If you're a professional nail technician in the UK, September 2026 will mark one of the most significant regulatory changes in the history of the nail industry. The ban on TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) in cosmetic products—already enforced across the EU since September 1, 2025—is coming to the United Kingdom, and it will fundamentally transform how you work.
This isn't a minor ingredient tweak or a voluntary safety improvement. This is a mandatory, legally-enforced prohibition that will make it illegal to use TPO-containing gel polish, builder gel, or any nail enhancement product in your salon or mobile practice. No exceptions. No grace periods for old stock. No "I didn't know" defences.
This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to navigate this transition successfully, protect your business, maintain (or even improve) your service quality, and potentially gain a competitive advantage.
What is TPO and Why is it Being Banned?
Understanding TPO: The Chemistry Basics
TPO stands for Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide. It's a synthetic chemical compound classified as a Type I photoinitiator—a substance that triggers and accelerates the polymerisation (hardening) process when exposed to specific wavelengths of light.
In simple terms: TPO is the "on switch" for your gel polish. When you place your client's hand under a UV or LED lamp after applying gel polish, the TPO molecules absorb that light energy and break apart into highly reactive fragments called free radicals. These free radicals then set off a chain reaction, causing the liquid gel monomers to link together into long, solid chains. Within 30-60 seconds, you've transformed a liquid coating into a hard, durable, glossy finish.
Why Was TPO So Popular in Nail Products?
TPO became the photoinitiator of choice for many gel polish manufacturers for several excellent technical reasons:
-
Fast Curing Speed
TPO is incredibly efficient at initiating polymerisation. Products containing TPO typically cure in 30-60 seconds under LED lamps, compared to older photoinitiators that might require 2-3 minutes under UV lamps. -
LED Compatibility
TPO absorbs light very effectively at wavelengths around 365-405nm, which is exactly where most modern LED nail lamps operate. -
Colour Stability
Unlike some older photoinitiators, TPO doesn't yellow over time or cause discoloration in lighter gel shades. -
Complete Cure
TPO provides deep, thorough curing throughout the entire gel layer, resulting in stronger, more durable nail enhancements. -
Minimal Odour
Compared to some alternative photoinitiators, TPO has relatively low volatility, meaning less strong chemical smell during application.
At its peak, it was estimated that 60-70% of professional gel polish products globally contained TPO. So if it works so well, why is it being banned?
The Classification: CMR Category 1B
In January 2024, the European Commission officially reclassified TPO under the CLP Regulation as:
- Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic (CMR)
- Category 1B = Presumed to cause harm to human reproduction based on clear evidence in animals
Under Article 15 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, any substance classified as CMR Category 1A or 1B is automatically banned from use in cosmetic products unless a specific exemption is granted. No exemption was requested or granted for TPO.
The Controversy: Is the Ban Justified?
The nail industry largely believes the ban is an overreaction based on unrealistic exposure scenarios. The key arguments include:
- Oral vs. Topical Exposure: Animal studies involved oral ingestion—nail technicians aren't eating gel polish
- Dose Matters: Study doses were 50-300 mg/kg body weight daily—actual human exposure is orders of magnitude lower
- Encapsulation: Once cured, TPO is locked into the solid polymer structure
- No Human Evidence: No documented cases of reproductive harm despite decades of use
🎯 The Bottom Line
Whether you think the ban is scientifically justified or regulatory overkill, it doesn't matter. The ban is happening. Come September 2026 in the UK, using TPO-containing products will be illegal. What matters now is: What are you going to do about it?
Timeline and Deadlines: When You Need to Act
The Global Picture
EU and EEA Ban Takes Effect
Applies to all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. European manufacturers have stopped producing TPO-containing products.
UK Ban Expected
Exact date not yet confirmed but widely expected to be September 1, 2026. Applies throughout United Kingdom.
USA, Canada, Australia, Asia
Currently no federal bans planned. However, many brands are reformulating globally anyway.
