TPO FREE
- Posted on
Everything in store is Tpo Free
TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenyphosphine Oxide) ban in Europe, effective from 1 September 2025. Unfortunately, much of the information circulating on social media has once again been driven by fear-based marketing and click-bait headlines, leaving many nail professionals and clients feeling confused and anxious.
Here are the facts you need to know:
What is TPO and why is it being banned?
TPO is a photo-initiator that helps gels cure under UV/LED light. It has been safely used across the cosmetic industry for over 20 years.
This restriction applies to product sales in the EU only. TPO remains permitted in the UK at this time. There may be some changes coming around the end of 2026, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
IMPORTANTLY:
The safety concern and banning here relates to very large amounts of TPO being ingested orally over long periods (yes – eaten, by rats, NOT applied to nails). These conditions are not at all relevant to how nail technicians or clients use the product.
Putting scaremongering into perspective
This isn’t the first time our industry has faced misleading marketing. Remember the claims about UV/LED lamps causing skin cancer?
Here are the facts…
Professional nail lamps emit UV-A rays only – these are not the same as sunbed rays.
Independent UV specialists have tested exposure by simulating hands placed in a UV lamp for 10 minutes, twice a month.
The result? It equates to just two minutes of natural sunlight per day – hardly a cause for alarm.
Just as with the UV lamp myth, the data surrounding TPO does not reflect real-world nail services.
TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenyphosphine Oxide) ban in Europe, effective from 1 September 2025. Unfortunately, much of the information circulating on social media has once again been driven by fear-based marketing and click-bait headlines, leaving many nail professionals and clients feeling confused and anxious.
At Magpie, we want to provide clarity and reassurance. Here are the facts you need to know:
What is TPO and why is it being banned?
TPO is a photo-initiator that helps gels cure under UV/LED light. It has been safely used across the cosmetic industry for over 20 years.
This restriction applies to product sales in the EU only. TPO remains permitted in the UK at this time. There may be some changes coming around the end of 2026, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
IMPORTANTLY:
The safety concern and banning here relates to very large amounts of TPO being ingested orally over long periods (yes – eaten, by rats, NOT applied to nails). These conditions are not at all relevant to how nail technicians or clients use the product.
Putting scaremongering into perspective
This isn’t the first time our industry has faced misleading marketing. Remember the claims about UV/LED lamps causing skin cancer?
Here are the facts…
Professional nail lamps emit UV-A rays only – these are not the same as sunbed rays.
Independent UV specialists have tested exposure by simulating hands placed in a UV lamp for 10 minutes, twice a month.
The result? It equates to just two minutes of natural sunlight per day – hardly a cause for alarm.
Just as with the UV lamp myth, the data surrounding TPO does not reflect real-world nail services.
It is important to note that the ban is a precautionary measure, not the result of any widespread safety issues in the nail industry. When used correctly by trained professionals, TPO-containing products have demonstrated a strong safety profile. However, under Article 15 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, CMR substances are not permitted in cosmetics unless stringent exemption criteria are met. In the case of TPO, the industry was unable to secure such exemptions, primarily due to the availability of alternative photo-initiators.
All products in our shop are Tpo Free and will update with others as they are reformulated
