Beauty salons throughout the United Kingdom are now prohibited from offering particular gel products for sale.
The update follows fresh government rules that forbid the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, commonly referred to as TPO, in newly manufactured cosmetic items over health worries.
TPO serves as a chemical substance found in numerous gel nail varnishes that enables them to set and solidify when exposed to ultraviolet or LED illumination.
The fresh prohibition on TPO has taken effect across all British nail salons
The measure took effect on the Saturday of August 15 and means establishments can no longer obtain or provide TPO-based items.
However, businesses may continue utilizing their current inventory until mid-February 2027.
Caroline Rainsford, who leads the scientific division at The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association, explained that the reasoning behind the European Union’s prohibition of TPO in cosmetic items stems from its dangerous characteristics, specifically how a substance might act under hypothetical extreme circumstances when an individual is subjected to a substantial quantity.
She noted that the concentration of this component present in nail products exceeds one thousand times less than the quantity that could potentially impact fertility, and since these items are applied solely to the nail surface, the likelihood of the ingredient entering the body is considerably reduced.
The British government enacted the prohibition after concluding there existed adequate scientific justification indicating a possible threat to human wellbeing.
TPO has prompted particular unease regarding reproductive wellness, with certain research indicating it could influence fertility capabilities.
Within the European Union, the chemical will be prohibited from cosmetic applications from the beginning of September 2025, implemented as a precaution.
Numerous producers have already modified their gel nail collections to remove TPO while still delivering a glossy appearance.
Richard Knight, who serves as Trading Standards Lead Officer for Cosmetics and Beauty, stated that any individual wanting to flag potentially unlawful cosmetic items, including nail gels, may contact Trading Standards through the government-supported Citizens’ Advice Consumer Helpline.