A Crucial Moment for the Cosmetics Sector
Ban on TPO in Cosmetics, What Does this Mean for the Nail Industry?
From September 1, 2025, the use of TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) in cosmetic products will be prohibited within the European Union. TPO is a highly efficient photoinitiator in UV-curing nail products such as gels and builder gels. The ingredient is known for its good color stability, low yellowing tendency and fast, reliable curing, and has been used safely in professional nail salons for years.
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Insight into the TPO Ban
Why is TPO being banned?
The European Commission has classified TPO as a CMR category 1B substance, which means it is presumed to be harmful to reproduction. Based on this classification, the use of TPO in cosmetics is legally prohibited.
The ban is a result of the European Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, which automatically comes into force in every EU country – regardless of the fact that TPO has been used safely in professional salons for years. The regulation makes no distinction between professional and consumer use.
What is the impact on the beauty sector?
The loss of TPO has a huge impact on thousands of salons, training centers, distributors and manufacturers. The ingredient is a crucial component in many UV-curing nail products. Without TPO, numerous tried and tested and popular formulas will disappear from the market. Although alternatives exist, they often do not yet offer the same performance or user-friendliness, and more testing and development work is needed to guarantee similar quality.
The sector is therefore facing a challenging transition, in which it must look for new solutions that are as reliable, safe, high-quality and stable as the current products.
Our Main Objections
No Human Evidence of Danger
No clinical or epidemiological evidence shows that TPO is harmful to humans.
Unequal Treatment between Sectors
TPO remains permitted in dentistry, food packaging and 3D printing—but is banned on nails.
Unfair Competition
Salons must destroy products, while foreign webshops continue to sell TPO products to EU countries. No import controls are carried out by government agencies.
Based on Animal Testing, Prohibited in Cosmetics
The risk analysis is based on animal testing, which is contrary to Article 18 of the European Cosmetics Regulation. Relevant human studies have been ignored, while similar applications continue to use TPO.
No Transitional Arrangement
Only 3.5 months of preparation time for a measure with a huge impact on stock, training and turnover.
Unclear Communication from the Government
Information was late, incoherent and contained incorrect elements.
Violation of the Principle of Proportionality
A total ban is disproportionate. Less drastic alternatives are possible.
Major Economic Damage for SMEs
The TPO ban threatens to cause hundreds of millions of euros in damage to the European beauty sector.