From 1st September 2025, the European Union has banned the use of TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) in all cosmetic products, including gel polish. This decision has been made because TPO is now classified as a CMR Category 1B substance meaning it may be harmful to health if exposure is high.
Although the risks in everyday nail use are considered low, the EU has taken a precautionary, hazard-based approach, which means that any cosmetic product containing TPO can no longer be sold, supplied, or used in the EU.
Why Has TPO Been Banned?
TPO has been widely used in gel products to help them cure quickly and evenly under UV/LED lamps. However, studies have suggested potential risks with prolonged or high-level exposure, leading regulators to restrict its use.
Because of this, the EU decided that all cosmetic formulas must now be TPO-free to protect professionals, customers, and future generations.
What EU Customers Need to Know
If you are based in the EU:
Stop using TPO-based gels immediately – they are no longer legal to sell or apply.
Dispose of any remaining stock safely in line with your local waste guidelines.
Look out for products clearly marked as TPO-free (and ideally HEMA-free for sensitive skin).
What About the UK?
In the UK, the ban is expected to come into effect later in 2026. Until then, TPO-containing products are still technically legal.
However, we recommend transitioning now, so you’re ahead of the change and offering clients safer, future-proofed products.
Glitter Planet’s Commitment to You ✨
At Glitter Planet, we’ve been preparing for this change well in advance. Here’s what you can expect from us:
✅ All of our current products (excluding final sale items) have been reformulated to be both HEMA-free and TPO-free.
✅ This means whether you’re in the EU or UK, you can shop our core range with confidence, knowing it’s fully compliant.
✅ You’ll still enjoy the same high-quality performance, colour payoff, and durability.
Quick Summary
| Region | What You Should Do | Glitter Planet Promise |
|---|---|---|
| EU | Stop using TPO products immediately and dispose of safely. | All non-sale products are already HEMA & TPO-free. |
| UK | Transition ban comes into action 14th Februsry 2027. Meaning we can't sell it past that date. | Our products are already being reformulated and ready. |
FAQs About TPO and Gel Nail Products
We know many of you still have questions about the TPO ban and how it affects your nail kits, your clients, and your Glitter Planet favourites. To make things simple, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions nail techs and customers are asking right now.
Is TPO dangerous?
TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) isn’t automatically “dangerous” in the amounts found in nail products. For many years, it was widely used to help gels cure properly under UV/LED lamps. However, because it has now been classified as a CMR substance (Category 1B), the EU has taken a precautionary stance and banned its use. This means the risk is considered significant enough under regulations that it should no longer be present in cosmetics.
Can I still use my old gels if they contain TPO?
If you are in the EU, the answer is no. As of September 2025, any gel products containing TPO can no longer be sold, supplied, or used even if they were purchased before the ban came into effect.
If you are in the UK, TPO-based gels are still permitted until late 2026. However, we strongly recommend making the switch now to avoid waste and ensure your clients are getting the safest and most up-to-date formulas.
Are Glitter Planet gels safe to use?
Yes! 💜 At Glitter Planet, we’ve reformulated all of our core products to be both HEMA-free and TPO-free. This means you can continue to create stunning sets with total peace of mind, knowing your gels are compliant with EU regulations and safer for sensitive clients.
What about sale or clearance items?
Some of our sale or clearance products may still contain the older formulations. That’s why they’re discounted and clearly marked. These are available to UK customers while regulations still allow, but EU customers should avoid purchasing and stop using them after September 2025.
Why are HEMA-free and TPO-free formulas better?
By eliminating not just TPO but also HEMA and the top 15 allergen-causing ingredients, our formulas are designed to be gentler, safer, and more inclusive for both nail professionals and their clients. It’s about future-proofing your nail kit and protecting long-term health and investments.
We’ll keep updating this guide as more information becomes available, but for now, rest assured that Glitter Planet products (excluding sale lines) are already HEMA & TPO free and ready for the future of nail artistry. If you have any further questions, our team is always here to help because your safety and sparkle are our top priorities. ✨💅
🌟 Glitter Planet’s Transition Journey
At Glitter Planet, we’ve always believed that nail products should deliver amazing results without compromise. When news of the upcoming EU ban on TPO first surfaced, we knew we had two options: wait until the deadline and then adjust, or take action early to protect both our customers and our brand.
We chose the proactive path. ✨
Over the past year, our team has been working closely with trusted manufacturers and chemists to reformulate our gels. This wasn’t just about swapping out TPO, it was about creating formulas that were not only compliant with the new EU regulations but also safer, stronger, and more allergy-friendly.
Here’s what went into the journey:
Research & Reformulation: We evaluated every formula in our range, ensuring TPO was removed and replaced with safer alternatives. At the same time, we made the decision to go fully HEMA-free and exclude the top 15 known allergen-causing ingredients.
Testing & Quality Assurance: Each reformulated product underwent extensive testing to make sure you’d still get the same vibrant colours, smooth application, and long-lasting results Glitter Planet is known for.
Phased Rollout: Rather than rushing, we are phasing in the new formulas, updating packaging and product listings so customers can easily identify the changes.
Clear Communication: We’ve worked hard to keep our community informed, explaining what’s changing, why it matters, and how Glitter Planet is staying ahead.
Today, we’re proud to say that all of our current gel products (excluding sale items) are both HEMA and TPO free. That means no matter where you are, whether in the EU or UK, you can trust that your Glitter Planet gels are future-proof, safe, and fully compliant.
This transition hasn’t just been about regulation; it’s about upholding our promise to you: to keep your creativity flowing with products that are as safe as they are stunning. 💅✨
TPO is out. 🚫
Glitter Planet is in. 💜✨
All our gels (excl. sale) are HEMA & TPO free, ready for EU & UK rules.
The Bottom Line
The TPO ban may feel like a big shift, but it’s ultimately about safety, transparency, and healthier nail systems. And with Glitter Planet, you don’t need to worry, we’ve done the work so you can focus on creating beautiful nails with total peace of mind.
✨ Safer, stronger, sparkling nails, the Glitter Planet way.
