The nail world is buzzing with big news: the European Union has banned TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide), a common chemical used in gel nail polishes, after classifying it as “carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction” by European regulators! Starting September 2025, gel products containing TPO are no longer being sold (or used in salons) across Europe.

But here’s what’s really worth paying attention to: while the EU has acted decisively, countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States haven’t banned it! That means gel brands here can legally continue using ingredients that European regulators have already flagged as harmful. At Hanami, we believe your health should come before beauty trends - and that’s exactly why our formulas have always been proudly free from TPO (and other harmful ingredients).

What’s the issue with TPO in gel manicures?

TPO is a photoinitiator. It’s what makes gel polish harden under UV lights, creating that ultra-glossy, chip-resistant finish. But the European Chemicals Agency has classified TPO as a CMR substance - shorthand for carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic. In plain language, that means there’s evidence it may contribute to cancer, DNA damage, or infertility.

Even though the average exposure from a gel manicure isn’t the same as the levels studied in labs, the EU follows the “better safe than sorry” approach. If a chemical poses potential risks, it doesn’t belong in beauty products. Sadly, not every country takes such a proactive stance. That’s why TPO remains legal in the US, Australia, and New Zealand - at least for now.

Why ingredient transparency matters

The truth is, most people don’t know what’s actually in their beauty and personal care products. Ingredient labels on beauty products can be vague, and customers often assume that if a product is on the shelf, it must be safe. But the EU’s move shows us otherwise: regulatory frameworks differ, and just because something is allowed in one country doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.

That’s why transparency matters so much. When brands openly share what goes into their formulas, you get to make informed choices about what you’re putting on (and in) your body. At Hanami, ingredient integrity has always been non-negotiable - we’ve built our formulas around safety and performance without the shortcuts!

Protecting your health above beauty fads

Gel nails might be trendy, but trends don’t last forever. Your health, on the other hand, is with you for life. Regulators in Australia, New Zealand, and the US may take years to catch up to the EU’s decision, but you don’t have to wait for them. You can take matters into your own hands now by choosing products that are already free from questionable ingredients.

At Hanami, we’ve always believed that feeling beautiful shouldn’t mean compromising your health. This ban reinforces why we exist - to create safer, smarter, and more joyful nail products that celebrate your style without putting your wellbeing on the line.

The EU’s ban on TPO in gel nail polishes is more than just regulatory red tape. It’s a sign of where beauty is heading: toward cleaner, safer, and more transparent formulas. While some countries may be slow to follow, you don’t have to be. Hanami is already here, offering breathable, non-toxic alternatives that keep your nails healthy and your conscience clear.

Because looking good should always feel good, too.

✨ Ready for a healthier kind of manicure? Shop Hanami’s non-toxic nail polish collection today.