UK Gel Nail Ban: Doctor Explains TPO Health Concerns And Reproductive Risks

The UK has introduced restrictions on trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a chemical used in some gel nail products, after concerns over its potential reproductive toxicity. The move has been widely described as a “gel nail ban”, but gel manicures themselves have not been prohibited. New cosmetic products containing TPO can no longer be placed on the market in England, Scotland and Wales, while products already legally available can remain in circulation during the transition period.

TPO is a photoinitiator that helps gel nail products harden when exposed to UV or LED light. The chemical has come under regulatory scrutiny after being classified as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant, based on toxicological evidence. The European Union prohibited its use in cosmetics from September 2025, and Great Britain has introduced similar restrictions. However, experts stress that the classification does not mean that getting a gel manicure causes infertility in humans.

According to Dr Ruchi Jain, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Kolkata, the concern surrounding TPO comes from evidence suggesting possible effects on reproductive health. Experimental studies have reported effects including reduced sperm count, testicular changes and impaired reproductive function in males, while studies have also indicated possible disruption of reproductive cycles in females. TPO has additionally been identified as a skin sensitiser, although toxicological findings from experimental studies cannot automatically be applied to normal consumer exposure.

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There is currently no evidence that an occasional, properly performed gel manicure causes infertility in humans. The amount of TPO exposure experienced by a customer during a manicure may be considerably lower than exposure levels used in controlled toxicological studies. The concern may be more significant for people who encounter the chemical repeatedly, particularly professional nail technicians who handle gel products regularly during application, shaping and removal.

Nail technicians can face repeated exposure depending on the products used, workplace ventilation, handling practices and the possibility of chemical contact with the skin. Apart from TPO, gel nail systems may contain acrylates and methacrylates, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people. Reactions can include redness, itching, swelling, peeling, cracked skin, blisters or rashes around the nails and, in some cases, reactions affecting other areas of the body.

The UK restrictions are therefore better understood as a chemical safety measure rather than a ban on gel manicures. Dr Jain has supported a precautionary approach in India, arguing that regulators should review cosmetic ingredients that have been internationally classified as reproductive toxicants, particularly when safer alternatives are available. Further restrictions on TPO-containing products in Great Britain are scheduled to take effect in February 2027.

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