EU bans toxic nail gel ingredient from September

The European Union has banned a toxic substance found in nail gels that studies show can cause fertility problems and affect the reproductive system, with the prohibition taking effect from 1 September.

The substance TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide), a photoinitiator that helps gel nail polish cure under UV or LED light, has been classified as toxic and banned across the EU following health studies.

Elena Panagiotopoulou, director of Pharmaceutical Services in Cyprus, said authorities must comply with the ban as citizen safety takes priority.

“When studies show that a substance can cause problems for women, we certainly cannot fail to comply with the relevant regulation,” Panagiotopoulou told Philenews.

TPO was previously permitted only in professional artificial nail products with a maximum concentration of 5%. However, the EU has now classified it as category 1B CMT (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction) and declared its use prohibited.

The initial announcement about the European decision was made last May, whilst professionals and citizens in Cyprus were informed on 4 July 2025.

The ban has caused concern amongst beauty professionals and importers, many of whom argue that the period until 1 September “is not sufficient” to replace their stock with TPO-free products.

Panagiotopoulou said the industry was informed immediately after the EU decision “so that it could arrange for the replacement of this substance in related products”.

“Because the ban on this specific substance will affect a large number of products in the Cypriot market, we issued an announcement two months before the TPO ban” to inform all stakeholders, including importers, distributors, beauticians and nail technicians, she said.

Nail professionals and importers must contact their suppliers to request replacement products that are safe and do not contain the substance, Panagiotopoulou stressed, adding that no extension would be granted beyond the 1 September deadline.