You might have seen a few headlines about TPO recently, and if you’re a gel mani lover, you may be wondering: are gel nails being banned in the UK?

The good news? No. Gel manicures aren’t going anywhere. The new rules are specifically about TPO, an ingredient found in some traditional gel nail products.

So, what exactly is TPO, what’s changing and what does it mean for your next manicure?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is TPO and why is it being banned?

TPO stands for Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide. It’s a photoinitiator, an ingredient that helps some gel nail formulas cure and harden under a UV or LED lamp.

Because it has been classified as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant, meaning it is considered capable of harming reproductive health, TPO can no longer be used in cosmetic products in Great Britain.

Now, that might sound a little alarming, but it’s worth putting into context. The classification describes the potential hazard associated with TPO. It doesn’t mean that having had a gel manicure containing it has been shown to cause harm.

So, what does this mean for your manicure?

For most of us, not a huge amount will change. Gel manicures aren’t being banned, and TPO-free formulas are already available.

But all the conversation around TPO does raise a bigger question: what do you actually want from your manicure?

If it’s the glossy finish and long-lasting wear you love, traditional gel isn’t the only way to get it.

A better way to do your nails

At Glaize, our stick-on gels are TPO-free and HEMA-free. They’re made from real, pre-cured gel, so there’s no liquid gel to cure on your nails at home and no UV lamp needed during application.

They give you that glossy, salon-look finish in minutes, with up to 14 days of wear and damage-free removal.

So, if the glossy finish and long-lasting wear are what you love about traditional gel manis, Glaize gives you both, without the usual trade-offs of traditional gel.

Ready to try something different?

SHOP STICK-ON GELS