What You Need to Know About The TPO Ban & Your Gel Nails

You may have heard the recent news about TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) – a chemical ingredient that has now been banned in the EU. At Fringe Benefits Hair and La Bella Beauty Salon in Gloucester, your safety and well-being are always our top priority. We want to explain what this change means for you and the nail services we provide, and reassure you about the products we use.

What is TPO?

TPO is a photoinitiator – an ingredient that helps gel polish cure and harden under UV or LED light. For many years, it has been widely used in gel nail products due to its effectiveness.

Why is it being banned?

The EU has banned TPO as a precautionary measure. In laboratory testing, high levels of TPO were linked to potentially harmful effects in animals. It has since been classified as a CMR substance (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic), meaning it could pose risks such as cancer, genetic changes, or reproductive issues in certain circumstances.

It’s important to note that this classification is based on controlled scientific studies, not on any reported cases of harm from nail treatments.

What does this mean for your nail treatments?

This ban does not mean that gel nails are unsafe. It is simply a step taken by regulators to ensure the highest standards of long-term safety.

At Fringe Benefits Hair and La Bella Beauty Salon, you can rest assured that the products we use for your nail treatments are fully compliant and completely TPO-free. We only partner with trusted, professional brands that prioritise safety, innovation, and performance.

Here’s what our suppliers say:

The GelBottle: “We are pleased to confirm that 100% of The GelBottle products sold in the EU are now fully TPO-free and compliant with the September 2025 regulation.”

ORLY: “ORLY’s range of nail polish is 100% vegan, cruelty-free and 12-free from harmful ingredients.”

We want you to feel confident and relaxed during every visit. If you ever have questions about the products we use, our friendly team is always happy to chat.

Book Your Appointment

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please call us on 01452 311606. You can also book online.