Everything you need to know about the ban on TPO in gel nail products:
From 1st September 2025, the use of gel nail products containing the ingredient TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) is now prohibited in EU countries, including Northern Ireland, which follows EU regulations.
There is currently no ban in place for England, Scotland, or Wales, but changes are expected by late 2026 as part of UK regulatory alignment. This gives nail technicians and salons ample time to prepare.
But what exactly is TPO, and why is it being restricted?
Why Is TPO Being Banned?
TPO has been reclassified as a CMR 1B substance (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reproductive toxicant), following animal studies in rats that showed potential male reproductive issues when exposed to extremely high doses.
It’s important to note that this reclassification primarily concerns industrial applications, such as printing inks and adhesives, where exposure levels are far higher than those found in nail products.
In nail systems, TPO has been safely used for years as a photoinitiator in gel formulations—typically at concentrations between 1–5%. The exposure levels from gel nails are very low and significantly below the thresholds shown to cause harm.
What This Means for Nail Techs in the UK
Right now:
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You can continue to use gel products containing TPO in England, Scotland, and Wales.
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The regulatory change is about classification, not because TPO-containing nail products have suddenly become unsafe.
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A UK ban is not expected until late 2026, giving you time to transition if needed.
NSI and Roxi Are Already TPO-Free
At NSI, we are committed to product safety and staying ahead of industry changes.
- All NSI gel products have already been reformulated to be TPO-Free.
- NSI products use TPO-L (Ethyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phenylphosphinate), which is not the same as TPO and is not a banned ingredient.
- Our sister brand, Roxi, is fully TPO-Free and HEMA-Free, offering peace of mind for techs and clients alike.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a break down of what you need to know:
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Gel products with TPO are still permitted in England, Scotland & Wales.
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The EU ban (including Northern Ireland) took effect on 1st September 2025.
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TPO’s reclassification stems from high-dose animal studies unrelated to nail products.
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Nail tech exposure to TPO is extremely low.
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The UK ban is expected in late 2026.
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NSI and Roxi products are already TPO-Free and future-ready.
Final Thoughts
If you're using NSI or Roxi gels in England, Scotland or Wales, there's nothing you need to change our products are TPO-free.
If you’re using other brands that still contain TPO, you can continue to use those products until the ban comes into place.
If you're looking to start your switch to a TPO-Free brand in advance and would like more information the NSI or Roxi gels please get in touch, we can assist you in making the switch easy and affordable.
