UK Bans Key Ingredient In Gel Nail Products As New Rules Take Effect

Manicure lovers in the UK do not need to say goodbye to gel nails just yet, despite new restrictions on a chemical used in some gel polishes.
The new rules, which apply across England, Wales and Scotland, prohibit the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO). This photoinitiator  helps gel polish harden under UV light while improving its durability and colour retention.
The ingredient has been prohibited in the European Union since September 2025. In the UK, the ban took effect on Saturday, preventing manufacturers from bringing new TPO-containing products to market.
However, salons have until February 14, 2027, to stop using existing TPO products. This means custome...