What the UK Timeline Means for You
1 Now (October 2025) — 11 Months Until Ban
- Reading this guide (good start!)
- Auditing your current product inventory
- Researching TPO-free alternatives
- Ordering sample kits from potential brands
- Calculating transition costs
2 Early 2026 (Jan-March) — 6-8 Months Until Ban
- Testing sample products thoroughly
- Making final brand decisions
- Ordering initial replacement stock
- Beginning to use TPO-free on willing clients
- Training staff on any application differences
3 Mid-2026 (April-June) — 3-5 Months Until Ban
- Fully transitioning to TPO-free products
- Using up remaining TPO stock on yourself or practice hands
- Updating marketing materials
- Informing all clients about the product upgrade
4 Late Summer 2026 (July-Aug) — 1-2 Months Until Ban
- 100% TPO-free in all client services
- Properly disposing of any remaining TPO products
- Double-checking all products (including forgotten items)
- Celebrating that you're ahead of the deadline!
From September 2026, professional use of TPO-containing products is prohibited, regardless of when those products were purchased. "I bought these before the ban" is not a legal defence. You cannot use up, sell, or give away TPO products after the ban date.
Who is Affected by the TPO Ban?
Salon-Based Nail Technicians
High Impact
You're probably working with 50-200+ gel polish bottles, multiple builder gels, various base and top coats. If even half contain TPO, that's a significant replacement cost and learning curve.
Mobile Nail Technicians
Medium-High Impact
You typically carry a smaller, more curated selection—maybe 20-40 shades plus essentials. Easier to replace, but you're also likely more price-sensitive.
Salon Owners with Multiple Technicians
Very High Impact
The impact multiplies. If you have 3-5 technicians, you might be looking at ÂŁ2,000-5,000 in product replacement costs, plus training time for your entire team.
You Are NOT Affected If...
- You only do traditional nail polish (no gel): Regular nail polish doesn't contain TPO
- You only do gel removal: If you only remove gels and don't apply new ones
- You're a client: The ban applies to professional use; clients don't need to do anything
Scientific Evidence Behind the Ban
Key Studies That Led to the Ban
Study 1: 90-Day Repeated Dose Oral Toxicity in Rats (2018)
40 male and 40 female rats were given TPO daily by oral gavage for 90 days at doses of 0, 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg body weight.
Key Findings in Males at 100+ mg/kg:
- Significant reduction in testicular weight (up to 25% decrease)
- Microscopic changes in testicular tissue
- Reduced sperm count and motility
- Changes in hormone levels
Study 2: Two-Generation Reproductive Toxicity Study (2019)
Evaluated effects across two full generations of rats. At 150 mg/kg: reduced fertility, smaller litter sizes, and developmental abnormalities in some pups.
The Risk Assessment Debate
| Measure | Study Conditions | Real-World Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| Route of Exposure | Oral ingestion | Topical application to nails |
| Daily Dose (NOAEL) | 15-30 mg/kg/day | ~0.01 mg/kg/day (nail tech) |
| Margin of Safety | — | 1,500x+ higher than NOAEL |
| Human Evidence | None available | No documented cases of harm |
Industry scientists argue this is hazard-based regulation (can it cause harm under any circumstance?) rather than risk-based regulation (does it cause harm under actual conditions of use?). However, EU law mandates precautionary action for reproductive toxicants when alternatives exist.
How to Identify TPO in Your Products
Check the INCI Ingredients List
Look for any of these names on your product labels:
- Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (full INCI name)
- TPO (common abbreviation)
- Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (alternative)
- CAS Number: 75980-60-8
If You Can't Find Ingredients
- Check the brand's website—many now advertise "TPO-free"
- Contact the manufacturer directly
- Search "[brand name] + TPO free" online
- When in doubt, assume it contains TPO
TPO-Free Alternatives That Work
The good news: Modern chemistry has developed excellent alternatives to TPO that deliver the same—or better—performance.
