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Gel manicures using TPO have just been banned over fertility concerns — here’s what it means for you

Gel manicures using TPO have just been banned over fertility concerns — here’s what it means for you

New UK rules restrict TPO in gel nail polish following fertility concerns, but it doesn't mean you need to give up gel manicures.

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Ruairidh Pritchard

Published: August 24, 2026 at 12:35 PM

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If a gel manicure is your go-to treat, headlines linking gel nails with fertility problems might understandably catch your attention. Since 15 August, new rules have restricted a chemical called trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, or TPO, from being placed on the Great Britain cosmetics market.

But this isn't a ban on gel manicures, and the available evidence doesn't show that having a typical gel manicure causes fertility problems. The restriction follows the classification of TPO as a reproductive toxicant, with concerns arising from animal studies involving high exposure to the chemical.

There's also a transition period. Existing compliant TPO-containing products already in the supply chain can continue to be sold until 14 February 2027, while many nail brands have already moved to TPO-free alternatives.

Why has TPO been restricted over fertility concerns?

TPO is a photoinitiator used in some gel nail products. It reacts to UV or LED light, helping liquid gel cure into the hard, glossy finish that makes a gel manicure so appealing when you've finally found an hour to yourself.

The European Union classified TPO as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant, with the British Beauty Council reporting that data from the European Chemicals Agency suggested it may be associated with long-term fertility problems. The EU, Norway and Switzerland subsequently banned TPO in cosmetics in September 2025.

Great Britain has now introduced restrictions of its own.

Crucially, the fertility concerns don't mean researchers have established that getting gel manicures causes infertility. Reports on the change point to animal studies involving high consumption or exposure to TPO.

The Mirror also reports that industry body the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) has emphasised that TPO-containing gels are not inherently unsafe for normal salon or at-home use, and that the classification followed toxicology studies in which rats orally ingested high doses of the chemical.

What has actually changed in the UK?

The first stage of the new rules took effect on 15 August 2026 in Great Britain, covering England, Scotland and Wales.

Manufacturers and importers can no longer place new TPO-containing cosmetic products on the Great Britain market.
Existing compliant stock that's already in the supply chain can continue to be sold during the transition.
From 14 February 2027, retailers, wholesalers and distributors must stop selling or supplying remaining TPO-containing stock to salons or consumers.

So don't be alarmed if a salon is still using existing stock during the transition period. Its presence doesn't automatically mean the salon is breaking the new rules.

Should you stop having gel manicures if you're trying for a baby?

The sources behind the new rules don't establish that a normal gel manicure causes fertility problems, including for people who are trying to conceive.

The regulatory change is about TPO as an ingredient, rather than gel manicures themselves. TPO-free gel systems are already widely available, and many manufacturers began reformulating products after the EU introduced its ban last year.

Michael Henson, founder of professional nail care brand HONA, told the British Beauty Council that his company's system had already been changed ahead of the Great Britain deadline.

our gel system was already formulated without TPO ahead of the Great Britain deadline, so our customers and distribution partners face no last-minute reformulation, stock-clearance exercise or disruption to supply.

Michael Henson, founder of HONA

If you're pregnant, trying to conceive or simply concerned about TPO, you can ask your nail technician whether the gel system they're using is TPO-free.

Will your gel manicure look or last differently?

Probably not dramatically. Brands have been developing alternative formulations designed to offer the glossy finish and long wear people expect from gel nails.

Juanita Huber-Millet, Founder and Creative Director of UK nail salon brand Townhouse, says the company has invested in developing alternatives.

We’ve invested heavily in developing TPO-free systems that meet our standards without compromise so that clients never have to choose between exceptional results and peace of mind

Juanita Huber-Millet, Founder and Creative Director of Townhouse

There may be slight differences between formulations, including texture or curing times, but TPO-free gel products are already on the market.

And if you're a traditional nail-polish fan, this particular change is less relevant. Regular air-dried polish doesn't require a photoinitiator such as TPO because it isn't cured under a UV or LED lamp.

What should you look for if you do gel nails at home?

If you buy gel products to use at home, check the ingredient list and information supplied by the manufacturer. If you're unsure whether a product contains TPO, contact the brand or retailer.

It's also important to avoid repeatedly getting uncured gel on your skin, as uncured products can cause skin sensitisation and contact allergies. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the correct curing lamp for your particular gel system.

For nail professionals, Henson's advice via the British Beauty Council is to "check their ingredient lists and seek written confirmation from suppliers".

For the rest of us, the takeaway is simpler: gel manicures haven't been banned because they're proven to harm fertility. One ingredient used in some gel products has been restricted following reproductive toxicity concerns, and the beauty industry is already moving towards alternatives.

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Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.