Gel nail polish product banned due to health risks

A common ingredient found in many gel polishes has been banned in most of Europe. Trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) has been officially banned from all cosmetic products after European Union regulators flagged it as potentially toxic to humans.

TPO acts as a photoinitiator, meaning it responds to light. In gel polishes, it helps the polish set under ultraviolet or UV light .

Despite this, it is unclear whether gel polish poses a threat to human health, given current levels of exposure.

European regulators have classified it as "carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction." This sounds scary, but research is still in its early stages. Most of the concern stems from animal studies linking TPO to fertility problems and potential damage to reproductive organs.

From September 1st, distributors across the European Union will no longer be able to supply products containing TPO, and salon owners must take action.