NAIL salon owners have been warned about a new ban coming into force next month.
The ban comes after a health hazard was linked with the popular polish.
Gel polish containing TPO will be banned in UK salons from next month Credit: valentinrussanov
Nail salons in the UK will be hit with a new rule from August 15, banning the sale and professional use of any product containing TPO.
Manufacturers will also no longer be allowed to place any products containing TPO on the market from next month onwards.
The chemical, known as trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), is responsible for helping gel polish to cure quickly and gives it a glossy appearance under a lamp.
However, studies have suggested that TPO may be linked to long-term fertility issues and could be harmful to reproductive health.
From September last year, sales and use of the chemical have been banned in the , after it was classed as a “reproductive toxin”.
Caroline Rainsford, director of science at The CTPA, added: “The reason why TPO has been banned in cosmetic products is based on its hazardous properties, meaning how a substance might behave under a ‘worst-case’ situation, when our bodies are exposed to a very large amount.”
Although industry experts have said this decision was based on “extreme caution” rather than evidence of actual harm.
Now, nail salons in England, Scotland and will be given until February 14 next year to completely eliminate the use and sale of TPO gel polish in their salons.
Enforced by the Office for Product Safety and Standards, retailers will also be unable to sell at-home gel manicure kits containing the chemical.
However, following the EU ban last year, many TPO-free formulas have been shown to perform the same.
Manufacturers have reformulated gels with alternatives like TPO-L or BAPO, which provide similar cure times and a glossy finish.
Those continuing to have gel manicures have also been reminded to visit reputable salons and to apply sunscreen if going under a UV lamp.
Key dates for the ban
- Manufacturers cannot sell any products containing TPO in the UK from 15 August.
- Nail professionals will not be able to purchase TPO products from distributors from February 14, 2027.
- Nail technicians in the UK will not be able to purchase products containing TPO after February 14, 2027.
- They can still use any products they have already purchased after this date.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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