A new regulation in the United Kingdom has restricted the use of a chemical found in some gel nail products over concerns about its potential effects on fertility and reproductive health.
The rules, which took effect on August 15, 2026, apply across England, Scotland and Wales and prohibit manufacturers and importers from placing new cosmetic products containing trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) on the market.
The development has sparked widespread discussion online, with some reports describing the move as a “gel nail ban”. However, the regulation does not prohibit gel manicures or salons from offering gel nail treatments altogether.
Instead, the focus is specifically on products containing TPO.
What Is TPO and Why Is It Being Restricted?
TPO, short for trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, is a chemical used as a photoinitiator in certain gel nail products.
Its role is to help gel polish harden or cure when exposed to UV or LED light. This allows the polish to set quickly and achieve the durable finish associated with gel manicures.
However, TPO has been classified as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant under the relevant regulatory framework following evidence from animal studies that raised concerns about potential effects on fertility and reproduction at sufficiently high levels of exposure.
The UK restrictions are therefore intended as a precautionary regulatory measure rather than an indication that every gel manicure poses an immediate health danger.
Gel Manicures Have Not Been Banned
Despite the headlines surrounding the new rules, customers can still get gel manicures.
The regulation specifically targets the use and supply of TPO-containing cosmetic products, rather than the gel manicure process itself.
Many manufacturers and salons have already moved toward TPO-free formulations, meaning customers can continue to have gel nails using products that comply with the updated requirements.
Consumers who are concerned about the ingredients in their nail products can ask their salon whether the gel polish being used is TPO-free.
What Happens to Existing Products?
The restrictions are being introduced in stages rather than requiring every existing product to disappear immediately.
Manufacturers and importers can no longer introduce new cosmetic products containing TPO to the UK market under the new rules. However, salons may continue using certain existing stocks during the transition period.
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That transitional period is scheduled to run until February 14, 2027. After that date, the sale or distribution of TPO-containing cosmetic products will become prohibited under the new requirements.
The phased approach gives businesses time to replace affected products and transition fully to alternative formulations.
Why the Regulation Has Caused Confusion
The phrase “gel nail ban” has led some consumers to believe that gel manicures are no longer permitted in the UK.
Industry representatives, however, have clarified that this is not the case.
The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) has described the measure as a precautionary action based on the regulatory classification of TPO, rather than a response to evidence that ordinary salon customers face an immediate danger from gel manicures.
The distinction is important because gel nail products can be formulated without TPO.
What Should Customers Do?
For people who regularly have gel manicures, there is generally no need to stop getting their nails done solely because of the new regulation.
Instead, customers can ask salons which products they use and whether those formulations are TPO-free. Reputable salons should also be aware of the updated regulations and the products they are permitted to use.
The UK’s new rules are ultimately focused on removing a specific chemical from newly supplied cosmetic products while allowing the wider gel manicure industry to continue operating.
As the transition period progresses, TPO-free alternatives are expected to become increasingly common, allowing consumers to continue enjoying gel manicures without the products being affected by the specific restriction on TPO.
