8th Oct 2026
By Megan Colley, Senior Digital Content Writer
TPO ban: what does it mean for me and clients?
If you work with builder gel or gel polish, you may have heard plenty about the TPO ban. With ingredient regulations continuing to evolve across the beauty industry, it is important for nail professionals to understand what TPO is, where the ban applies and what it means for your salon and clients.
TPO has been used in some UV and LED-cured nail products to help them harden and cure. The ingredient has now been prohibited in cosmetic products in the EU following its classification as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant. The TPO ban came into effect in the EU on 1 September 2025 and has started to be introduced in the UK.
What is TPO?
TPO is a photoinitiator, meaning it helps a UV or LED-curable product polymerise and harden when exposed to the appropriate light source.
It has historically been found in some products used for gel nails, including certain gel polishes and builder gel systems. In the EU, TPO was previously permitted for professional use in artificial nail systems at concentrations of up to 5%.
Following a change to its classification, TPO was classified as a Category 1B substance that is toxic for reproduction. This classification triggered its addition to the EU Cosmetics Regulation's list of prohibited substances.
It has historically been found in some products used for gel nails, including certain gel polishes and builder gel systems. In the EU, TPO was previously permitted for professional use in artificial nail systems at concentrations of up to 5%.
Following a change to its classification, TPO was classified as a Category 1B substance that is toxic for reproduction. This classification triggered its addition to the EU Cosmetics Regulation's list of prohibited substances.
What does TPO stand for?
TPO stands for Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide. You may see this name listed in the ingredients or INCI list on nail products.
What is the TPO ban?
The TPO ban refers to the EU prohibition on using TPO in cosmetic products from 1 September 2025.
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation, products containing TPO can no longer be placed on the EU market or made available commercially. This also applies to professional users. The European Commission has specifically confirmed that nail technicians and salons cannot use TPO-containing cosmetic products on clients in the EU, even if those products were purchased before the prohibition came into effect.
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation, products containing TPO can no longer be placed on the EU market or made available commercially. This also applies to professional users. The European Commission has specifically confirmed that nail technicians and salons cannot use TPO-containing cosmetic products on clients in the EU, even if those products were purchased before the prohibition came into effect.
Does the TPO ban apply to UK nail technicians?
The TPO ban in the EU applies to cosmetic products on the EU market. As the UK is no longer in the EU, this ban does not automatically apply.
However, TPO is being considered under UK REACH and is beginning to be phased out. In 2026, the UK Health and Safety Executive consulted on a proposal to identify TPO as a substance of very high concern.
Important UK dates to be aware of:
• August 15, 2026: Manufacturers and importers could no longer place new cosmetic products containing TPO in England, Scotland, and Wales.
• February 14, 2027: TPO products can no longer be sold or supplied by distributors or shops.
• After February 14, 2027: Professional nail technicians in the UK are legally allowed to finish using their existing TPO-containing nail products, but they can’t purchase new supplies.
However, TPO is being considered under UK REACH and is beginning to be phased out. In 2026, the UK Health and Safety Executive consulted on a proposal to identify TPO as a substance of very high concern.
Important UK dates to be aware of:
• August 15, 2026: Manufacturers and importers could no longer place new cosmetic products containing TPO in England, Scotland, and Wales.
• February 14, 2027: TPO products can no longer be sold or supplied by distributors or shops.
• After February 14, 2027: Professional nail technicians in the UK are legally allowed to finish using their existing TPO-containing nail products, but they can’t purchase new supplies.
What does the TPO ban mean for gel nails?
For nail technicians, the change means that TPO-containing products should no longer be used as part of professional nail services.
That includes relevant UV or LED-cured products used for gel nails, including affected gel polish and builder gel products.
The good news is that removing TPO from a product does not mean you need to move away from professional-quality gel systems. There are now plenty of TPO-free gel polish and builder gel options available, allowing technicians to continue offering durable, glossy and salon-worthy nail services.
Explore TPO-free gel and builder gel.
That includes relevant UV or LED-cured products used for gel nails, including affected gel polish and builder gel products.
The good news is that removing TPO from a product does not mean you need to move away from professional-quality gel systems. There are now plenty of TPO-free gel polish and builder gel options available, allowing technicians to continue offering durable, glossy and salon-worthy nail services.
Explore TPO-free gel and builder gel.
What does the TPO ban mean for gel nails?
For nail technicians, the change means that TPO-containing products should no longer be used as part of professional nail services.
That includes relevant UV or LED-cured products used for gel nails, including affected gel polish and builder gel products.
The good news is that removing TPO from a product does not mean you need to move away from professional-quality gel systems. There are now plenty of TPO-free gel polish and builder gel options available, allowing technicians to continue offering durable, glossy and salon-worthy nail services.
Explore TPO-free gel and builder gel.
That includes relevant UV or LED-cured products used for gel nails, including affected gel polish and builder gel products.
The good news is that removing TPO from a product does not mean you need to move away from professional-quality gel systems. There are now plenty of TPO-free gel polish and builder gel options available, allowing technicians to continue offering durable, glossy and salon-worthy nail services.
Explore TPO-free gel and builder gel.
What should nail technicians look for?
When choosing a TPO-free gel polish, it is worth looking beyond the front of the bottle.
Start by checking the ingredient list and product information supplied by the manufacturer. Reputable professional suppliers should be able to provide clear information about the formulation and its intended use.
