The UK nail industry is about to go through a pretty big change, with the upcoming ban on TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) in cosmetic products.
If you work with gel systems, chances are you’ve already used products that contain it. It’s been a go-to ingredient for years because it helps gels cure quickly and properly under UV or LED lamps. But that’s now being phased out, so it’s important to understand what’s actually happening—and what it means for you behind the desk.
What is TPO and why is it being banned?
TPO is what’s known as a photoinitiator. In simple terms, it’s what allows gel products to harden when exposed to a lamp. Without it (or something similar), your gel just wouldn’t set properly.
It’s now been reclassified under chemical safety regulations as a CMR substance, meaning it’s considered potentially harmful to reproduction. Because of that classification, it’s being removed from use in cosmetics across the UK and EU.
Key dates to know (Great Britain)
If you’re based in England, Scotland or Wales, these are the dates that matter:
15 August 2026 Manufacturers can no longer put new TPO-containing products on the market.
14 February 2027 This is the big one for salons—distributors and retailers must stop selling TPO products completely.
After 14 February 2027 You won’t be able to buy any more TPO-based products.
However—and this is the part a lot of people miss—you can still use what you already have.
So… do you need to throw your products away?
No. If you’re in Great Britain, you do not need to bin your current stock.
You can continue using any TPO-containing products you already own, even after February 2027. The restriction is on selling and supplying—not on using what’s already been purchased.
That said, once it’s gone, it’s gone. You won’t be able to replace it.
What should you be doing now?
There’s no need to panic or rush into clearing out your shelves, but it is worth being realistic and planning ahead.
Start paying attention to what your brands are doing—most are already reformulating and releasing TPO-free versions. If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to begin testing those alternatives so you’re not forced into a sudden switch later on.
The bottom line
Nothing changes overnight here.
You can keep using your current products if you’re in Great Britain, but you won’t be able to buy more after February 2027. So while there’s no urgency to panic, there is a clear window to start transitioning at your own pace.
A bit of forward planning now will make the whole change feel a lot less stressful later on.