Is TPO Banned in the US? Gel Polish Rules in 2026 (EU, UK and US)
By the LunaNail Atelier · Updated
Short answer: No. As of October 2026, TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) is not banned in the United States, and the FDA has not restricted it in nail products. It is banned in cosmetics in the European Union (since September 1, 2025), Norway and Switzerland, and Great Britain began phasing it out on August 15, 2026. If you want a gel polish that already meets the European standard, look for a TPO-free label and check the ingredient list.
What is TPO?
TPO is a photoinitiator: the ingredient in many gel polishes, base coats, top coats and builder gels that reacts to the light of a UV or LED lamp and starts the curing process. Without a photoinitiator, gel would never harden. TPO became popular because it cures quickly and keeps light colors clear.
Why did Europe ban it?
In 2025 the EU classified TPO as a CMR category 1B substance, meaning it is presumed to harm fertility based on animal studies. Under EU cosmetics law, ingredients with that classification are automatically prohibited in cosmetic products. Regulators describe the ban as precautionary: the classification comes from high-dose animal data, and the decision was made on hazard rather than on proven harm to manicure users.
The 2026 timeline at a glance
| Region | Status of TPO in nail products |
|---|---|
| European Union, Norway, Switzerland | Banned in cosmetics since September 1, 2025 (sale and salon use) |
| Great Britain | No new TPO products placed on the market from August 15, 2026; existing stock phased out by February 14, 2027 |
| Northern Ireland | Follows the EU rules, so the ban applied from September 2025 |
| United States | Not banned; TPO gel polishes remain legal and widely sold |
Why the US has not followed
The EU and UK use a hazard-based system: once an ingredient receives a CMR classification, it is removed from cosmetics. US regulation is generally risk-based, weighing how much of an ingredient people are actually exposed to. That difference is why the same gel polish can be prohibited in Paris and legal in Atlanta. Many brands selling in both markets have simply reformulated once for everyone.
How to tell if your gel polish contains TPO
- Look on the ingredient list (INCI) for trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide or diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide.
- Look for a clear TPO-free claim on the bottle or product page.
- If a brand does not publish its full ingredient list, ask before you buy.
- Note that some reformulated gels use other photoinitiators, such as TPO-L, which are listed under different names.
Do I need to stop using my current gel?
US law does not require it. Whether to switch is a personal choice. If you prefer products that already meet European rules, a TPO-free gel is an easy change: application, lamps and removal work the same way. Whatever you use, keep uncured gel off the skin, apply thin coats and cure fully.
The LunaNail approach
LunaNail is designed in Germany and made in Europe, so every Gel Couleur shade and our No-Wipe Top Coat are formulated TPO-free and HEMA-free to European standards, and they are vegan and cruelty-free. For the difference between the two labels, read HEMA-Free vs TPO-Free: What the Labels Actually Mean, or browse all 37 colors in the shade guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is gel polish banned in Europe?
No. Only gel products that contain TPO are banned. Gel manicures are still widely available in Europe with TPO-free formulas.
Is TPO banned in the UK?
Yes, in stages. From August 15, 2026, new TPO-containing cosmetics can no longer be placed on the Great Britain market, and remaining stock is phased out by February 14, 2027.
Will the FDA ban TPO?
As of October 2026 the FDA has not announced a ban. Rules can change, so check the latest guidance and product labels.
Does TPO-free gel last as long?
Wear depends mainly on prep, thin coats, a gel base coat and a full cure. Used as a system, TPO-free gel can deliver long-lasting, chip-resistant wear.
This article is for general information and is not medical or legal advice. Last updated October 2026.