It's also important to check:
• Whether the complete gel system is TPO-free
• Whether the product is suitable for professional use
• Which lamp the manufacturer recommends
• The required curing time
• Whether the product needs a specific base or top coat
• Any updated application or removal instructions
Start by checking the ingredient list and product information supplied by the manufacturer. Reputable professional suppliers should be able to provide clear information about the formulation and its intended use.
It's also important to check:
• Whether the complete gel system is TPO-free
• Whether the product is suitable for professional use
• Which lamp the manufacturer recommends
• The required curing time
• Whether the product needs a specific base or top coat
• Any updated application or removal instructions
If you're replacing several products, consider making the change systematically rather than swapping individual products at random. This can help you maintain consistency across your services.
What about builder gel?
Builder gel remains a popular choice for creating strength, structure and shape while offering clients the polished finish associated with gel nails.
If you are looking to move away from TPO-containing products, you can explore TPO-free builder gel options as part of your professional system.
If you are changing systems, give yourself time to become familiar with the new formula before using it for busy appointment schedules. This is particularly important if you're used to a particular consistency or curing routine.
If you are looking to move away from TPO-containing products, you can explore TPO-free builder gel options as part of your professional system.
If you are changing systems, give yourself time to become familiar with the new formula before using it for busy appointment schedules. This is particularly important if you're used to a particular consistency or curing routine.
TPO-free gel and builder gel bestsellers
"At HONA, there’s been no need to reformulate our products in response to the changes surrounding the TPO ban, because TPO has never been part of our gel systems. From the very beginning, we’ve been committed to developing high-performance professional products with ingredient choices made with the future of the industry in mind. So we’re proud to say, HONA professionals can continue using the products they know and love, with the same application, performance and results they’ve always experienced. No formula changes, no transition period and no compromise."
Charlotte Henson, Founder of HONA
Is TPO-free the same as HEMA-free?
No. TPO-free and HEMA-free refer to different ingredients.
TPO is a photoinitiator, while HEMA, or 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, is a different type of ingredient used in some nail products.
This means a product can be TPO-free without being HEMA-free, and vice versa.
For professionals looking to make more considered product choices, you may see products described as HEMA and TPO-free gel polish. Always check the full ingredient information rather than assuming that one claim means a product is free from the other ingredient too.
Discover HEMA-free gel and builder gel.
TPO is a photoinitiator, while HEMA, or 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, is a different type of ingredient used in some nail products.
This means a product can be TPO-free without being HEMA-free, and vice versa.
For professionals looking to make more considered product choices, you may see products described as HEMA and TPO-free gel polish. Always check the full ingredient information rather than assuming that one claim means a product is free from the other ingredient too.
Discover HEMA-free gel and builder gel.
What should I tell my clients?
Changes to nail product ingredients can sound complicated, particularly when clients come across headlines about bans and safety online.
The best approach is to keep communication simple and reassuring.
If you're moving to TPO-free products, let clients know that you are updating your professional nail system in line with relevant product and regulatory requirements. You don't need to overwhelm clients with chemical terminology, but being transparent about the products you use can help build trust.
How can I prepare my nail salon?
Whether you're preparing for regulatory changes or simply reviewing your professional nail products, a product audit is a good place to start.
1. Check your current stock
Go through your gel polish, builder gel and other UV or LED-cured nail products. Check the ingredient lists and product information, paying particular attention to products that may have been purchased some time ago.
2. Speak to your suppliers
If you're unsure whether a product contains TPO, contact the supplier or manufacturer. Avoid relying on assumptions based on the product name or brand alone.
3. Consider TPO-free alternatives
Make sure your professional system is compliant with the applicable regulations. Using TPO-free gel polish brands and TPO-free builder gels can help you stay informed as the regulatory landscape develops.
4. Don't forget your lamp
Changing your gel products may also mean reviewing your curing system. Always use the lamp and curing time recommended by the product manufacturer. Correct curing is an important part of professional gel nail application.
5. Keep your clients informed
If you're changing your salon's gel system, a short explanation on your website, booking page or social media can reassure clients that you're staying up to date with professional standards.
1. Check your current stock
Go through your gel polish, builder gel and other UV or LED-cured nail products. Check the ingredient lists and product information, paying particular attention to products that may have been purchased some time ago.
2. Speak to your suppliers
If you're unsure whether a product contains TPO, contact the supplier or manufacturer. Avoid relying on assumptions based on the product name or brand alone.
3. Consider TPO-free alternatives
Make sure your professional system is compliant with the applicable regulations. Using TPO-free gel polish brands and TPO-free builder gels can help you stay informed as the regulatory landscape develops.
4. Don't forget your lamp
Changing your gel products may also mean reviewing your curing system. Always use the lamp and curing time recommended by the product manufacturer. Correct curing is an important part of professional gel nail application.
5. Keep your clients informed
If you're changing your salon's gel system, a short explanation on your website, booking page or social media can reassure clients that you're staying up to date with professional standards.
The bottom line for nail professionals
The TPO change is an important development for the professional nail industry, particularly for technicians working with gel polish, builder gel and other UV or LED-cured systems.
If you're reviewing your professional nail products, choosing reputable suppliers and considering TPO-free gel polish, builder gel and HEMA-free gel options can help you stay prepared while continuing to deliver the high-quality nail services your clients expect.
Discover our full range of TPO-free gel and builder gel.
Shop HEMA-free gel and builder gel.
Shop HEMA-free gel and builder gel.