Goodbye to cosmetics with TPO. The TPO ban approved by the European Union comes into effect. TPO is a chemical that has long been used as a photoinitiator in semi-permanent nail polishes, gels and 'top coats'. SIts main function is to accelerate the drying of the color and harden the product when exposed to LED or UV light, to achieve a more resistant and shiny finish. Some of the reasons that have led to the prohibition of this product is that there is a possibility that it contributes to the appearance of certain cancers and also irritates the skin. As indicated
The European Commission has classified TPO as a CMR 1B substance (reproductive toxicant) under the CLP regulation. According to Article 15(2) of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, any CMR 1A/1B substance is automatically prohibited in cosmetics.
The same body has also remarked that this prohibition applies to the manufacture, sale and even use of old stock by nail technicians as of today. These specifications were included in the official web portal of the European Union last August.
Exception for the United Kingdom
The European Commission has granted a different deadline to the United Kingdom. The document suggests that the United Kingdom will follow in the footsteps of the European Union at the end of 2026.
TPO can be identified in different ways:
- TPO-L-Ethyl Trimethylbenzyl Phenylphosphinate
- TMO (TPO-R) - Trimethylbenzyl Ditolylphosphine Oxide / Di-p-tolyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzyl).
- BAPO- Bis-Trimethylbenzyl Phenylphosphine Oxide.
- Hydroxycyclohexyl Phenyl Ketone.
The European Commission collected this prohibition on May 12, 2025 and it came into effect on June 2 of the same year. Today, September 1, the prohibition, distribution and import of any cosmetic product containing TPO also comes into effect.
However, the European Commission has concluded that it is a toxic substance due to its possible effects when ingested in high concentrations, despite the fact that it is a product that is not ingested. In 2014, the Consumer Safety Research Committee (SCCS) evaluated the use of TPO in nail products and on that occasion considered its use safe up to 5%. The study, then, was based on skin test results.