Nail polish is not banned in Europe. What changed is that the European Union banned a specific ingredient used in some gel nail products: TPO, short for trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide. Since September 1, 2025, cosmetics containing TPO cannot be sold or used professionally in the EU. Traditional nail polish and gel polish made without TPO remain available.
TPO is a photoinitiator. In some gel formulas, it helps the polish harden when exposed to UV or LED light. The EU classified TPO as a substance that may harm reproduction and, under its cosmetics rules, prohibited its use in cosmetic products. The restriction applies to the ingredient, not to every polish that cures under a lamp.
If you have seen headlines saying “nail polish is banned,” they leave out that distinction. A bottle’s color, glitter, or long-wear finish does not tell you whether it contains TPO; the formula does.
If you are shopping for gel polish in the EU, choose a TPO-free formula. Look at the ingredient list for “Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide”; if it appears, that product is not suitable for EU cosmetic sale or professional use. A product labeled “UV/LED” is not automatically affected, because other ingredients can enable curing.
We also recommend keeping gel polish off your skin, following the product’s curing directions, and using a compatible lamp. Those steps matter even with a TPO-free formula: under-cured gel and repeated skin contact can increase the risk of irritation or allergy. If you develop a persistent rash or swelling around your nails, stop using the product and seek medical advice.
Looking for a dramatic finish? You can still explore glitter gels while paying attention to the formula and application directions. Our guide to Black Diamond glitter gel polish and long-wear UV/LED application covers what to consider for that look. The key takeaway is simple: the EU restriction is about TPO, not a ban on nail color or gel manicures.
Yes. Gel manicures remain available in the EU when the products comply with EU cosmetics rules, including the prohibition on TPO.
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