The Next-Generation Photoinitiators
1. TPO-L (Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate)
Structurally similar to TPO but with a molecular difference that eliminates the toxicity concerns. Rapidly becoming the most popular TPO replacement.
- Cure Speed: Equivalent to TPO (30-60 seconds)
- Curing Depth: Excellent penetration
- Colour Stability: Does not yellow
- CMR Status: Not classified (safe to use)
2. BAPO (Bis-Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphine Oxide)
Actually performs better than TPO in many respects, particularly for LED-cured systems. Lower heat spike during curing means more comfort for clients.
3. HCPK (Hydroxycyclohexyl Phenyl Ketone)
Proven safety record over 40+ years. Used in cosmetics and dental materials since the 1980s. May require slightly longer cure times.
Performance Comparison
| Feature | TPO (Banned) | TPO-L | BAPO | HCPK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cure Speed (LED) | 30-60 sec | 30-60 sec | 20-45 sec | 60-90 sec |
| Cure Depth | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Colour Stability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Heat Spike | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| Safety Profile | ❌ CMR 1B | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe |
| Regulatory Status | ❌ Banned | ✅ Approved | ✅ Approved | ✅ Approved |
🎯 Key Takeaway
The alternatives genuinely match or exceed TPO performance. This isn't a case of "settling for less."
Glosson: TPO-Free & HEMA-Free From Day One
At Glosson, we've been ahead of this change from the start. Our entire range is 100% TPO-free and HEMA-free, with professional-grade formulations that cure fast, wear beautifully, and keep both you and your clients safe.
Explore Our TPO-Free Range →Will Your Lamp Work with TPO-Free Products?
Yes, almost certainly. TPO-free photoinitiators are specifically designed to work with standard UV/LED nail lamps operating at 365-405nm wavelengths.
- UV lamps (365-370nm): âś… Works with all alternatives
- LED lamps (365-405nm): âś… Works with all alternatives
- Dual UV/LED lamps: âś… Works perfectly
- 30W+ professional lamps from last 2-3 years: âś… No changes needed
Complete Transition Strategy: Your Action Plan
Phase 1: Assessment and Planning (Weeks 1-4)
Week 1: Inventory Audit
Create a complete inventory of all gel products with these columns:
- Product Name & Brand
- Type (gel polish / builder gel / base coat / top coat)
- Quantity & Estimated Value
- Contains TPO? (Yes/No/Unknown)
Week 2: Usage Rate Analysis
Track which colours you use most frequently. You probably have 20-30 colours that account for 80% of your applications (Pareto Principle). These are your priority replacements.
Week 3: Financial Planning
| Option | Approach | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | Replace everything immediately | ~ÂŁ1,400 |
| Option 2 | Prioritise high-use items first | ÂŁ400-500 initial |
| Option 3 | Gradual replacement over 3 months | ÂŁ400-500/month |
Week 4: Brand Research and Decision
Criteria for choosing TPO-free brands:
- 100% TPO-free (obviously)
- Also HEMA-free (bonus safety)
- Professional-grade quality
- Good reviews from other nail techs
- Adequate colour range
- UK-based or UK-available
- Sample kits available
- Clear ingredient labelling
Phase 2: Testing and Evaluation (Weeks 5-8)
Test products on yourself FIRST before using on paying clients. Glosson's Sample Bundles are perfect for this—you can try a curated selection of our most popular shades before committing to a full range. Track:
- Days 1-2: Application testing (consistency, brushability, pigmentation, coverage)
- Days 1-2: Curing testing (completeness, heat spike, finish quality)
- Days 3-14: Wear testing (chipping, lifting, colour shift, durability)
- Days 14-15: Removal testing (soak-off time, nail condition after)
Then test on 5-10 loyal beta clients at a discounted rate. Get detailed feedback after 2 weeks.
