EU regulators restrict gel nail polish over reproductive safety concerns
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The EU banned certain gel nail polish products after prohibiting TPO, a chemical used in some gel formulas to help polish harden under UV light. European regulators took action after classifying TPO as carcinogenic or toxic to reproduction, meaning products containing it could no longer be manufactured, sold, or used commercially in the EU. As a result, salons and beauty brands across Europe have had to remove affected products and switch to alternative formulas.
Source
Zhivagui, M., Hoda, A., Valenzuela, N. et al. DNA damage and somatic mutations in mammalian cells after irradiation with a nail polish dryer. Nat Commun 14, 276 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-35876-8
Additional Reading
https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2025/09/is-your-gel-manicure-safe
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/04/health/gel-nail-polish-chemical-ban-europe-wellness