Overview

• From September 1, 2025, EU rules prohibit selling or using cosmetic products containing TPO, with no sell‑through of existing stock allowed in salons or suppliers’ inventories.
• Norway and Switzerland are applying the same restriction, while the United Kingdom has signaled a similar prohibition targeted for late 2026 subject to final approvals.
• TPO, a photoinitiator used to cure gel polishes under UV or LED light, remains legal in the United States, though experts note limited human data on risk and continued availability in salons and stores.
• Manufacturers are rolling out TPO‑free formulations, with brands including OPI, Aprés Nail, Manucurist, and The Gel Bottle reporting compliant ranges or ongoing transitions.
• Industry figures dispute the strength of the evidence for harm, but EU guidance instructs salons to withdraw and dispose of TPO products immediately and to purchase compliant alternatives.