What is TPO?
TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) is a light-curing photoinitiator that has been commonly used in the manufacture of UV-curable nail products, and acts as a catalyst in polymerization reactions (gel curing).
In the EU, TPO will be banned in cosmetics, including nail products, from September 1, 2025. The ban is based on the change in the classification of TPO as a CRM substance, i.e. a substance that is carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction.
Although the ban on TPO is a precautionary measure, it is not due to problems that have arisen specifically in nail products, but rather to its general harmfulness. TPO has also been widely used in other industries, such as the manufacture of printing inks and industrial adhesives.
TPO and similar names
It is worth noting that there are two similar light curing agents on the market:
- TPO-L ( Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate )
- BAPO ( Bis-Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphine Oxide)
These have a different molecular structure compared to TPO and are less irritating to the skin. TPO-L and BAPO are permitted and safer alternatives in nail products.
TPO classification and EU regulation
The European Commission has added TPO to Annex II of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, which contains substances prohibited for use in cosmetics. This ban will enter into force on 1 September 2025 , and aims to ensure consumer safety.
The EU's independent expert body, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), issued a statement in 2014 that TPO is safe in nail products when the concentration is less than 5%. At the same time, TPO was classified as a skin irritant if it comes into contact with the skin.
Although acute toxicity tests did not indicate a high immediate risk, effects on fertility and fetal development have been observed in animal studies with long-term and high exposures.
What does this mean for us and our customers?
We have long been reducing and replacing TPO in our products. Most of our range is already TPO and HEMA-free , and new safer formulations are constantly being introduced.
However, some individual, older batches may still contain TPO, and we are offering these as discontinued products in a separate sale section. We have compiled a list of products that may contain the old composition – this does not mean that every batch contains TPO, but you can check the list for products that may contain older versions. This means that the same product can be found on discontinued products as well as in regular sales, the only difference is the composition.
So don't worry if you find your favorite product on the list – it just means that it already exists or is coming in a new formulation!
Product list of TPO-containing and TPO-free products
Remember to check the products!
If you are ordering nail products from outside the EU, make sure they do not contain TPO or HEMA. If you are unsure, please feel free to ask us – we are happy to help.
Summary
- TPO-L and BAPO are permitted and safer alternatives.
- Using TPO has not posed any immediate danger to you.
- We ensure that our products always meet the latest requirements.
- You can check your products in our lists, where we have compiled TPO-free and TPO-containing products.
Thank you for using our products responsibly and following our instructions. ♡
Update 27.8.2025
Our online store has been updated to be 100% TPO-free, and the products you purchase do not contain this ingredient. If your favorite product is currently out of stock, you can turn on availability notification so you will be the first to hear when we get a refill! ♡
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