As of 1 September 2025, the European Commission introduced a ban on certain gel nail polish products containing the chemicals HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide). The restrictions apply across all 27 EU member states, as well as Norway, Switzerland, prohibiting the use and sale of the chemically contained products.
HEMA and TPO are widely used in many gel polishes and acrylic nail products. The ingredients are common in many professional formulations because they help create a strong, durable finish. When exposed to UV or LED light, they enable the product to cure properly, resulting in longer-lasting nails that are more resistant to chipping.
HEMA has been identified as a potent allergen, associated with series allergic reactions and potential cancer risks. Medical experts have reported a dramatic surge in cases of severe allergic contact dermatitis linked to exposure, with some patients experiencing reactions so intense they require hospitalisation. Of particular concern, the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has raised concerns about the potential genotoxic effects of HEMA. This includes its potential ability to damage DNA, which is a known pathway in the development of cancer.
Additionally, research has suggested that TPO exposure may be linked to long-term fertility effects in animal testing. Therefore, EU officials have decided to classify it as a CMR (carcinogen, mutagen, reprotoxic).
As a result, manufacturers have developed nail polishes that are free from HEMA and TPO.
Since Brexit, separate legislation governs the use of chemicals in Great Britain, so the ban has not yet been implemented here. However, it is increasingly likely that British regulators will introduce similar restrictions, with comparable rules expected to come into effect by October 2026.