The UK is introducing new rules for gel nails from August 2026, banning the chemical TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) found in UV and LED-cured gel nail systems.
Timeline of the ban
From August 15, 2026, manufacturers and importers can no longer place new batches of TPO-containing products onto the UK market. By February 14, 2027, retailers, wholesalers, and distributors must stop selling or supplying old stock containing TPO to salons or the public.
Why TPO is being banned
TPO is a photoinitiator that reacts to UV/LED light to harden gel polish. It has been reclassified as a Category 1B Reproductive Toxicant (CMR), which automatically bans it from cosmetic formulas under UK and EU laws.
Safety and impact on consumers
Health experts, including the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), say current TPO-containing gels are not inherently unsafe for normal use. The ban is based on studies where rats ingested massive doses of the chemical. In nail products, TPO is present in tiny percentages (1–3%) and becomes trapped within the cured polymer. Uncured TPO can cause skin allergies if wet gel repeatedly touches skin.
Consumers do not need to cancel appointments. Most global brands like CND, GellifiQue, and Glossify have already reformulated to be TPO-free. Nail technicians can continue using existing stock through 2026. Slight variations in curing times or textures may occur as brands switch to alternative photoinitiators.
