A new UK regulation targeting a chemical used in some gel nail products has come into force, prompting confusion among consumers who have been led to believe that gel manicures themselves are being banned.
The new rules, which took effect on 15 August 2026, prohibit the placing of new cosmetic products containing trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) on the market in Great Britain. TPO is a photoinitiator commonly used in some UV- and LED-cured gel nail products to help the polish harden.
Despite widespread headlines describing the change as a “gel nail ban”, gel manicures have not been banned. Instead, the regulation focuses on products containing the specific chemical TPO. Salons can continue offering gel manicures using compliant, TPO-free products.
The regulatory change follows the classification of TPO as a substance considered toxic to reproduction. The classification was based on toxicological evidence, including animal studies, which raised concerns about potential effects on fertility and reproductive health.
Industry representatives have stressed that the classification does not mean ordinary gel manicures have been proven to cause infertility. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association has described the regulatory decision as being based on the hazardous properties of the substance under a worst-case exposure scenario.
The European Union introduced its own prohibition on TPO in cosmetics in September 2025, with Great Britain now following with its own restrictions.
What does the new rule mean for nail salons?
From 15 August 2026, manufacturers and suppliers can no longer place new TPO-containing cosmetic products on the Great Britain market.
However, existing qualifying stock already in the supply chain is subject to a transition period. The next major deadline is 14 February 2027, when TPO-containing products can no longer be made available on the market. Industry guidance says professional users may, under the current interpretation of the UK rules, continue using existing stock after that date, although they will no longer be able to purchase new TPO-containing products from distributors.
The rules apply to England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland continues to follow EU cosmetics legislation.
