Understanding the Ban on TPO in Nail Products
The European Commission’s New September 2025 Regulations
At HONA, we want to reassure you straight away: we do not use TPO in any of our products. Our formulas are already fully compliant with the upcoming EU regulations, so you can continue to work with confidence knowing that your HONA system is safe, hypoallergenic, and future-proof.
The European Co mmission's new September 2025 regulations are set to reshape the landscape of the nail industry by banning certain substances classified as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction). Among these, the prohibition of Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) (also known as diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide) is particularly significant for nail technicians and product manufacturers.
Background on CMR Substances
CMR substances pose potential health risks and are classified into three categories based on the severity and evidence of their effects. The upcoming Omnibus Act VII, effective from September 1, 2025, aims to eliminate these risks in cosmetic products, including nail care items.
The Impact on Nail Products & the industry
TPO, commonly used in nail products such as hard gels, builder gels, topcoats, and basecoats, acts as a photoinitiator to help cure the product under UV light. Its impending ban necessitates a shift towards alternatives to ensure continued compliance.
TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide) is widely used for several reasons:
- Absorption Spectrum:TPO has a broad absorption spectrum in the ultraviolet (UV) region, particularly in the near-UV range (around 350-400 nm). This allows it to be activated by a wider range of UV light sources, including LED UV lights, which are increasingly used in curing processes.
- High Reactivity:TPO is highly reactive, meaning it can efficiently initiate polymerization when exposed to UV light, this leads to faster curing times and more complete polymerization,
- Low Yellowing:Unlike some other photoinitiators, TPO tends to produce less yellowing in cured products.
- Compatibility with Various Monomers:TPO is compatible with a wide range of monomers and oligomers used in UV-curable formulations. This makes it a flexible option for formulators who need to create products with specific performance characteristics.
- Effective in Thick Layers:TPO is effective in curing thicker layers of material because it can penetrate deeper into the material due to its absorption characteristics.
- Reduced Oxygen Inhibition:TPO is less susceptible to oxygen inhibition compared to other photoinitiators, which helps ensure a complete and even cure, even in the presence of air.
HONA's Thoughts
Like most brands, HONA, has anticipated these regulatory changes and have already excluded TPO from our formulations it hasn't been in our products for a while and most others would have droped it used long ago - those who haven't may be using outdated formulas so be aware. However with that said this is something nail techs really shouldn't worry about if it is currently in your products. The risk is extremely low and the exposure of TPO to you would have to be so abnormally high it really isn't worth thinking about. It's more a headache for chemists and brands.
You will find alternative photoinitiators like Bis-Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphine Oxide and Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate being used which are equally as effective and are compliant. Although these compounds may sound similar, they are distinct and safer, as verified by our collaboration with Jim from McConnell Labs.
We asked Jim McConnell about the TPO ban and this is what he had to say to us "The amount of TPO that would have to be ingested to cause infertility is so large it would nearly be impossible to accomplish without great effort. As with many studies the data for how much TPO that would need to be consumed to have these effects is left off the reports but i suspect that it would have to be a few kilograms per day"
Here from our founder here: HONA TIKTOK
Advice for Nail Technicians
The most important thing to know is that HONA products are already fully compliant and do not contain TPO, so if you’re working with our system you have nothing to worry about.
If you’re using other brands, don’t panic. The risk from TPO is very low, but you’ll need to make sure you transition away from products containing it before the September 2025 deadline. Anything you buy now that includes TPO will not be compliant after this date if it’s still in use.
All you need to do is:
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Check the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) of the products you use
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Identify if TPO is listed
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Plan to switch to updated, compliant products ahead of the deadline
By September 2025, most brands will have reformulated anyway, so this is more of a technical shift for chemists and manufacturers than something you need to stress about day-to-day. With HONA, you’re already ahead of the curve.
Quick FAQ for Nail Techs
Q: Is TPO banned in nail products in the EU?
A: Yes. Starting September 1, 2025, the EU will ban TPO in cosmetics under the Omnibus Act VII due to its classification as a CMR substance.
Q: What are safe alternatives to TPO?
A: Photoinitiators like Bis-Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphine Oxide and Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate are safe, effective, and already used by brands like HONA.
Q: Do I need to throw away current products with TPO?
A: No, but be mindful of stock levels and ensure you don’t use them after the September 2025 deadline.