Samaher Saif Al Yazal
Dermatologist, Lezar and Beauty, d. Rania Kayed, that the European Union’s decision to prohibit the use of TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) in the gel -coating and all cosmetic products starting from the first of September 2025, represents an important step to protect consumers from the possible health risks associated with this substance.
She stressed the importance of raising the level of awareness among consumers and workers in the cosmetic sector of the necessity of identifying the components of products, and adhering to safe options that maintain health and keep pace with international standards.
D. Rania Kayed: “TPO is used as an effective in gel coating to treat them under UV rays or LED lights, which gives it greater shine and a fast drying time, but laboratory studies indicated that they may cause harmful effects on health, most notably disturbances in the genital cycle, which prompted the European regulatory authorities to take the ban on the principle of reserve.”
She added that «the classification of the material within the CMR 1B category means that it is one of the materials that may be carcinogenic, updated for mutations or toxic to reproduce, and therefore it has become illegal to launch or circulate the products it contains in the European Union markets as of the date of implementation of the decision.
TPO-L (Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate)-
BAPO (BIS (2,4,6-Trimethylbenzoyl) -Phenylphosphine oxide–
Hydroxy-2-metylphenylpropanone-
Consumers and salons also recommend choosing TPO products from brands such as ESSIE, Manucurist and OPI, as well as heading to other options such as traditional nail polish-free nail polish, Dip Powder, or Press-on Nails. I advised to leave time breaks between The sessions, use the Base Coat before applying the paint with a good ventilation guarantee inside the salons.
It advised to prevent the use of TPO in the polychlocy generation.
Since the beginning of September 2025, it has become not allowed to use or circulate the products of the TPO generation (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide), after being included in the list of CMR 1B chemicals, i.e. the materials that may be:
Carcinogenic.
Mutagenic.
– Reproduction.
TPO was widely used in gel -coating as a activator that helps treat the paint under UV or LED, giving it shine and a faster drying time. But laboratory studies, especially on animals, have shown that high and continuous exposure to this substance may lead to disorders in the genital cycle and other health risks. Based on these results, the regulators adopted the principle of reserves, and decided to completely prevent the material in cosmetic products to protect consumers.
The prevention of the use of TPO in the generation is a step to protect public health and prevent long -term risks, while providing safe and multiple alternatives that ensure the continued spread of this cosmetic fashion without harming consumers, and the prohibition decision comes within a periodic review by the European Union of chemical lists in cosmetics, with the aim of updating legislation according to the latest scientific studies. The last amendment has included several materials classified within CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Toxic for Reproduction, where the European Union stresses the application of higher standards for public health protection and reduce exposure to any material that may pose a danger in the long run.
