Es posible que haya oído hablar de la próxima prohibición del TPO en los productos de recubrimiento de uñas. Pero, ¿qué significa esto para los profesionales de las uñas?
Regulatory Update (UK 2026)
This article has been updated to reflect the confirmed UK regulatory timeline for Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO). Under amendments to the UK Cosmetics Regulation, products containing TPO will no longer be permitted to be newly placed on the Great Britain market from 15 August 2026, with a further deadline of 15 February 2027, after which non-compliant products can no longer be made available for sale. These changes apply to cosmetic nail products supplied in both professional and retail settings.
Riesgos para la salud del TPO y próxima prohibición de los esmaltes de uñas curados con UV
La TPO, abreviatura de trimetilbenzoil difenilfosfina óxido, es un fotoiniciador utilizado habitualmente en los esmaltes de uñas de curado UV. Sin embargo, la Comisión Europea ha clasificado el TPO como un peligro potencial para la salud si está presente en el organismo en cantidades suficientes.
A partir de septiembre de 2025, será ilegal incluir este ingrediente en productos cosméticos para uñas across Europe, with the UK implementing similar restrictions from 15 August 2026, followed by a sell-through period allowing existing stock already supplied to the market to remain available until 15 February 2027. This ban applies to the manufacture and sale of new products, not to the use of existing ones.
In cosmetic regulatory terms, this means products containing TPO cannot be newly supplied or imported after the deadline dates. Nail professionals and retailers are not expected to immediately dispose of existing stock purchased before the restriction takes effect.
Esfuerzos de reformulación y alternativas al TPO en los productos para las uñas
Many reputable brands have already addressed this issue by reformulating their products to exclude TPO. There are several alternative photo initiators that provide similar results, ensuring that the performance of nail products is not compromised.
Uso seguro de TPO en los servicios de uñas hasta que entre en vigor la prohibición
It is important to note that this regulatory change does not represent a ban on gel nail products themselves. TPO is one of several photoinitiators used within UV and LED curing systems, and alternative ingredients are already widely available. The restriction reflects an updated regulatory classification rather than evidence that professionally used nail gel products suddenly pose a new safety risk.
For nail professionals, it’s important to know that you can still safely use products containing TPO until the ban takes effect. The levels of TPO used in nail services are far below those considered harmful.
Garantizar el cumplimiento de la marca y la seguridad del cliente en la transición a productos sin TPO
It’s a good idea to check with your brand about their plans regarding this new legislation. If your brand has not yet moved to TPO-free products, it might be time to reconsider your options.
There’s no need to worry your clients if you need to switch brands. Cosmetic ingredients are regularly reviewed to ensure safety, and your existing gel polishes will continue to be safe to use during the transition period.
Doug Schoon sobre la retirada de TPO: Impacto en la industria y consideraciones de seguridad
Doug Schoon, a respected scientist in the industry and expert at NailKnowledge, explains that removing TPO from nail products won’t necessarily affect their performance, though reformulation will be required. He notes that TPO can cause skin sensitisation or allergic reactions if not used properly, especially if skin contact isn’t avoided. However, when applied correctly by trained professionals, adverse effects are rare.
Schoon points out that most concerns about TPO stem from its use in non-nail-related industries, such as manufacturing printing inks and industrial adhesives. The decision to remove TPO from nail coatings isn’t due to issues with the nail products themselves, but rather as a precautionary measure for consumer safety.
Aconseja que las marcas pueden facilitar esta transición reformulando los productos con fotoiniciadores más seguros, ofreciendo formación sobre las técnicas de aplicación adecuadas para las nuevas fórmulas y etiquetando claramente las opciones sin TPO. Es probable que muchas marcas de uñas ya estén trabajando o hayan lanzado alternativas al TPO con un rendimiento similar. Los profesionales de la manicura deben ponerse en contacto de forma proactiva con sus proveedores de productos para entender estos cambios, sobre todo porque los clientes pueden preguntar sobre la seguridad y los métodos de aplicación de las nuevas fórmulas.
Understanding the TPO Ban and Cosmetic Safety Classification
The restriction follows the classification of TPO as a CMR Category 1B substance under European chemical legislation. Under cosmetic regulations, ingredients receiving this classification are automatically prohibited for precautionary reasons, even where normal cosmetic exposure levels are considered low. This regulatory mechanism is applied across many cosmetic ingredient reviews and does not indicate that compliant nail services performed using approved products are unsafe.
Preparing for the TPO Ban: Guidance for Nail Professionals and Brands
As the transition progresses, nail professionals are encouraged to contact their product manufacturers or distributors to confirm reformulation timelines and future compliance. Many brands have already introduced TPO-free systems, and further updates are expected across the industry ahead of the 2026 and 2027 deadlines. Staying informed and planning ahead will help ensure continued compliance without disruption to salon services.
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