Despite their glamorous appearance, one of the main ingredients in gel nails has recently been banned in Europe. After identifying TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide), a chemical frequently found in gel nail polish, as potentially carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic to reproduction, the European Union formally banned it.
Since September 1, 2025, European beauty brands have been required to reformulate their gel products to be free of TPO. Gel manicures aren’t going away, but this is a significant change that underscores growing worries about the dangers that lurk within routine beauty practices.
The catch is that TPO is still entirely legal in the US. No health advisories, no warning labels, and no demand for quick reform. Compared to Europe, cosmetics regulations in the United States are infamously lax. Only a few cosmetic ingredients are prohibited in the United States, compared to over 1,600 in the European Union.
Even worse, American cosmetic companies are exempt from listing all ingredients on their labels. It is easy for chemicals that are protected by a “proprietary formula” or used under general terms like “fragrance” to go unnoticed. This indicates that customers frequently don’t really know what they’re soaking into their nails or applying to their skin.
Long-term exposure to some beauty chemicals may cause hormone disruption, infertility, and autoimmune disorders, according to health experts. However, the U.S. system mainly depends on consumer pressure before taking action.
For the time being, American consumers of beauty products will need to demand safer substitutes and carefully read labels. Self-care shouldn’t have any unintended consequences, after all.
