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The TPO Ban: What You Need to Know and the Best TPO-Free Gel Nails

2 September 2025

From 1 September 2025, a major change is hitting the nail and beauty industry: the use of TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) in cosmetic products is officially banned across the EU. If you’ve ever had your nails done with UV gel polish or used certain at-home gel kits, this shift could affect you directly.

And while the UK isn’t enforcing the ban just yet, it’s expected to follow suit by late 2026, so now’s the time to understand what it all means, and why Glaize customers don’t need to worry.

What is TPO?

TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) is a photoinitiator used in many gel polishes. It helps your manicure cure under UV light, making nails hard and long-lasting.

Why is TPO being banned?

  • The EU classified TPO as CMR Category 1B - a substance toxic to reproduction - under the CLP Regulation (EC No 1272/2008).
  • This classification triggered its mandatory inclusion in Annex II of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC No 1223/2009) via Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/877, part of the Omnibus Act VII.
  • As per regulation, any CMR 1A or 1B substance is automatically banned in cosmetics, with no discretion to allow continued use.

So, regardless of existing safety data suggesting low exposure (e.g. < 0.1% residue, no inhalation or ingestion), the precautionary principle applies.

What this means for consumers

If you’re a gel-nail lover, here’s the key takeaway:

  • Salons will need to switch suppliers if they are using UV gels which contain TPO.
  • At-home gel kits and polishes may disappear from shelves or change formulas (sometimes at the expense of performance).
  • Some consumers may experience more limited choice, at least in the short term, as brands adapt and reformulate.

So if you rely on traditional gel manicures, now’s the time to pay attention to what’s in your products.

The TPO-free alternative: Glaize stick-on gels

Here’s the good news: Glaize customers don’t need to stress.

Unlike traditional gel polishes, Glaize stick-on gel nails do not contain TPO. Our own unique gel formulation was designed from the start to be safe, non-toxic, and hassle-free: no UV lamps, no uncured materials on your skin and nails, no questionable ingredients.

Instead of painting, curing, and exposing yourself to potential irritants, you simply peel, stick, and go. You get salon-quality gel nails, without the risks associated with TPO or similar substances.

Why this matters

The TPO ban signals a wider shift in beauty regulations: consumers want safer, cleaner and more transparent products. At Glaize, we’ve always been ahead of that curve, combining innovation with nail health and sustainability.

So while the rest of the industry scrambles to reformulate, you can relax knowing your nails (and your health) are in good hands.

The TPO ban is shaking up the nail industry and TikTok is already buzzing with concern. But for you, this doesn’t have to mean giving up gel nails.

With Glaize stick-on gels, you can enjoy the glossy, long-lasting finish you love without the worry.

 

👉 Ready to future-proof your nails? Shop Glaize stick-on gels here.