As part of our ongoing commitment to product safety and compliance with evolving cosmetic regulations, we are sharing important updates regarding the ban of the ingredient Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) in nail products across the European Union.

TPO is a photo-initiator commonly used in UV/LED-curable nail products to initiate the curing process. Effective since 1 September 2025, the European Commission has prohibited the use of TPO in cosmetic products sold within the EU.

It is important to note that the ban is a precautionary measure, not the result of any widespread safety issues in the nail industry. When used correctly by trained professionals, TPO-containing products have demonstrated a strong safety profile. However, under Article 15 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, CMR substances are not permitted in cosmetics unless stringent exemption criteria are met. In the case of TPO, the industry was unable to secure such exemptions, primarily due to the availability of alternative photo-initiators.

What This Means For EU Customers & Your Clients 

• New formulations are already in place. We have proactively reformulated affected products using a new and fully compliant photoinitiator. This alternative delivers the same high-performance results and ensures full compliance with the updated regulations. This reformulation has been in place across our affected products since 2024 and since September 1st all TMC products you purchase are TPO-FREE.
• There is no need to panic. Products containing TPO currently in use remain safe when applied correctly. 
• No immediate disposal required. If you currently own or use a product containing TPO, you may continue to use it safely up until September 1st.

What This Means For UK Customers & Your Clients 

• This ban does not affect you. The UK has not adopted the ban.
• There has been no communication from the relevant UK authorities on a date for adopting a similar ban or what transition periods will be allowed. It is expected that a similar ban may be adopted by 2027.
• UK technicians can continue to use products containing TPO safely without concern as usual beyond September 1st, 2025.
• TMC products have already been reformulated, so you may already be using our new TPO-FREE products in the UK and all TMC products sold in the UK will be TPO-FREE well before any ban is implemented.

How do I know which of my TMC products contain TPO?

There were 3 products in our range which contained TPO.

• Original Gel Polish System
• Builder Base
• Gel Liners

These products were updated in the latter part of 2024 to remove TPO, and you can quickly check if your product is TPO-free by looking at the batch number. All TMC products with batch numbers ending in 25 or from B13A24 and after (B14A24, B15, etc) are all TPO-free. If your product has a batch number which is B12A24 or before (B11A24, B10 etc) this product contains TPO if it is one for the 3 ranges listed above. 

You can also check the ingredients of each product.

• TPO the old photoinitiator will be listed as Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide
• TPO-L the new photoinitiator will be listed as Ethyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phenylphosphinate

We understand that regulatory changes can raise questions, and we are here to support professionals through this transition. If you have any questions or concerns relating to this change, please do reach out to our team, who will be happy to advise you further.