Key Takeaways

• The European Union has announced a ban on trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a common ingredient in gel nail polish, over concerns it could potentially be linked to infertility.

• Experts emphasize that the decision is largely precautionary since current evidence comes only from animal studies, not human research.

• Women who are actively trying to conceive, or who are in the first trimester of pregnancy, may want to be cautious and choose gel polishes that are free of TPO.

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Why the EU Banned TPO

Gel manicures are beloved for their glossy finish, long-lasting durability, and resistance to chipping. However, starting September 1, nail technicians and salons in the European Union will no longer be able to use or sell gel products containing TPO. Any remaining stock must be discarded.

The ban stems from findings in animal studies suggesting a potential connection between TPO exposure and fertility problems. While this link has not yet been proven in humans, EU regulators are acting on the principle of precaution, given the popularity of gel manicures and the unknown long-term health implications.

In contrast, the United States still permits the use of TPO in gel nail polish, leaving many consumers and salon-goers questioning whether they should be concerned.

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What Exactly Is TPO?

Unlike regular nail polish, which dries naturally in air, gel nail polish requires curing under UV or LED lamps for 30–90 seconds to harden properly.

TPO functions as a photoinitiator. According to dermatologist Chris Adigun, MD, it absorbs energy from UV or LED light and accelerates the polymerization process — in simpler terms, it helps the gel form the tough, durable coating that makes it so popular.

Importantly, not every gel nail product contains TPO. Alternative formulations already exist, though they may not always deliver the same level of shine or durability.

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Is TPO Harmful?

The central concern about TPO comes from animal studies, where the chemical was given to rats in high oral doses. According to Sharrón L. Manuel, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist at HRC Fertility, female rats became infertile, while male rats showed reduced testicle size and sperm count.

Because of these findings, the EU has classified TPO as a category 1B reproductive toxicant — a classification reserved for chemicals presumed to have negative effects on fertility in humans, even though direct human evidence is lacking.

Dr. Manuel points out that the way humans are exposed to TPO — mainly through nail plates during a manicure — is very different from the conditions of animal experiments. Nevertheless, she supports the EU’s decision: “We don’t yet have enough data to prove it’s unsafe, but we also don’t have enough to say it’s completely safe either.”

Experts like Dr. Adigun add that while the nail plate provides a barrier, salon workers may be at higher risk since they are repeatedly exposed to nail dust, which can be inhaled or accidentally ingested. Data on these long-term, low-level exposures is still limited.

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The U.S. Perspective

In the U.S., the FDA requires manufacturers to demonstrate product safety before cosmetics reach the market. A spokesperson for the Personal Care Products Council emphasized that if TPO-containing gel polishes are sold in stores or salons, it means the FDA does not currently consider them hazardous.

The spokesperson added that the industry is committed to “maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and transparency.”

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Should You Stop Getting Gel Manicures?

At present, there’s no definitive proof that TPO is harmful to human fertility. However, if you want to minimize risks, you can choose TPO-free gel polishes or specifically ask your nail salon for them.

Dr. Manuel notes that this EU ban could trigger a global shift in beauty product regulations, potentially leading to more TPO-free alternatives in the near future.

She advises women who are trying to conceive or in early pregnancy to be extra careful and avoid products with TPO: “Until we can fully prove safety, my approach is to be cautious.”

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Other Risks of Gel Manicures

Even without TPO, gel manicures carry other risks, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Over time, they can make nails brittle, thin, or prone to peeling. Prolonged exposure to UV lamps may increase skin cancer risk and accelerate skin aging on the hands.

Additionally, the use of acetone to remove gel polish can dry out both nails and surrounding skin.

The AAD recommends the following to reduce damage:

• Apply sunscreen to hands before UV light exposure.

• Resist the urge to pick or peel off gel polish.

• Limit acetone soaks to fingertips only, not the whole hand.

• Take regular breaks between manicures.

• Keep nails and cuticles moisturized.

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✅ Bottom Line: The EU ban on TPO is precautionary, not proof of danger. While there’s no strong evidence yet that TPO harms human fertility, women who are pregnant or trying to conceive may want to choose TPO-free products. As with many beauty treatments, moderation and awareness are key.

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