New rules banning the sale of gel nail polishes containing the chemical TPO came into force in the UK on August 24, 2026, reports infohub.kz.
The restrictions apply to England, Wales, and Scotland. The ban covers new products containing trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a photoinitiator that cures gel polish under UV lamps. The transition to new standards will be phased: manufacturers can no longer supply such products, but beauty salons are allowed to use existing stocks until February 14, 2027.
The tightening follows a review of the chemical's safety classification. Animal studies have shown that high-dose exposure to TPO can cause reproductive toxicity and reduced fertility. Similar measures have been in place in EU countries since September 2025, while the chemical remains permitted in the US, Asia, and Australia.
Beauty industry experts stress that the real risk to salon clients is minimal, as TPO concentrations in cosmetics are extremely low. Moreover, many alternative gels without this substance are already on the market, so customers are unlikely to notice any difference in manicure quality.