containing TPO can no longer be newly placed on the GB market from 15 August 2026. Existing products already on the market can continue through the supply chain until the 14 February 2027 deadline, subject to the applicable rules.
Is TPO banned in the EU?
Yes. TPO has been prohibited in EU cosmetic products since 1 September 2025. Unlike the GB position, nail professionals in the EU cannot continue using existing TPO-containing cosmetic products on clients.
How can I check whether my gel products contain TPO?
Check the ingredient list on the product packaging or contact the manufacturer or supplier. TPO is listed by its full ingredient name, Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide. If you are unsure, ask your supplier to confirm whether the product has been reformulated.
What are the alternatives to TPO?
Some manufacturers have reformulated products using alternative photoinitiators, including ingredients such as TPO-L and TPO-R. However, formulations vary, so nail techs should follow the manufacturer's guidance and check that any replacement products are compatible with their lamp and application system.
