A new UK restriction on a chemical used in some gel nail products has come into effect, leading to widespread claims that gel manicures themselves have been banned. However, the rules introduced on 15 August 2026 apply only to trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a photoinitiator that helps gel and builder products cure under UV or LED lamps.
According to reports, gel manicures, BIAB and other UV-cured nail treatments remain legal in the UK, provided they use compliant formulations. The change forms part of updated cosmetics regulations after TPO was classified as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant under chemical safety rules.
