A chemical prohibition used in freezing manicures due to health problems

Gel manicures are a must for beauty for millions, lasting weeks without tokens and to remain brilliant through work, training sessions and everything else.

But on September 1, 2025, the European Union prohibited a chemical used in numerous gel varnishes, arousing security problems and uncertainty for manicure salons, according to a press release.

The ingredient in question is the oxide of Triméthylbenzoyle Diphenylphosphine (TPO). This compound reacts under UV light to quickly harden the varnish and give it a glass finish.

As of September 1, 2025, the European Union prohibited a chemical used in many gel varnishes, arousing security problems and uncertainty for manicure salons. (istock)

The decision seems to come from several studies connecting exposure to TPO to fertility problems.

These studies have often focused on animal subjects, not humans, but the EU uses a strict “better than more sorry” approach with regard to cosmetics.

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The regulators have reclassified TPO as a category 1B RMR substance, which means that it can cause cancer or reproductive damage. Under the EU law, it sparked an automatic ban.

Consequently, the marketing and use of cosmetic products containing TPO – including in professional contexts such as manicure salons – are strictly prohibited.

Gel vs ordinary varnish

The main difference between frost and ordinary varnish is the application process – and it is not only the compounds that people have to monitor, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

“The two products generally seem identical, but although you simply wait for the ordinary dry nail polish alone … The fast dried gel varnish under a UV or LED lamp specialized in 60 to 90 seconds”, reads the site.

Diphenylphosphine Diphenylphosphine (TPO) Dip oxide reacts under UV light to make poly polly quickly and give it a glass finish. (istock)

During a manicure, these lamps help adjust the gel manicures and dry varnish. However, they also emit ultraviolet rays, which have been linked to skin cancer and premature aging, said the source above.

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These rays penetrate deep into the skin and damage collagen. However, studies have shown that the connection between lamps at the manicure show and cancer seems low or not conclusive.

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EU salons must immediately stop using TPO products, even if they have refueled before the deadline, the press release said.

Studies have shown that the connection between lamps at the manicure show and cancer seems low or not very conclusive. (istock)

Technically, even the old bottles of varnish containing TPO are not legal after September 1. The ban only applies in the EU for the moment.

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The good news for customers, however, is that gel nails do not disappear.

According to industry reports.