Nail Knowledge: TPO Ban
Everything you need to know about the TPO ban that came into effect 1st September 2025:
What is TPO?
TPO = Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide
It is a photo-initiator used in some gels that helps them cure under UV/LED with a fast curing power and it also reduces yellowing.
Why is it being banned?
Concerns came from a study where rates were given extremely high oral doses of TPO. This was then linked to reproductive toxicity.
It is important to note that gels are not ingested, so the study doesn't reflect real salon use. But, regulators are acting cautiously = ban introduced.
Just to confirm - TPO is currently only banned in the EU and does not include the UK at present. There is not set date for a UK ban at this stage however, we have been slowly adapting our gels over to TPO-free to future-proof any potential future changes here in the UK.
What does this mean for gels without TPO?
With the removal of TPO, some gels may behave differently:
You may notice more heat spikes during curing, longer cure times in some systems and reformulated gels with alternative initiators.
At Jade UK, any new formulas we release will be TPO-free. Our products are clearly labelled (HEMA-free, TPO-free) on our website and if you're unsure, check the banner on each product for peace of mind.
