TPO Ban in Gel Nail Products

Did you know?

The beauty industry is witnessing a significant shift with the ban on Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide, (TPO) in cosmetic and gel nail products. This substance, which has been widely used as a photoinitiator in gel nail products, is now under scrutiny for its potential health and environmental risks. In this blog, we will delve into the reasons behind the TPO ban, its impact on nail salons and how Brillbird has been reformulating our products.

Brillbird TPO and HEMA free Gel polishes

What is TPO?

Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide, commonly known as TPO, is a chemical compound used as a photoinitiator in gel nail products. Photoinitiators are substances that help polymerize the gel when exposed to UV or LED light, allowing it to harden and adhere to the nail. TPO is a photoinitiator used for curing UV-reactive materials (in our case, nail gels) under UV or LED light. In the field of chemistry, there are several types of photoinitiators. Until now, TPO has been the most optimal component used in the industry, as it ensured perfect polymerization and did not cause yellowing during curing.

Reasons for the Ban

The ban on TPO has emerged due to concerns regarding its potential health risks and environmental impact. Studies have indicated that exposure to TPO can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and other adverse health effects if it presents in the body in sufficient quantities. Additionally, the environmental impact of TPO, especially its persistence in water sources and soil, has raised alarms among environmentalists.

Health Concerns

Prolonged or repeated exposure to TPO can cause skin sensitization, leading to allergic reactions such as redness, itching, and swelling. Nail technicians, who handle these products regularly, are potentially at risk if overexposed to these ingredients. These products can still be used safely as the levels of TPO used in Brillbird products are far below those considered harmful, but time for change to a better alternative has come.

Environmental Impact

TPO is not easily biodegradable, which means it can persist in the environment for extended periods. When gel nail products are disposed of improperly, TPO can leach into water sources, affecting aquatic life and potentially entering the human food chain. This persistence and potential bioaccumulation have prompted regulatory bodies to take action.

Brillbird TPO and HEMA free Next Level Builder Gels

Impact on Nail Salons and Nail Technicians

This regulation will take effect on September 1, 2025, from which date cosmetic products containing TPO may no longer be marketed or sold within the European Union. For salons, it means reevaluating their product offerings and seeking out TPO-free alternatives. This transition may involve additional costs and adjustments to application techniques. Nail technicians need to be aware of the changes and make informed choices when selecting gel nail products.

Nail Salons

Nail salons must adapt to the ban by sourcing TPO-free gel nail polishes and ensuring their staff are trained in using these new products. This shift might also involve educating clients about the reasons for the change and the benefits of choosing safer alternatives. While the transition may pose initial challenges, it is an essential step towards ensuring a healthier environment for both technicians and clients.

Nail Technicians

For technicians, the ban means customers may pay closer attention to the ingredients in the gel nail products you use. It is crucial to check labels and opt for brands that prioritize safety and sustainability. Awareness campaigns play a vital role in helping consumers make informed choices and nail technicians may need to help customers understand the significance of the TPO ban. Clients may inquire about the safety and application methods of the new formulations, so knowledge is essential.

Alternatives to TPO

Fortunately, the beauty industry is innovating rapidly, and several alternatives to TPO are now available. These substitutes are designed to offer the same efficiency and finish without the associated health and environmental risks. At Brillbird, we have done our best to ensure that the reformulated products match or exceed the quality of the originals.

Does it affect all products?

Based on the above, Brillbird preps, primers, cleaners, monomer liquids, acrylic powders and other products that do not require curing in a UV/LED lamp, do not contain TPO. Furthermore, many of our gels are already TPO-free or both TPO- and HEMA-free, and these will continue to be available without changes.

What happens to gels that currently contain TPO?

Since the regulation was published, Brillbird have begun reformulating the affected products. We have been working on this project in the background for nearly a year and a half. The last new products containing TPO were launched in June 2024. All new products released in fall, winter and spring 2025 across all our range have been TPO-free. Since the end of 2024, the reformulated versions of previously launched products (up to summer 2024) have been gradually introduced to the market.

Our main goal is to eliminate both TPO and HEMA from all reformulated products, with a few exceptions that will only be TPO-free for the time being.

How can I tell if a Brillbird product is TPO Free?

For bottled and jarred products, the "HEMA FREE" badge on the front also serves as a helpful indicator, as those products are likely also free of TPO. Further information can be found on the website within product descriptions. Safety Data Sheets are also available on the website. Our aim is to reformulate all existing materials, though we cannot guarantee that every product will remain available after September—some may be discontinued or temporarily - out of stock.

Moving Forward

The ban on TPO in gel nail products is a positive step towards ensuring the safety of consumers and environmental sustainability. While the transition may require effort from both salons and technicians, the availability of alternatives makes it feasible to continue enjoying beautiful and durable manicures without compromising health or the planet. As the beauty industry evolves, staying informed about ingredient safety and supporting brands that prioritize health and sustainability will lead to safer and more responsible beauty practices. The future of nail care is bright, and with thoughtful choices, we can foster a healthier environment for ourselves and future generations.