Now. September 1, 2025 hundreds of nail styling products will vanish from the European market, including popular hybrid varnishes, gels and acrylics. The European Union introduces a complete ban on the use, production and import of cosmetics containing diphenyl-(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide, known as TPO. It is simply a substance that has been a key component for years to guarantee the durability of the manicure, but fresh studies have clearly confirmed its carcinogenic potential. This decision marks a revolution for the full cosmetic manufacture – from global manufacturers to nail styling salons to millions of Polish manicures at home. The Chief Sanitary Inspectorate already calls for checks on warehouses and disposal of supplies, and severe penalties, including fines reaching PLN 100,000 and imprisonment, will be threatened for breaking the ban.
What is TPO and why did the European Union consider it dangerous?
diphenyl-(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide, i.e. TPO, is simply a chemical acting as a photoinitiator. This means that under the influence of UV radiation from lamps utilized in beauty salons, TPO initiates a polymerization process, i.e. fast gel hardening or hybrid lacquer. It is thanks to it that the manicure is so durable, shiny and resistant to damage. Over the years, this component has been considered irreplaceable in the nail styling industry.
Problem is, TPO has been officially classified as a substance Category 1B CMR. This abbreviation means that the relation has proven action Carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive toxicity (Reprotoxic). Pursuant to Regulation No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament, substances of this classification cannot be utilized in cosmetic products. The decision to ban is the culmination of many years of investigation conducted by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which showed a worrying relation between TPO vulnerability and increased hazard of cancer and fertility problems.
Who is banned and how do we prepare for changes from September 1, 2025?
The fresh rules will hit the full supply chain and will have direct consequences for respective groups. The ban is absolute – not only covers the production and sale of TPO cosmetics in the EU but besides imports of products from outside the Community. This means that inexpensive varnishes from Asian sales platforms will besides become illegal if they contain this substance.
The Sanitary Chief Inspectorate has already issued guidelines for individual groups:
- Producers and importers: They must immediately adapt the recipes of their products and retreat from the marketplace all TPO-containing series before 1 September 2025.
- Beauty salons: Nail owners and stylists are required to verify the composition of all their products (gels, varnishes, bases, tops) and exchange them for new, compliant products. Collection of stocks for later will be illegal and severely punished.
- Consumers: People doing manicures at home should carefully check the labels of purchased products. peculiar care should be taken erstwhile buying online, especially on non-EU platforms where the hazard of an illegal product is greatest.
Powerful penalties for breaking the ban. Even 100 000 PLN and prison
EU and Polish regulators take the threat very seriously, which reflects the sanctions envisaged. The placing on the marketplace or usage of TPO products after 1 September 2025 are subject to severe penalties. State Sanitary Inspection and Commercial Inspection will be entitled to conduct unannounced checks in salons, wholesalers and manufacturers.
The amount of financial penalties may be astronomical. Inspectors will be able to impose a fine of up to PLN 100,000. But that is not all. The penal code besides provides for criminal liability for those who knowingly violate the ban. A punishment may be imposed for the deliberate placing on the marketplace of a harmful product 6 months to 2 years imprisonment. Even involuntary misconduct can consequence in imprisonment from 3 months to a year.
What about the beauty industry? Price increases and fresh technologies await us
The TPO ban is simply a immense technological and financial challenge for the full cosmetic industry. Producers are already investing millions of euros in R & D to find safe and equally effective alternatives for TPO. The improvement of fresh photoinitiators is simply a costly and time-consuming process, which may in the short word translate into an increase in prices of hybrid varnishes and another nail styling products.
Cosmetic salons must prepare for the costs associated with stock exchange and possible training from work on fresh products that may have somewhat different application properties or hardening times. However, in the long term, the EU decision is expected to have affirmative effects. Force innovation industry, and above all significantly increase consumer safety. It is part of a broader European Union strategy that seeks to make the safest consumer marketplace in the world, eliminating substances with proven toxic effects.
Read more:
No more popular hybrid varnishes! EU bans carcinogenic ingredient from 2025
