What Is TPO— And Why We’re Already Ahead of It 💅

In the realm of nail care products and cosmetics, TPO stands for Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide. It’s a chemical often used as a photoinitiator in gel polishes and similar products. In simple terms: when you shine a UV or LED lamp on a gel polish, the TPO helps trigger the hardening (or “curing”) reaction that turns the liquid gel into a solid film.

Because of this, TPO has long been a go-to ingredient in many gel nail and UV gel systems — it offers fast curing, good color stability, and low yellowing.

However, it has not been without controversy. Over the years regulators and safety bodies have scrutinized it for possible health risks, especially its classification as a substance with potential reproductive toxicity.

Recent Developments in Europe: The TPO Ban

Regulatory changes

• As of 1 September 2025, the European Union has banned the use of TPO in cosmetics, including nail gels and related products

• This ban is rooted in the reclassification of TPO as a CMR category 1B substance (i.e. a substance presumed to be toxic to reproduction).

• Because of EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and the rules for CMR substances, the presence of TPO in cosmetic products is no longer allowed under any conditions in EU markets.

• The ban doesn’t just cover new sales — it also prohibits the use, import, or distribution of TPO-containing cosmetics in the EU.

What this means for the industry & customers

• Nail salons in the EU must phase out, dispose of or stop using any TPO-based products by the deadline.

• Many brands have already begun reformulating their formulas to remove TPO or to use safer photoinitiator alternatives. For example, Akzéntz states it has been shipping only TPO-free products to the EU market ahead of the ban.

• Consumers in EU countries should check the INCI (ingredient list) of gels or nail products to ensure they are TPO-free.

• Some reports note that while TPO is now banned in the EU, it remains legal in other markets (e.g. U.S.) — so this change is specific to the EU regulatory context.

HEMA is also being targeted

• Alongside TPO, another ingredient, HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), is also being banned in gel polishes in the EU as of 1 September 2025.

• HEMA is a common monomer used to help gels bond to the natural nail. Because of its potential to cause skin sensitization or allergic reactions, regulators have decided to prohibit it in these cosmetic applications.

These moves show a broader shift in EU cosmetics regulation: more precaution, more stringent controls on substances with potential health risks even at low exposures.

Why the Regulators Took This Step (Health & Safety Perspective)

It’s important to note that the ban was not necessarily triggered by a rash of documented health incidents in salons — but rather by precaution, new scientific re-evaluations, and reclassification of hazard:

• TPO was reclassified from a lower-risk level to CMR 1B (presumed reproductive toxicity) under the EU system.

• Some animal studies using high doses have suggested reproductive or developmental effects; those are part of what led regulators to act.

• EU regulators employ the “precautionary principle” for chemicals: even if actual harm in typical use hasn’t been proven in humans, a substance classified as CMR 1A or 1B is automatically banned in cosmetics.

• The regulators viewed that there are alternative ingredients and technologies that can act as photoinitiators without the same hazard classification.

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From the salon or manufacturer side, this has meant a scramble to reformulate, test new versions, and re-certify product lines — but many in the industry were already moving in that direction, anticipating regulatory tightening.

Our Commitment: TPO-Free, HEMA-Free, Health-First

At Skip the Filter, we believe beauty should never come at the price of safety. That’s why long before the EU’s formal ban, we committed to offering TPO-free and HEMA-free products — in other words, formulations that avoid those two controversial chemicals entirely.

What this means for you (our client or customer):

1. Peace of mind You don’t need to worry whether your gel or nail product contains TPO or HEMA. Our transparent labeling ensures that you always know what you're applying to your nails.

2. Global compliance Because the EU already requires TPO/HEMA-free formulations, our products are built to those stricter standards — which means they're safe to use across jurisdictions without legal concern.

3. Health-conscious innovation We continually invest in research to find safer photoinitiators, bonding systems, and gel chemistries that deliver strong performance without compromising health. Our formulations undergo rigorous testing for compatibility and safety.

4. Client health is front and center For clients who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or with sensitivities, avoiding TPO and HEMA can be an extra layer of assurance. We actively consider all client safety factors in product design and selection.

5. Transparent ingredient practices We provide ingredient lists, safety data where applicable, and clear communication — so you can make informed choices about nail products and treatments.

So when you book your next BIAB, gel or manicure with us, you can relax knowing every product we use is chosen with your wellbeing in mind.

Please find certificae on compliance from our supplier xxx