Is TPO in gel nails banned in the UK?

A one-page summary to pin up for clients.

The answer

GB: BannedNI: Banned

Yes. TPO, a chemical used to set some gel nail polishes under a UV lamp, is banned in cosmetics in Great Britain from 15 August 2026. Shops can sell older stock until the end of 14 February 2027 if it was placed on the market before 15 August 2026. In Northern Ireland it has been banned since 1 September 2025, with no extra time to sell old stock.

Where you live matters

Great Britain

England, Wales, Scotland

Banned from 15 August 2026

TPO (its full name is diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide) is on the list of substances cosmetics must not contain. Gels without TPO aren't affected by this ban.

Northern Ireland

Follows EU cosmetics rules

Banned since 1 September 2025

The EU ban has applied since 1 September 2025. The European Commission's guidance says there's no extra time to sell old stock, and salons can't use up what they have.

Key dates

Where	Rule starts	Old stock: placed on the market	Old stock: last date to be sold
Great Britain	15 August 2026	Before 15 August 2026	End of 14 February 2027
Northern Ireland	1 September 2025	No transition	No transition

The Northern Ireland position on old stock comes from the European Commission's published questions and answers. That is official guidance, not a court ruling.

What the law says

Without prejudice to Article 3, cosmetic products shall not contain any of the following: (a) prohibited substances listed in Annex II;

UK Cosmetics Regulation, Article 14(1)(a)

Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide

Annex II, entry 1745, inserted by SI 2026/23, Schedule

a cosmetic product placed on the market before 15th August 2026 containing any of the substances inserted into Annex 2 to the Cosmetic Regulation by regulation 2(3) may continue to be made available on the market until the end of 14th February 2027.

SI 2026/23, regulation 3(b)

What this doesn't tell you

This page is about legal status only. A product being allowed doesn't mean it's right for your skin, and a product being banned doesn't tell you how risky an old bottle at home is. If you're worried about a reaction, speak to a pharmacist or GP. This page doesn't say whether a salon's past use of a TPO gel was lawful or safe.

Last checked: 1 November 2026

Sources

isitbannedintheuk.co.uk/rules/tpo-gel-nails/ · Last checked 1 November 2026

General information from official sources, checked on the date shown. Not legal or medical advice. © The Contract Studio UK Ltd