What is TPO and why will it be banned from 2025 onwards?
Updated: January 2026 | Reading time: 6 minutes
⚠️ Important: Since September 1, 2025, TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) has been banned in cosmetic products in the EU. This popular photoinitiator used in UV gels is considered a health hazard. At NAILINO, you'll find only TPO-free products – for your safety and health.
What is TPO?
TPO stands for trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide – a chemical photoinitiator used in UV gels to accelerate curing under UV or LED light.
How does TPO work?
- ✅ Absorbs UV light and starts polymerization
- ✅ Ensures fast, even curing
- ✅ Enables thin, flexible gel layers
- ❌ Suspected of being harmful to health
Why is TPO being banned?
The European Commission has classified TPO as potentially harmful to health following scientific studies. The main reasons are:
| risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Skin irritations | May trigger allergic reactions and contact dermatitis |
| Awareness | Repeated contact can lead to permanent allergies. |
| Long-term damage | Possible health effects of long-term exposure |
💡 Good to know: The ban was issued as a precautionary measure . There is no acute risk with normal use, but the EU wants to prevent potential long-term damage.
When does the TPO ban come into effect?
The ban came into effect on September 1, 2025. Since that date, products containing TPO may no longer be sold or placed on the market.
Important deadlines:
- 🗓️ September 1, 2025: Sales ban in the EU
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland: No transition period – immediate ban
- ⚠️ Clearance sale: Allowed in the EU under certain circumstances, not in Switzerland
✅ 100% TPO-free at NAILINO
All our products are already TPO-free – for your safety and health.
Discover TPO-free gels →Premium quality from Switzerland 🇨🇭
What alternatives are there to TPO?
The good news: There are safe, effective alternatives to TPO that deliver equally good results.
Modern photoinitiators:
- New generation phosphine oxides – Safer, just as effective
- Benzophenone derivatives – proven and approved
- Acylphosphine oxides – Fast curing without risks
💡 NAILINO prioritizes safety
We switched to TPO-free formulations even before the ban . All our gels – from builder gels and Shellac to color gels – are 100% TPO-free.
How can I identify TPO in products?
TPO must be listed in the INCI list (ingredient list). Pay attention to the following names:
- ❌ Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine oxide
- ❌ TPO
- ❌ Lucirin TPO
- ❌ Irgacure TPO
Shop with confidence: At NAILINO you'll find only tested, TPO-free products. You don't have to search for ingredients yourself – we've already done that for you.
What does the ban mean for nail salons?
For professional nail salons and nail artists, the TPO ban means an adjustment – but no reduction in quality.
Here's what you should do now:
- Check your inventory: Verify that your existing products are TPO-proof.
- Switch to alternatives: Switch to TPO-free gels.
- Inform your customers: Show that you care about safety.
- Ensure quality: Rely on tested products like those from NAILINO
🎁 Perfect for professionals: Our TPO-free range
Everything for professional nail modeling – 100% safe, 100% TPO-free
- ✅ Premium builder gel – Strong, flexible, TPO-free
- ✅ Shellac Collection – 200+ Colors without TPO
- ✅ Nail art products – For creative designs
- ✅ Complete sets – Everything for the perfect start
TPO-free products at NAILINO: Your advantages
At NAILINO, we have always focused on quality, safety, and transparency . That's why you'll only find TPO-free products with us.
Why NAILINO?
| Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| 100% TPO-free | All products were converted before the ban. |
| Swiss quality | Highest standards, tested ingredients |
| transparency | Complete INCI lists for all products |
| Professional results | No compromises on quality and durability |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I still use TPO products after September 1, 2025?
This is permitted under certain circumstances in the EU, but not in Switzerland. The safest option is to switch to alternatives beforehand.
How can I tell if a product contains TPO?
Check the INCI list (ingredient list). "Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide" must be listed there if it is present.
Is there a grace period for the sale?
No. Products containing TPO may no longer be sold or placed on the market from September 1, 2025.
Is TPO directly dangerous for consumers?
When used normally in nail salons, there is no acute risk. The ban was enacted as a precautionary measure to prevent potential long-term damage.
Are TPO-free gels just as good as those containing TPO?
Yes! Modern alternatives deliver the same quality, durability and curing speed – without health risks.
Where can I find TPO-free products?
At NAILINO you will find exclusively TPO-free products. Our entire range – from builder gel to Shellac – is 100% safe.
Safe & TPO-free: Your health is important to us.
Discover our complete TPO-free range – Swiss quality for professional results 🇨🇭
✓ 100% TPO-free
✓ Free shipping on orders over CHF 100
✓ 30-day return guarantee
![Gelnägel vs. Shellac: Was ist der Unterschied? [Kompletter Vergleich 2026]](http://nailino.ch/cdn/shop/articles/24b2b09efa05d391c6c68f7a4e13774d.png?crop=region&crop_height=701&crop_left=0&crop_top=65&crop_width=1248&v=1769109331&width=1248)
