TPO Ban for Nail Products: What Salon Professionals Need to Know

Key Takeaways

• 🇪🇺 EU TPO ban effective September 2025; UK likely by 2026.
• 🧪 The ban is precautionary, not a result of proven salon harm.
• 💅 SalonServe’s Full Size, HEMA-Free, and Builder Gel ranges are already 100% TPO-free.
• ⚡ TPO-L (Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate) is the safer, EU-approved alternative used in our HEMA-Free formula.
• 🛍️ Start auditing your stock now to ensure a smooth, compliant transition.

The TPO Ban and Why It Matters Now

From 1 September 2025, the EU will enforce a full ban on TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) in cosmetic products, including professional gel nail systems.

This change is reshaping the nail industry – many brands are reformulating their gels to comply, and UK salons will start to see fewer TPO-based products available over the coming year.

While the UK hasn’t yet adopted the same restriction, similar legislation is expected by late 2026. Now is the time for salons to prepare and plan ahead.

At SalonServe, our professional gel ranges have always been TPO-free – so you can offer flawless results with complete confidence and compliance.

What Is TPO and Why Was It Used in Nail Products?

TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) is a photoinitiator – an ingredient that triggers the gel to harden under UV or LED light.

It became a favourite among chemists because it cured gels quickly, evenly, and without yellowing.

TPO’s key benefits included:

• Fast and efficient curing
• A clear, glossy finish
• Consistent, professional results

However, evolving cosmetic safety standards mean chemists now have access to new-generation photoinitiators that offer the same performance – without regulatory concern.

Why the EU Banned TPO: The Science and the Context

TPO has been classified as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant (CMR) under EU Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. This classification is based on high-dose ingestion tests on animals, not real-world cosmetic use.

As the CTPA explains, this decision is a regulatory precaution, not evidence of harm in salon settings. The ban ensures consistency across EU chemical safety laws, even though normal exposure in nail applications is minimal.

In short: this is about compliance – not panic.

UK Timeline and What’s Expected Next

At present, the TPO ban applies to EU member states, Norway, and Switzerland. The UK government is expected to follow suit in late 2026 under the UK REACH framework.

What this means for UK salons:

• You can continue to use current stock safely until UK legislation changes.
• Many imported EU gels will already be reformulated to be TPO-free.
• Transitioning early ensures compliance and avoids supply issues.

How to Identify If Your Products Contain TPO

Check your bottles, packaging, or Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for these ingredient names:

Where to Check	What to Look For	Notes
INCI Listing	Diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide	The official INCI name for TPO
Other Names	Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide or TPO	Sometimes abbreviated on older labels
Online Ingredient Lists	Often listed on supplier or brand websites	Contact your distributor if unsure

✅ Good to know: TPO-containing gels remain safe and legal to use until the ban officially applies. There’s no need to discard your current supplies.

SalonServe Formulas: 100% TPO-Free and Ready for 2025

We know compliance shouldn’t compromise quality. That’s why none of our current gel formulas contain TPO – and all meet EU and UK safety standards.

Here’s how our professional systems compare:

Formula	Key Photoinitiator	TPO Content	Key Benefits
GelEase Full Size 15ml Gel Polish	Hydroxycyclohexyl Phenyl Ketone	❌ No TPO	Reliable curing, high gloss, consistent wear
GelEase HEMA-Free 8ml Gel Polish	Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate (TPO-L)	❌ No TPO	Next-generation, safer alternative approved in the EU
GelEase 15ml Builder Gel	Hydroxycyclohexyl Phenyl Ketone	❌ No TPO	Strong, self-levelling, professional-grade durability

✨ TPO-L Explained:
Our HEMA-Free Gel Polish contains Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate – commonly known as TPO-L. This is a safer, next-generation photoinitiator, widely used as a TPO substitute and approved for cosmetic use in the EU.

It offers the same fast, even curing as traditional TPO, without regulatory restrictions or performance compromise.

---

Guidance for Salon Owners and Professionals

To stay compliant and confident:

1. Audit your current stock – Identify any gels listing TPO.
2. Contact your suppliers – Confirm reformulation timelines.
3. Try TPO-free systems early – Ensure performance matches your current favourites.
4. Stay informed – Follow updates from CTPA, NHBF, and SalonServe News.
5. Reassure your clients – New formulations meet the latest safety and performance standards.

💡 SalonServe Tip: Our TPO-free and HEMA-free gel systems deliver the same strength, shine, and wear your clients expect – so you can future-proof your treatments with confidence.

How to Prepare Your Stock for the Transition

Here’s how to manage your inventory effectively:

• ✅ Use existing stock while it’s still legal and safe.
• 🔄 Restock gradually with compliant TPO-free products.
• ⚠️ Avoid bulk ordering older formulations nearing phase-out.
• 🗂️ Label and track TPO-containing gels to manage usage before the cut-off.

By the second half of 2025, your salon should be comfortably operating with fully TPO-free gels.

Stay Compliant. Stay Confident.

SalonServe is committed to helping salons navigate regulation with trusted, high-performance products that keep your clients’ nails looking flawless.

Explore our TPO-free gel polish systems here – expertly formulated, EU-compliant, and ready for the future of nail technology.

Explore GelEase TPO-Free Gel Polish