Phase 3: Bulk Order and Full Transition (Weeks 9-16)
Recommended first order from Glosson:
- Top 20-30 most-used gel polish shades
- Full builder gel range
- All essentials (base coat x2, top coat x2, primer)
- 3-5 trendy/seasonal shades
Budget: ÂŁ600-900 for comprehensive initial order
Phase 4: Complete Compliance (Weeks 17-20)
- 100% TPO-free in all client services
- All staff trained on new products
- Remaining TPO stock properly disposed
- All marketing materials updated
- 6 months ahead of deadline!
Financial Planning for the Switch
Sample Budget Breakdown
Here's a realistic budget based on Glosson's professional pricing:
| Item | Quantity | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sample/testing kits | 1-2 kits | ÂŁ50-100 |
| Gel polish colours (priority) | 30 shades | ÂŁ360 |
| Builder gels | 4-6 shades | ÂŁ60-90 |
| Base & top coats | 4 bottles | ÂŁ48 |
| Secondary colours | 40-60 shades | ÂŁ480-720 |
| Total | ÂŁ1,000-1,400 |
Money-Saving Tips
- New customer discounts: Glosson offers special pricing for first-time professional buyers
- Bundle deals: Our curated bundles offer better value than individual bottles
- Sample kits: Test before committing to full-size purchases
- Loyalty programme: Stick with one brand like Glosson for better pricing over time
- Gradual transition: Spread costs over 3-4 months
Client Communication Strategies
In-Person Script
Social Media Post Ideas
- Announcement: "We've upgraded! Our salon now uses 100% TPO-free and HEMA-free gel polish..."
- Educational: Content about the TPO ban and why it matters for nail health
- Proof: Before/after photos showing identical beautiful results
- Testimonial: Client feedback about the new products
Update Your Marketing
- Website: Add "TPO-Free & HEMA-Free" to service descriptions
- Booking page: Note the product upgrade
- Instagram bio: Add "✨ TPO-Free & HEMA-Free Gel Polish"
- Google Business: Update description
Comprehensive FAQ
What is TPO and why is it being banned?
TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) is a photoinitiator used in gel nail products that triggers curing under UV/LED lamps. It's being banned because the European Commission classified it as CMR Category 1B (presumed reproductive toxicant) based on animal studies showing potential harm to male fertility.
When does the TPO ban take effect in the UK?
The UK TPO ban is expected to take effect in September 2026, one year after the EU ban which came into force on September 1, 2025. There is no grace period for using existing stock after the ban date.
Can I use up my existing TPO products after the ban?
No. There is no grace period for existing stock. From the ban date, professional use of TPO-containing products is prohibited regardless of when they were purchased. You must dispose of any remaining TPO products properly.
What are the alternatives to TPO?
The main TPO-free alternatives include TPO-L (Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate), BAPO (Bis-Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphine Oxide), and HCPK (Hydroxycyclohexyl Phenyl Ketone). These deliver equivalent or better performance.
Will my current lamp work with TPO-free products?
Yes, in almost all cases. TPO-free photoinitiators are designed to work with standard UV/LED nail lamps. Professional lamps 30W or higher from the last 2-3 years will work without any changes.
How much will the transition cost?
Most nail technicians can expect to spend ÂŁ1,100-1,400 for a complete product replacement, though this can be spread over several months. Prioritising high-use colours first can reduce initial costs to ÂŁ400-500.
Are TPO-free products as good as TPO products?
Yes—often better. Modern TPO-free formulations using TPO-L and BAPO deliver equivalent cure speed, excellent colour stability, and in some cases lower heat spikes during curing for greater client comfort.
Where can I buy TPO-free and HEMA-free gel products in the UK?
Glosson offers a complete range of professional-grade, 100% TPO-free and HEMA-free products including gel polishes, builder gels, and base and top coats. All products are UK-based with fast shipping and professional pricing.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Don't wait until the last minute. Start your transition to TPO-free products today and stay ahead of the September 2026 deadline.
Shop Glosson TPO-Free Products →Try our Sample Bundles to test our TPO-free and HEMA-free formulations before committing to a full transition. We also offer Builder Gels, Base & Top Coats, and everything else you need for a complete switch.
