Why Are Gel Polishes Containing TPO Banned in Europe but Still Allowed in the U.S.?

Gel polish has become a popular choice in the nail industry thanks to its durability and long-lasting shine. However, the European Union (EU) recently officially banned the chemical trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), commonly found in gel polish, citing potential health risks. Meanwhile, in the U.S., gel polish products are still allowed on the market. So, are gel polishes containing TPO truly dangerous? Let’s find out with S&L Beauty!

The EU Ban on Gel Polishes Containing TPO

The EU has just issued a ban on trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), an ingredient that helps gel polish adhere better and last longer compared to regular nail polish.

Animal studies (on rodents) indicated that exposure to high doses of TPO could reduce fertility, cause fetal abnormalities, and negatively affect the liver and kidneys. Although these studies involved very high oral doses in rodents, the EU still applied the precautionary principle and decided to remove this chemical from consumer products.

This approach is part of the EU’s regulatory tradition and is completely different from how consumer products are managed in the U.S. According to David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group in Washington, D.C.: “If there’s a reasonable probability that a chemical can harm human health, it will be banned in products.”

Why Does the U.S. Still Allow Gel Polishes Containing TPO?

Unlike Europe, the U.S. has not banned TPO in gel polish. These products are still widely available without any restrictions. There are three main reasons for this difference:

1. No scientific evidence in humans: To date, there is no clear evidence or research proving that TPO causes harm to human health.
2. Very low exposure levels in practice: In reality, both nail technicians and customers are exposed to extremely low levels of TPO—far lower than doses used in animal experiments.
3. U.S. product regulation: The FDA restricts only about 11 chemicals in cosmetics, which is relatively few compared to the EU.
4. This highlights the key difference in regulatory approaches: the EU removes products when risks are identified, while the U.S. often waits for stronger evidence.

Are There Any Potential Risks in Using Gel Polish?

The answer is simple: yes—there are risks, and not just one, but several. However, it’s important to stress that these health impacts generally occur only when gel polish is misused or exposure is extremely high. Specifically:

• Risks from TPO: May affect reproductive health, but this is based solely on animal studies with very high doses, while actual TPO content in gel polish is extremely low.
• Risks from UV exposure: UV light used to cure gel polish can cause premature skin aging. This warning has been repeated many times, and users can easily prevent it by wearing protective gloves when curing nails under a UV lamp.
• Effects on nails: Frequent gel manicures can make nails thinner, more brittle, and prone to peeling—especially if nails are not given a rest period (1–2 weeks).

Safety Tips When Getting Gel Manicures

To minimize risks, you can follow these safety measures:

• Allow your nails to rest 1–2 weeks between gel applications.
• Wear protective gloves for your hands before UV curing.
• Ensure nail tools are properly sterilized.
• Avoid peeling off gel polish yourself—use professional gel removers or visit a salon.
• Apply nourishing cuticle oil serum during your gel manicure routine to protect nails and surrounding skin.
• Pregnant women may consider avoiding gel manicures during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Gel polish offers long-lasting beauty, but like any other product, improper use can bring hidden risks. For customers who follow the correct procedure, the risks are almost negligible.

As Jamie Alan from Michigan State University put it: “Compared to many other factors that affect our health, this is a relatively small influence. If getting gel manicures makes you happy, then by all means enjoy them.”

*This article references the piece “Are Gel Manicures a Harmless Beauty Trend, or Health Hazard?” by Sumathi Reddy, published in The Wall Street Journal.