Is gel nail polish being banned?

Who wants shiny, glossy nails in their favourite colour? Judging by socials, a lot of us! There are more than 50m Instagram posts and two million posts on TikTok using #gelnails.

While there are many different ways to paint your nails, gel nails can last the longest. One application can stay put for three weeks following a process where they are dried under ultraviolet (UV) light in a professional salon.

Although popular, some gel nails are now facing a ban in the European Union (EU) due to one of the ingredients. But does that mean it will also be banned in the UK? BBC Bitesize Other Side of the Story did some digging to find out more.

What is TPO in gel nail polish?

On 1 September, the EU banned a chemical called trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (or TPO). This substance gives gel nail polish its glossy look and enables it to set quicker under LED or UV lights.

Scientific research into TPO has suggested it could be harmful to people, especially when it comes to fertility - although the research is in its early stages.

What does the TPO ban mean?

Any business in the EU which sells or offers gel nail products containing TPO had to remove all of their stock by 1 September. They can still sell gel nail products that do not contain TPO.

Are gel nails banned in the UK?

Other Side of the Story contacted Dr Naila Dinani, a consultant dermatologist at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. Dr Dinani appeared on the BBC Sounds Sliced Bread podcast to discuss nail polish and gels in August.

She explained further about the TPO ban: “TPO is being banned in the EU because scientists found it could be harmful if used in very high amounts over a long time. The actual risk from having your nails done is probably very low, but EU law says if a chemical is labelled as possibly harmful, it can’t be used in cosmetics.

“This doesn’t mean gel nails themselves are banned. Salons can still offer gel manicures – they just have to use different ingredients that don’t contain TPO. Many companies already have these alternatives.”

But what about a UK ban? Dr Dinani added: “In the UK, there isn’t a ban at the moment. But because we often follow the EU on safety rules, it’s quite possible the same change will come here in the future.”

There are some reports that a UK ban on TPO will follow in late 2026.

What other concerns are there about nail gels?

Dr Dinani said that there have been concerns about gel nails from a dermatology point of view “for some years”.

She explained that acrylates - chemicals which cause the gel to harden - can cause allergies. Also, anyone who regularly has their nails set under a UV light for a long period of time needs to take precautions to cut down the risk of skin cancer.

How do I remove gel nails safely?

Dr Dinani gave Other Side of the Story some tips for anyone who is concerned about having gel nails applied safely.

These include going to a salon with a good reputation and uses trusted products, not to share nail equipment with friends in case it spreads infections and to avoid using home kits where possible. She also advised wearing sunscreen on hands that go under a UV lamp, or wearing fingerless gloves.

When it comes to removing gel nails, Dr Dinani's advice is to make sure it is done gently, using the correct chemicals, such as acetone. If they are removed with force, it can damage the real fingernail below.

When something is banned, such as TPO in the EU, there is always a reason behind it. So it’s important to find out the facts for yourself, and not rely solely on information found on social media. Find out more here about fake news and the difference between disinformation and misinformation.

This article was published in September 2025

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