Gel manicures may look glossy and long-lasting, but health officials in Europe are warning they come with hidden risks. As of September 1, the European Union has banned the sale and use of gel nail polishes containing the ingredient TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide), citing links to infertility and reproductive harm.

TPO is what gives gel polish its shine and fast drying time under UV lamps, but studies in animals have connected it to reduced sperm counts and infertility. While most human exposure comes through the skin, not ingestion, EU regulators ruled the potential risks too great to ignore. Dermatologists say the move is precautionary, as large-scale human studies are still lacking, but the chemical is now officially classified as toxic to reproduction in the EU.

The United States has not placed restrictions on TPO, meaning most salon and at-home gel polish kits still contain it. For those worried about exposure, dermatologists recommend requesting TPO-free polishes at salons or switching to safer alternatives.

SOURCE:

Times of India, September 2, 2025