Bye Bye, TPO 👋 Europe Says No – And Here's What That Means For Your Nails
There’s new buzz in the nail world, and it’s not just the latest Hailey Bieber-inspired chrome mani. If you’re a nail tech, beauty lover, or gel polish addict, you've probably heard whispers about TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) being banned in Europe starting September 1, 2025.
Yep, it's true. This powerful photoinitiator (aka the stuff that helps your gel cure under UV/LED light) is officially getting the boot in the EU. Let’s break down what this means and more importantly, why you don’t have to panic.
First of All... What Is TPO?
TPO is a photoinitiator commonly used in gel nail products. It helps turn your gel from liquid to solid when exposed to UV or LED light. This helps for fast, deep, and even curing with a strong, glossy finish. Sounds like a dream ingredient, right?
And it was for a long time. TPO was loved for:
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đź’ˇ Working with a wide range of UV light sources (especially LEDs)
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⚡️ Super fast curing times
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👏 Less yellowing over time
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🔬 Compatibility with all kinds of gel formulas
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🔥 Ability to cure thicker gel layers
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🌬 Resistance to oxygen inhibition (aka no weird soft spots in your mani)
But here’s the catch…
TPO has officially been classified in the EU as a CMR Category 1B substance- specifically, as potentially reprotoxic. That means it may impact fertility or embryo development based on animal studies. Important to note: it's not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic, but its potential reproductive toxicity has raised enough concern to warrant a full ban.
Starting September 1, 2025, not only will TPO no longer be allowed in new products sold in Europe, but existing products containing TPO can’t even be used by salons anymore. That’s a big deal.
But don’t stress. At Zillabeau, we’ve got your back. 💅
We Carry TPO-Free Brands 🙌
At Zillabeau, we’ve always believed beauty should never come at the cost of your health. That’s why we specialize in 100% non-toxic nail products, and YES we already carry amazing TPO-free gel brands that are both professional-grade and EU-compliant such as Gel Monsta, Riposo, Clodi, Make.N, Fiote, Izemi, Mithmillo and many more!
Clean Beauty Isn’t a Trend — It’s Our Mission 🦕
At Zillabeau, our mission has always been to provide premium-quality, non-toxic gels that are not only safe, but also stunning. We believe you should never have to choose between health and beauty — and thanks to our curated selection of Korean and Japanese nail brands, you don’t have to.
As the industry moves toward stricter safety standards, we’re proud to be ahead of the curve, offering professional-grade products that deliver flawless results without compromising your well-being. Whether you're restocking your salon or perfecting your at-home mani game, you can trust that every product at Zillabeau is selected with your health, safety, and creativity in mind.
Beautiful nails start with clean, conscious choices — and we’re here to support every step of your journey. ✨
