Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Health
Annalyn Zoglmann

Europe Bans 'Toxic' Gel Nail Ingredient Over Cancer and Fertility Fears: What Are the Safer Alternatives?

Gel manicures are under scrutiny in Europe after a key ingredient was banned over health risks. (Credit: Amazon)

KEY POINTS

  • The EU banned TPO in gel nail products from 1 September over cancer and fertility fears.
  • Other risks include UV curing lamps and bacterial infections known as 'greenies'.
  • The US still allows TPO in nail products and dental materials.

From Paris to Berlin, nail salons are facing a shake-up as the European Union enforces a ban on a popular ingredient found in gel nail polish. Starting 1 September, trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) is prohibited in cosmetics across the bloc, after regulators classified it as 'carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction'.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.