THE TPO TALK

• What is TPO?

• TPO is an abbreviation for "Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide" which is a photoinitiator.

  
  

• What it does

  
  

• TPO absorbs UV or LED light and initiates a chemical reaction called polymerization which then causes gel to set hard.

  
  

• As a photoinitiator it's very effective with a fast cure time and helps control the stability of gel colour.

  
  

• TPO is effective across a wide range of wavelengths which makes it compatible with various UV and LED light sources.

  
  

• Why the ban?

• TPO is being banned because a link to reproductive harm has been discovered which has led to a CMR classification - carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction.

• Due to this classification the EU has banned TPO from cosmetic products taking effect on September 1st 2025 with the UK to follow with a ban effective from September 2026.

• Ingredients to look for

• Brands are now working to reformulate their products to eleminate TPO. To check products for TPO, look for "diphenyl (2,4,6-Trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide" or "Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide" on the ingredient list.

• Immediate safety concerns

• If you have existing products with TPO, they are safe to use as long as they are applied correctly so there is no immediate danger.

• Industry changes

• Nail professionals and brands are updating their products and formulations to comply with the new regulations to ensure continued availability of safe and effective gel nail products.