Why “Gel Nails” Are Under Fire, What’s Changing, and What To Do Now

Why “Gel Nails” Are Under Fire, What’s Changing, and What To Do Now


Why “Gel Nails” Are Under Fire, What’s Changing, and What To Do Now

 

Over recent times, concern has grown around certain chemicals used in gel nail polishes and enhancements. What follows is a breakdown of the issues, what has been banned (or will be), and why.

 

What is the problem?

  • TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) is a photoinitiator used in many gel polishes. It helps the gel cure (i.e. harden) under UV or LED light.  
  • In scientific / regulatory studies this chemical has been classified as a CMR 1B substance in the EU: “Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Toxic for Reproduction.” In other words, it’s suspected of potentially harmful effects, particularly for reproductive health.  
  • Other chemicals of concern often found in gels/acrylics include methacrylates (like HEMA), which are known to cause allergic reactions in some people. The risk is particularly high if skin is exposed repeatedly, or the product is used improperly (home kits, or by untrained technicians).  

 

What’s been done / being done

  • As of 1 September 2025, the EU has banned TPO from all cosmetic gel nail products—sale, use, import/export within EU member states.  
  • Products already on the market with TPO cannot be supplied, transferred, or given away in the EU. Salons must cease using them.  
  • The UK is not yet under the ban (because of regulatory divergence after Brexit), but similar changes are expected. The Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) and other bodies are anticipating a ban on TPO in Great Britain around late 2026 / 2027.  
  • Many brands are proactively reformulating their gels to use alternative photoinitiators (for example TPO-L and others) that do not carry the same regulatory risk.  

 

What are the risks?

  • Allergic contact dermatitis: persistent/allergic skin reactions from exposure to certain gel chemicals.  
  • Potential long-term effects (reproduction, fertility) from uptake of harmful chemicals—even though, to date, much of the evidence comes from animal studies or “worst-case” scenarios. Regulatory bodies tend to err on the side of caution.  
  • Risk is higher when products are used frequently, incorrectly, in non-professional settings, or without adequate curing, ventilation, training.  


So: Why Choosing Nail Products with Fewer Nasty Chemicals Is the Safer Choice

Given all the above, here are reasons why going for “cleaner” nail products is wise:

  1. Health protection — less risk of skin irritation, allergy, long-term exposure to harmful substances.
  2. Regulatory compliance — less chance your favourite products will be discontinued or banned, or salons having to discard their stock.
  3. Peace of mind — knowing what’s in your nail polish, gels, top coats etc., rather than being surprised by hidden ingredients.
  4. Ethical & environmental impact — many “cleaner” lines also use better packaging, more sustainable ingredients, cruelty-free certification etc.


What to Look for:

  • Check for photoinitiators being used: avoid TPO if possible; alternatives like TPO-L are safer options.
  • Avoid high levels of methacrylates known to cause allergies (e.g. HEMA) if you have sensitive skin.
  • Look for brands that are transparent about their ingredients.
  • Prefer products that are labelled “10-free”, “HEMA-free”, “vegan”, “cruelty-free”, non-toxic, etc.
  • Use products in a salon with good standards, trained technicians, proper curing under UV/LED lamps etc.

 

Faith’s Store & Therapies: Where Beauty Meets Safety

If you’re in Hereford (or happy to shop online), our shop, Faith’s Store & Therapies is a standout choice when you want nail care that’s beautiful, ethical, and safer. Here’s why:

  • We carry nail polish brands like Zao which are 10-FREE (no formaldehyde, toluene, parabens or camphor) and much lower in the usual “nasties.”  
  • Our nail polishes are vegan, cruelty-free, enriched with natural oils (e.g. bamboo oil) and use more sustainable ingredients (e.g. natural solvent sources) and packaging.  
  • We have treatment rooms where we offer Hand & Arm Massages, Foot & Leg treatments, and Manicures & Pedicures, using exclusively safe, ethical and sustainable products, carried out by experienced professionals.

So, whether you want nail polish for everyday wear, want to manicure safely, or are making a switch away from strong chemicals, Faith’s Store & Therpies offers a calmer, cleaner path.

 

What You Can Do Now

  • If you have gel polishes, check the label: see if it contains TPO or other flagged ingredients. If yes, consider safer alternatives.
  • Choose polish brands with fewer harmful ingredients, like Zao.
  • If you use gels/in salons often, talk to your nail tech about what products they use, whether they’ve reformulated, whether they can avoid riskier ingredients.
  • Support local ethical retailers like Faith’s, so demand pushes the industry toward safer, cleaner standards.

 

Back to blog