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The EU prohibited trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) in cosmetics because it is classified as a category 1B substance toxic for reproduction. The prohibition has applied since 1 September 2025. It targets cosmetics containing TPO—not all gel nail polish, gel manicures, UV lamps, or artificial nail systems.
What is TPO, and where was it used?
TPO is the common name for the cosmetic ingredient listed as Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide. The EU regulation identifies it chemically as diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide and gives its CAS number as 75980-60-8. It was used in artificial nail systems, including some gel nail products.
Why did the EU prohibit TPO?
The reason stated in Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/877 is TPO’s classification as a category 1B CMR substance—specifically, toxic for reproduction. The regulation says: “In light of the classification of ‘Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide’ as a CMR substance of category 1B (Toxic for Reproduction), that substance should no longer be allowed in cosmetic products.” Read the European Commission regulation.
The regulation cites Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/197 as the classification instrument. It changes the cosmetics ingredient rules; it does not publish a numerical estimate of consumer risk. The category is the regulatory reason for the prohibition, not a percentage measure of the risk from a particular manicure.
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- Beetles 32 Colors Gel Set: With the Beetles gel nail polish Set, you get 32 5ml classic and fashionable colors , 4 x 7.5ml No Wipe Base and Glossy & Matte & Holographic Glitter Top Coat, to suit all occasions and seasons. Whether it's for casual wear or a special event, these beetles gel polish colors will make you stand out from the crowd.
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- WARNING: May produce an allergic reaction by skin contact. Read directions for use carefully. For professional use only. Only used for nails. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and skin. If there is any incident, contact the doctor immediately. Stop using the product if redness and itching develop. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor. Keep out of the reach of children.
What changed in the EU rules?
Before the amendment, TPO was listed among restricted cosmetic ingredients. Its allowance was limited to professional use in artificial nail systems, with a maximum concentration of 5%. Regulation (EU) 2025/877 deleted that restricted-use entry and added TPO to the list of substances prohibited in cosmetics.
The regulation is dated 12 May 2025, and the prohibition applies from 1 September 2025. From that date, the former professional-use allowance no longer applies to cosmetic products containing TPO.
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- Beetles 20 Color Gel Set: With the beetles gel nail polish Set, you get 20 classic and fashionable colors , 3 x No Wipe Base and Glossy & Matte Top Coat, to suit all occasions and seasons. Whether it's for casual wear or a special event, these beetles gel polish colors will make you stand out from the crowd
- Durable and Long-lasting: When used correctly, our gel polish can provide approximately 28 days of lasting effect. It strengthens and protects your nails while providing a hard, resistant surface that is less prone to breakage. Additionally, it has excellent flexibility and adhesion, making application easier and more effective.
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- Speed Curing with LED Nail Lamp: The nail gel polish Beauty Gift Sets need to be cured under LED Dryer Lamp. Average for LED Lamp 60-120 secs. Kindly note: After opening valid for 12 months.This item is UV gel. It is still sticky after curing. It must be used with a base and top coat!
- Safety Warning: Avoid eye & mouth contact. Rinse immediately with water if contact occurs. Discontinue use & seek medical help if discomfort persists. Your safety is paramount
Does this mean gel polish or gel manicures are banned?
No. The rule concerns the ingredient TPO in cosmetics. It does not ban every gel polish, every artificial nail system, or gel manicures as a category. A product’s status depends on its ingredients and the applicable EU requirements; the regulation alone does not establish whether a particular product is compliant.
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- 47-Piece Gel Nail Polish Kit - Includes 36 mini gel polish colors, base coat, glossy top coat, matte top coat, glitter top coat, nail buffer, nail file, nail clipper, cuticle stick, double-ended dotting pen, rhinestone glue gel and instruction manual. A complete kit for colorful DIY manicures.
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- 【Ideal Gifts Set for Her】 Beautifully packaged, this gel nail kit is a good choice of gift for each other, no need to struggle with the selection of gift. Whether for professionals, amateurs, nail salons or home use, this gel nail polish kit is suitable. And this gel polish set is suitable for any occasion or holiday, such as Christmas, Halloween, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, Women's Day, birthdays and anniversaries.
- 【Warm tips】Gel nail polish will have a slight color difference in different light sources and displays, the gel polish color in the picture is the effect of applying 2 layers. The gel nail polish can only be used for nails, please avoid contact with eyes, mouth and skin, if accidentally contacted, please rinse with water immediately. If any adverse reaction occurs, please stop using immediately and seek medical attention. If you have any questions about this gel polish set , please contact VANREESA official.
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- 【All Colors You Want】VANREESA's handpicked 55 colors of gel nail polish set includes currently popular shades: white, nude, pink, orange, yellow, red, green, brown, blue, black, gray, purple, glitter and so on. These gel polish colors are currently trendy, versatile and practical, suitable for all styles. You can choose any color to match and combine to create your own unique manicure style!
- 【High-Quality Gel Polish】VANREESA gel nail polish is carefully made from natural resin, healthy and non-toxic, with low odor, so you can use this gel nail polish set with peace of mind. The texture of our gel nail polish is smooth as silk, with high gloss and easy to apply, even for beginners. As long as you prepare your nails well (trim, file, buff, clean) and follow the proper steps in the instructions, your manicure will last more than 21 days!
- 【Ideal Gifts Set for Her】 Beautifully packaged, this gel nail kit is a good choice of gift for each other, no need to struggle with the selection of gift. Whether for professionals, amateurs, nail salons or home use, this gel nail polish kit is suitable. And this gel polish set is suitable for any occasion or holiday, such as Christmas, Halloween, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, Women's Day, birthdays and anniversaries.
- 【Warm tips】Gel nail polish will have a slight color difference in different light sources and displays, the gel polish color in the picture is the effect of applying 2 layers. The gel nail polish can only be used for nails, please avoid contact with eyes, mouth and skin, if accidentally contacted, please rinse with water immediately. If any adverse reaction occurs, please stop using immediately and seek medical attention. If you have any questions about this gel polish set , please contact VANREESA official.
What consumers and nail professionals should take from the change
- Ingredient, not product category: TPO is prohibited in EU cosmetics; gel products without TPO are not banned by this measure.
- Professional use is not an exception: the previous 5% maximum applied to professional use in artificial nail systems, but that allowance was removed.
- The effective date has passed: the prohibition applies from 1 September 2025.
- Do not infer a specific product’s status: check the current ingredient list and applicable EU rules.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
